Introduction
Anthropomorphic animals have long been crucial elements in motion pictures, captivating the audience’s attention. Having human personalities, ambitions, and perspectives, such animals remain the main characters in many movies, connecting with the viewers. However, not every viewer understands the complexity of such a phenomenon, its history, and its roles in cinematography. Zootopia and Finding Nemo are perfect representations of how characters are entertaining and essential for sharing the acute issues of diversity, tolerance, and resilience.
Definition of the Word Anthropomorphism
Before delving deeper into the examples of anthropomorphic animals in motion pictures, it is crucial to understand the essence of the concept. The Greek words anthropos (human) and morphe (shape, appearance) are the source of the phrase anthropomorphism (Mota-Rojas et al., 2021). It gives non-human animals or items human traits, intents, motivations, and feelings (Mota-Rojas et al., 2021).
Anthropological behavior is frequently motivated by the innate human desire to relate to someone who can readily comprehend them rather than by scientific understanding (Mota-Rojas et al., 2021). Instead of attempting to acknowledge, understand, and accommodate the animal’s genuine emotions, motives, and goals, there are often distortions of the animal’s natural state, which are frequently designed to meet the human demand for a particular form of relationship (Mota-Rojas et al., 2021). Thus, anthropomorphism involves infusing animals with traits that are mainly human.
Historical Background of Anthropomorphic Animals in Movies
When discussing the historical background of such animals in cinematography dates back to Walt Disney’s introduction of cartoon characters. In the 20th century, with the beginning of Walt Disney Studio, characters such as Mickey Mouse were introduced to audiences of all ages (Davis, 2021). This was a significant milestone in cinematography, leading to further developments of relatable and endearing anthropomorphic characters. In the 1930s, while working on Snow White, animals were also anthropomorphic, as seen in their support of the heroine in finding the Dwarfs’ house (Davis, 2021). As a result, one can see that the introduction of anthropomorphic animals is not a new concept and was established a century ago.
Anthropomorphic Animals in Zootopia and Finding Nemo
Zootopia
The film Zootopia was released in 2016 and directed by Rich Moore and Byron Howard. It is about anthropomorphic animals living in peace in an energetic metropolis. The given motion picture perfectly represents how anthropomorphic animals help focus on the acute issues of prejudice, stereotypes, and social diversity while remaining entertaining. When delving deeper, from the beginning of the movie, the audiences observe the complex personalities of animals, with their ambitions and flaws. For example, the main heroine, Judy Hopps, while being a bunny, aspires to be a law enforcement agent and promote justice, overcoming the stereotypes connected to her species (Moore & Howard, 2016). In one scene with Nick Wilde, a fox, the character characterizes them as “Sly fox, dumb bunny,” which still does not prevent Judy from pursuing her dreams (Moore & Howard, 2016, 00:25:42). Through the determination of characters, the directors confront societal issues and promote understanding.
Going further, the audience observes an emotional connection gradually being built between the viewers and the heroes. While complex, each animal remains relatable, especially Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, who are used to show the transformation. Despite their barriers, both animals became well-known and appreciated by law enforcement agents (Moore & Howard, 2016). Both characters, who were considered unsuitable for such roles due to either their size or preconceived notions about their mental abilities or slyness, navigated a world of prejudice and discrimination.
In such a case, Zootopia is a learning tool for society, especially younger generations, to reflect on their biases and promote inclusivity instead. As Judy Hopps said, “The more we try to understand one another…the more exceptional each of us will be” (Moore & Howard, 2016, 01:33:58). Therefore, the main lesson in the movie is to foster a tolerant society where each person is appreciated for who they are.
Furthermore, Zootopia received significant acclaim for thought-provoking themes, positively influencing the culture. The movie illuminates diversity and inclusion by demonstrating a vibrant community with animals of all sizes, backgrounds, shapes, and colors. It is emphasized that “Zootopia has 12 unique ecosystems within its city limits,” each of which caters to the needs of all types of animals (Moore & Howard, 2016, 00:05:52).
Through such an approach, the movie promotes social development, where understanding to each animal is the pillar of a prosperous and peaceful society. Overall, while promoting imagination and creativity by showing a richly detailed world where animals live and interact, the authors show that this is what human society could be. By inviting viewers to envision such a balanced and harmonic society, Zootopia achieves its goal of promoting tolerance and understanding.
Finding Nemo
The movie Finding Nemo was directed by Andrew Stanton and released in the early 2000s. The motion picture tells the story of Marlin, a clownfish, who is searching for his son, Nemo, who was captured by fishermen and put in a fish tank (Stanton, 2003). While following a storyline of a fish, the film gives all animals anthropomorphic qualities, ranging from voices and personalities to ambitions.
Like Zootopia, Finding Nemo’s characters are complex, such as Marlin’s family. At the beginning of the movie, both Marlin and his wife are depicted expecting children and choosing names: “We’ll name this half Marlin Junior… and this half Coral Junior” (Stanton, 2003, 00:02:02). However, a sudden attack on the community by a bigger fish led to a devastating disappearance of Marlin’s wife, making him a single father of a son (Stanton, 2003). Such an array of emotions evoked by the scenes in the movie makes the pains and happiness of the characters relatable. The bond between the main character and other sea creatures allows the audience to experience empathy and emotional engagement.
At the same time, while being a captivating story, the movie remains a significant learning tool by sharing knowledge about marine life and promoting environmental awareness. For example, while communicating with Crush, a turtle, on his way to Sydney, Marlin and the audience learn that he has sixty-five children (Stanton, 2003). Moreover, through the characters’ experiences, the authors share a message of how important it is to pay attention to the conservation of the ecosystem to protect the animals.
Furthermore, through such a plot, the film’s success contributed to a broader cultural impact. Besides concentrating on the acute issues present in modern society, the quotes that promote resilience and empathy have become a part of popular culture. One of the famous quotes from the movie is the one by Dori, a fish who says, “Just keep swimming!” in reaction to any adversity in life (Stanton, 2003, 01:28:16). In this case, the quotes support one of the main messages of the movie to remain optimistic and persevere.
When discussing the social development of Finding Nemo, it is necessary to mention that it promotes themes of family, friendship, and persistence. After watching the motion picture, both younger and older generations appreciate the values of relationships and acquire a different perspective on life challenges. Finally, the film promotes imagination and creativity since it not only shows the vibrant landscape of the underwater world but inspires the audience to explore and appreciate the elements of the surrounding world.
Conclusion
In summary, Zootopia and Finding Nemo are excellent illustrations of how characters are enjoyable to watch and crucial for bringing up topics like tolerance, diversity, and resiliency. Giving non-human animals or objects human characteristics, intentions, motives, and emotions is known as anthropomorphism. It all began when Walt Disney first introduced cartoon characters.
2016, the movie Zootopia, directed by Byron Howard and Rich Moore, was released. It is about the peaceful coexistence of anthropomorphic animals in a bustling city. The film in question illustrates how amusingly anthropomorphic animals may draw attention to pressing concerns like discrimination, stereotypes, and socioeconomic diversity.
Andrew Stanton directed the film Finding Nemo, which came out in the early 2000s. The movie is about a clownfish named Marlin, who is looking for his son Nemo, who was taken by fishermen and placed in a fish tank. The movie gives all animals human characteristics, such as voices, personalities, and goals, while keeping the plot of a fish.
References
Davis, A. M. (2021). Making it Disney’s Snow White. In C. Pallant and C. Holliday (Eds.), Snow White and the seven dwarfs: New perspectives on production, reception, legacy (pp.97–114). Bloomsbury Academic. Web.
Moore, R., & Howard, B. (Directors). (2016). Zootopia [Film]. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Mota-Rojas, D., Mariti, C., Zdeinert, A., Riggio, G., Mora-Medina, P., Del Mar Reyes, A., Gazzano, A., Domínguez-Oliva, A., Lezama-García, K., José-Pérez, N., & Hernández-Ávalos, I. (2021). Anthropomorphism and its adverse effects on the distress and welfare of companion animals. Animals, 11(11), 1-24. Web.
Stanton, A. (Director). (2003). Finding Nemo [Film]. Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.