Toy Story

JohnLasseterOct2011

Tom Hanks TIFF 2019

El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood, California (2997200450)

John Lasseter, Jim Breslin, 1996 (crop)

Toy Story is a groundbreaking American computer-animated film released by Pixar Animation Studios in 1995. Directed by John Lasseter, it is considered a milestone in animation for being the first feature film made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). The screenplay was written by Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen, and Alec Sokolow, based on a story by Lasseter, Pete Docter, Stanton, and Joe Ranft. The film features the voices of Tom Hanks as Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and Tim Allen as Buzz Lightyear, an astronaut action figure, as they navigate a world where toys come to life when humans are not present.

Plot

The story revolves around the toys of a young boy named Andy Davis and explores themes of jealousy, companionship, and adventure. When Andy's family prepares to move to a new house, his toys are thrown into chaos with the arrival of Buzz Lightyear, a new toy who does not realize he is a toy. Woody, Andy's favorite toy, feels threatened by Buzz's presence and the attention he receives. This rivalry eventually leads them on an unexpected adventure where they must work together to return to Andy before he moves without them.

Production

The concept of Toy Story originated from an animated short titled Tin Toy (1988) by John Lasseter. The success of Tin Toy and the technological advancements in CGI animation led to the development of Toy Story as a feature film. Pixar's collaboration with Disney was crucial in bringing the project to fruition, with Disney handling marketing and distribution. The production faced numerous challenges, including script rewrites and a demanding production schedule, but ultimately set a new standard for animated films.

Reception

Upon its release, Toy Story was acclaimed by critics and audiences alike for its innovative animation technique, engaging story, and the depth of its characters. It was a commercial success, grossing over $373 million worldwide. The film received three Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, and won a Special Achievement Award for John Lasseter. It has since been recognized as one of the greatest animated films ever made.

Legacy

Toy Story spawned a successful franchise, including sequels Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010), and Toy Story 4 (2019), each acclaimed and commercially successful. The series has expanded to include television specials, merchandise, and theme park attractions, cementing its place in popular culture. The original film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

Characters

The film introduced audiences to a memorable cast of characters, including:

• Woody, the cowboy doll and leader of Andy's toys.
• Buzz Lightyear, the space ranger action figure.
• Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl (introduced in Toy Story 2).
• Rex, the nervous Tyrannosaurus rex toy.
• Hamm, the wise-cracking plastic piggy bank.
• Slinky Dog, the dachshund with a stretchable body.
• Mr. Potato Head, the potato-shaped toy with detachable parts.

Impact on Animation

Toy Story marked a significant turning point in animated filmmaking, demonstrating the potential of CGI animation to create detailed and expressive characters and worlds. Its success led to the widespread adoption of CGI in the animation industry, with Pixar becoming a leading studio in this new era of filmmaking.