The Structure of Animation Films Created by Pixar Animation Studio

Abstract

 

This study is a qualitative research project examining 27 feature-length animated films produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The research focuses on uncovering the narrative structures of these films and employs 2 theoretical frameworks: folklore studies and mass communication. The findings reveal that Pixar's animated films employ diverse narrative structures, which can be categorized into 7 distinct patterns. The variations in narrative structure arise from two main factors: the number of narrative phases and their sequencing. While some Pixar films repeat certain phases, none deviate from a sequential progression of phases, which consistently follows the order of exposition, rising actions, climax, falling actions, and ending. This contrasts with Thai feature-length animated films, where some, such as Yak the Giant King, reorder the narrative phases. For instance, Yak the Giant King begins with the climax, falling actions, and then proceeds to an exposition, deviating from the linear narrative structure typical of Pixar films.