Get in the zone, because we’re about to get existential. Derek and Doug are joined by Melissa Mowry to discuss a movie about living, dying, inspiration, and disappointment. We’re talking about Soul, Pixar’s first film to feature a Black protagonist and Black co-director, Pixar's first and a very rare occurrence in American feature-length animation. How does Pixar tackle telling a universal story through the lens of a Black musician in New York City? Well, there’s plenty to praise and plenty to shine a critical light upon. Grab a slice, put on some jazz, and enjoy.
Film Release: December 25, 2020
Melissa’s website: www.melissamowry.com
The Blk Print: www.theblkprint.net
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.mowry/
Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mel.mowry
Read More on Soul:
VOX: https://www.vox.com/culture/22176927/soul-review-pixar-disney-jazz
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/25/948998059/in-soul-jon-batistes-music-helps-bring-pixars-first-black-lead-to-life
Bertolt Press: https://bertoltpress.com/2021/02/06/how-pixar-portrays-jazz-in-their-new-movie-soul/
New York Post: https://nypost.com/2020/12/29/pixars-soul-blasted-by-viewers-over-tina-feys-character/
Scary Mommy Blog: https://www.scarymommy.com/soul-pixar-black-character-represntation-harmful
Pods & Interviews:
Black ‘n’ Animated review: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5gdmi-fb4b96
Double Toasted interview with Kemp Powers: https://youtu.be/fErY4zd4IK0
Princess Weekes’ video essay: https://youtu.be/trWcSj9TQMo
Variety interview with producer Dana Murray: https://variety.com/2020/film/spotlight/soul-murray-cannes-kemp-powers-1234646745/
E-mail us: pixarpodcast@gmail.com
Doug on Twitter: @ickybooley
Derek on Twitter: @DerekBGayle
Theme song features: “Stasis” by Eagle-Eyed Tiger | Source
Closing song: “Bigger Than Us” by John Batiste
For more by Derek & Doug, check out Walloping Websnappers: A Spider-Man Podcast on the Four-Eyed Radio Network!
