Genuinely did not expect a Pixar movie to have such a meaningful focus. I know they always pursue grand thenes, but they're usually overshadowed by the plot. This movie is all about the exploration of the themes of life, death and meaning and I really like it.

  • Dirt_Owl [comrade/them, they/them]
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    4 years ago

    It was okay, but the part where the hairdresser admits that he wanted to be a vet but couldn't afford it kinda rubbed me up the wrong way. "It's okay that his dreams were stolen from him by capitalism, he's still happy guys!"

    I think that's just because I went through a similar thing but I am definitely not happy that I couldn't afford to be what I wanted to be.

    • threshold [he/him]
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      4 years ago

      I'm actually very pro it, the idea your career and passion should align is very privileged. Does that mean garbagemen and sewer workers are for people who have no passions? I think the idea that careers and zest for life don't have to align is pretty great; I also really dug the barber environment- the idea that his 'backup' plan still creates a healthy atmosphere that helps people is pretty terrific.

      • Dirt_Owl [comrade/them, they/them]
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        4 years ago

        No no, what I meant is that he wanted to be a vet but he never got a chance to do what he wanted to do.

        My point of contention is that there are a lot of people who don't get to do what they could be good at or makes them happy because they're poor and they wind up in jobs they hate. The movie frames it as "See? The poors don't mind not having a say in their destiny, don't worry about our unfair and overpriced education system." Except a lot of people aren't happy. My problem is that a lot of people are left unhappy with the path they're forced down while the rich get to choose.

        It's only privileged because capitalism only allows the rich to pursue their passions. If someone wants to be a hairdresser, fuck yeah, go for it.

        • threshold [he/him]
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          4 years ago

          I think the film also discusses the idea that your career shouldn't be the end goal of happiness (which is super far from our current situation, where careers are necessary for lifestyle, rather than careers as lifestyle)

          Joe finally performs with his idols and the end result is him just feeling kinda ok- the idea that the ladder of success and fame shouldn't be what artists strive for. I do think the film missed out on showing teaching as just as fulfilling as individualistic acts of fame, rather than a placeholder.