Computer Graphics World

square. A circle. Two fundamental shapes in geometry, two iconic shapes in computer graphics. And, the simple basis for the visual style—the shape language—of Disney/Pixar's 10th animated feature, Up, one of the most sophisticated ever in terms of story, design, and technology. Directed by Pete Docter (Monsters, Inc.), co-directed by Bob Peterson, and written by Docter and Peterson, Up is an action-adventure, a comedy, a most unusual buddy fi lm, a circle-of-life story, and Pixar's fi rst fi lm in stereo 3D. Carl Fredricksen, 78 years old and voiced by Ed Asner, is the square and the fi lm's central character. His default expression is a scowl. But, that's now. When the story begins, he's eight years old and enchanted by the exploits of the pilot Charles Muntz, who he sees in a black-and-white newsreel claiming to have found a prehistoric bird, a "missing link," in Paradise Falls, South America. On his way home from the movies, little Carl meets Ellie, a bouncy tomboy, who is also a fan of Muntz and his motto, "Adventure is out there." Ellie is Carl's fi rst circle. ey marry, and we watch their lives spool forward. Carl becomes a balloon salesman. ey save money for an adventure "out there," but something always stops them— a fl at tire, a house repair, medical bills. Even so, they're happy as they grow old; life is colorful. And then, Ellie dies. e color fades from Carl's life. He stays in his house and talks to Ellie's picture. He becomes rigid. But, two events happen. First, Russell, an eight-year-old Wilder- ness Explorer, shows up on Carl's doorstep, much to the grouchy old man's annoyance. Russell is a round little boy, full of joyful en- thusiasm. He needs to help an elderly person to earn his last badge. Second, Carl fi nds himself sentenced to life in a retire- ment home. at spurs him to fulfi ll his promise to Ellie. As the retirement home orderlies wait at the curb for Carl to emerge from his house, 10,000 balloons rise up from be- hind the house and lift it from its foundations. Carl is on his way. He sits back, The personalities of Dug, Russell, and Carl show on their animated faces as they hang onto Carl's balloon- powered house, while Kevin the bird catches an unruffl ed ride on the roof. June 2009 13 Character Modeling•Animation ■ ■ ■ ■ Images ©2009 Disney/Pixar.

• Cover