Lasseter Taking Leave of Absence

[SuddenStorm]

I'm okay with Lasseter not being around for a few reasons, beyond the allegations:

1. Creatively, Pixar has stalled. Gone are the days of unique, innovative stories- the last few years of movies have had predictable plot points that feel almost recycled from some of their earlier work. Inside Out was an exception, but ever since Toy Story 3, Pixar films have been faltering. Hopefully without Lasseter around, Pixar can work on creating unique, moving stories that inspire like they used to.

2. His involvement with the Disney Parks was completely unnecessary. I was sick of seeing him in interviews talking about past attractions, or the importance of current attractions, as some kind of poster boy for the resort. The only thing he contributed was adding characters he created, nothing more.

It would have been better for him to go out on his own terms, peacefully, as an honorable person who respected his peers, not as someone who sexually harassed others in the office, but I'm not sad to see him go.

 

[celluloid]

I'm okay with Lasseter not being around for a few reasons, beyond the allegations:

1. Creatively, Pixar has stalled. Gone are the days of unique, innovative stories- the last few years of movies have had predictable plot points that feel almost recycled from some of their earlier work. Inside Out was an exception, but ever since Toy Story 3, Pixar films have been faltering. Hopefully without Lasseter around, Pixar can work on creating unique, moving stories that inspire like they used to.

2. His involvement with the Disney Parks was completely unnecessary. I was sick of seeing him in interviews talking about past attractions, or the importance of current attractions, as some kind of poster boy for the resort. The only thing he contributed was adding characters he created, nothing more.

It would have been better for him to go out on his own terms, peacefully, as an honorable person who respected his peers, not as someone who sexually harassed others in the office, but I'm not sad to see him go.

Thank you so much, besides some mentions of him being a Jungle Cruise Skipper, I never saw anything else he ever mentioned or anecdotes about the park that did not involve a Pixar produced character. He took every opportunity to cheaply push for Pixar characters in the parks. Outside of any of this and his character I can't say he is a creative idol of mine and that I love any of his contributions to parks and resorts.

 

[Travel Junkie]

I know there is some concern about the potential creative drain with Lasseter being out, but keep in mind that him and all of these abusers were keeping well qualified and other creatives down through their behavior.

Hopefully exposing bad behavior will allow there to be a more welcoming environment to others and different voices will be given the opportunity to show their creativeness. Part of Pixar's stagnation could be (Just guessing) due to JL having too much of a say in too many projects. It's time to hear different voices.

 

[TROR]

Couldn't agree more that Lasseter was stifling creativity in both Pixar and Disney Parks. Had his actions been exposed in 2006 (assuming they were going on then), we likely would have gotten Car Land instead of Cars Land, and probably never would've had to endure a Cars 2, Cars 3, Finding Dory, or Monsters University (along with those basic MU hats that all the college girls at Disneyland wear).

 

[Pixieish]

I know there is some concern about the potential creative drain with Lasseter being out, but keep in mind that him and all of these abusers were keeping well qualified and other creatives down through their behavior.

Hopefully exposing bad behavior will allow there to be a more welcoming environment to others and different voices will be given the opportunity to show their creativeness. Part of Pixar's stagnation could be (Just guessing) due to JL having too much of a say in too many projects. It's time to hear different voices.

Agreed. I've seen way too often in creative companies that one talent comes up with a successful idea, and then management starts to seek input from only that person. Ideally, a creative company should have a pool of talent, let them come up with ideas, then further develop the one that has the most potential. A creative leader's position should be meant more to guide, not to be the sole generator of ideas.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

I'll be the first to say, I'm happy he pushed for Cars Land. It is an Imagineering masterpiece.

 

[TROR]

I'll be the first to day, I'm happy he pushed for Cars Land. It is an Imagineering masterpiece.

Would have been better if just Car Land with Cars references and attractions sprinkled in rather than the entire land being Cars themed.

 

[Californian Elitist]

It is an Imagineering masterpiece.

It is? The land was taken from a movie. As far as the concept, there was nothing to imagine. It was already there.

Car Land’s concept art looked better.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Before we rewrite history because of disgust of a particular person, which happens way too often on this forum [looking at you, Iger-hate], remember that the same year (2 years ago) that The Good Dinosaur came out was the same year that the critically acclaimed Inside Out came out.

Cars 3 did better than Cars 2 and was OK by movie standards (but bad by Pixar standards). But sandwiching that bump in the road was Finding Dory and Coco, both very good films.

The idea that there's been a steady decline of Pixar movies is a rather ridiculous claim that is only borne by selective amnesia of the recent very good movies.

The last time Lasseter had a credited role for a film other than being the studio head was for Cars 2 in 2011. So, let's get history right: For the Pixar films, John Lasseter had stepped out of the way since Cars 2 in 2011 and let other people write, direct, and produce all the Pixar films since then. And it wasn't a small handful of people, there were a lot of other people involved in these films.

Lasseter's genius was creating teams that constantly sought creative input from the larger Pixar workforce. That same style helped turn around Disney Animation. Sure, he was part of that larger input and had a big voice within the company, but all that happened with both recent hits and misses.

 

[TROR]

Before we rewrite history because of disgust of a particular person, which happens way too often on this forum [looking at you, Iger-hate], remember that the same year (2 years ago) that The Good Dinosaur came out was the same year that the critically acclaimed Inside Out came out.

Cars 3 did better than Cars 2 and was OK by movie standards (but bad by Pixar standards). But sandwiching that bump in the road was Finding Dory and Coco, both very good films.

The idea that there's been a steady decline of Pixar movies is a rather ridiculous claim that is only borne by selective amnesia of the recent very good movies.

The last time Lasseter had a credited role for a film other than being the studio head was for Cars 2 in 2011. So, let's get history right: For the Pixar films, John Lasseter had stepped out of the way since Cars 2 in 2011 and let other people write, direct, and produce all the Pixar films since then. And it wasn't a small handful of people, there were a lot of other people involved in these films.

Lasseter's genius was creating teams that constantly sought creative input from the larger Pixar workforce. That same style helped turn around Disney Animation. Sure, he was part of that larger input and had a big voice within the company, but all that happened with both recent hits and misses.

>Finding Dory
>good
Pick one.

Haven't seen Coco or Cars 3 yet (and don't plan on seeing Cars 3, quite honestly) but there's only been one good Pixar movie since Toy Story 3 and that's Inside Out. Now if you're saying all of these bland and forgettable movies such as Monsters University, Brave, The Good Dinosaur, and Finding Dory are the works of groups that don't have Lasseter heavily involved, then we're looking at only two good movies out of seven made. Not good ratio imo.

 

[Californian Elitist]

The idea that there's been a steady decline of Pixar movies is a rather ridiculous claim that is only borne by selective amnesia of the recent very good movies.

Someone’s opinions on films are subjective. If someone feels Pixar’s recent films haven’t been very good, it is what it is. There is no “selective amnesia.”

 

[MisterPenguin]

>Finding Dory
>good
Pick one.

Haven't seen Coco or Cars 3 yet (and don't plan on seeing Cars 3, quite honestly) but there's only been one good Pixar movie since Toy Story 3 and that's Inside Out. Now if you're saying all of these bland and forgettable movies such as Monsters University, Brave, The Good Dinosaur, and Finding Dory are the works of groups that don't have Lasseter heavily involved, then we're looking at only two good movies out of seven made. Not good ratio imo.

Well, here you go inserting your personal preference as fact and then drawing conclusions from it. So, you didn't like Dory. The consensus of critics disagrees with you.

On the chart below you'll see the average critic score. Anything above 60 (out of 100) is considered a generally good movie and gets recommended to see (thus the higher 'fresh' rating). Cars 2 is the only movie that failed to be 'good' by critical consensus and Cars 3 barely made it. But Brave and MU and even Good Dinosaur got a thumbs up. Finding Dory was regarded as very good. And Coco and Inside Out as excellent.

The point is that a claim of consistent decline is false. An outright lie. #FakeNews

 

[englanddg]

Before we rewrite history because of disgust of a particular person, which happens way too often on this forum [looking at you, Iger-hate], remember that the same year (2 years ago) that The Good Dinosaur came out was the same year that the critically acclaimed Inside Out came out.

Cars 3 did better than Cars 2 and was OK by movie standards (but bad by Pixar standards). But sandwiching that bump in the road was Finding Dory and Coco, both very good films.

The idea that there's been a steady decline of Pixar movies is a rather ridiculous claim that is only borne by selective amnesia of the recent very good movies.

The last time Lasseter had a credited role for a film other than being the studio head was for Cars 2 in 2011. So, let's get history right: For the Pixar films, John Lasseter had stepped out of the way since Cars 2 in 2011 and let other people write, direct, and produce all the Pixar films since then. And it wasn't a small handful of people, there were a lot of other people involved in these films.

Lasseter's genius was creating teams that constantly sought creative input from the larger Pixar workforce. That same style helped turn around Disney Animation. Sure, he was part of that larger input and had a big voice within the company, but all that happened with both recent hits and misses.

What are you talking about?

Inside Out was widely panned by deep critical thinkers, and was a terrible representation of a little girl and the struggles she goes through as a female in a male dominated world where she is merely a pawn to the whims of others. The whole story was mansplained to the audience in a way that was both troubling and problematic. From her "traditional" family structure to the shallow sexuality of the female characters in the movie (obsession with the Brazilian Helicopter Pilot for example?), the movie is highly problematic and evidence that the boys club at Pixar/Disney Animation needs to be shaken apart.

Don't believe me?

https://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/06/21/inside-out-review/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joni...-body-positivity-in-inside-out_b_7617432.html

The accompanying "Lava" short, which everyone seems to adore, was equally troubling.

http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/07/29/gender-coding-heteronormativity-and-pixars-lava

 

[TROR]

What are you talking about?

Inside Out was widely panned by deep critical thinkers, and was a terrible representation of a little girl and the struggles she goes through as a female in a male dominated world where she is merely a pawn to the whims of others. The whole story was mansplained to the audience in a way that was both troubling and problematic. From her "traditional" family structure to the shallow sexuality of the female characters in the movie (obsession with the Brazilian Helicopter Pilot for example?), the movie is highly problematic and evidence that the boys club at Pixar/Disney Animation needs to be shaken apart.

Don't believe me?

https://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/06/21/inside-out-review/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joni...-body-positivity-in-inside-out_b_7617432.html

The accompanying "Lava" short, which everyone seems to adore, was equally troubling.

http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/07/29/gender-coding-heteronormativity-and-pixars-lava

Is this post satirical

Well, here you go inserting your personal preference as fact and then drawing conclusions from it. So, you didn't like Dory. The consensus of critics disagrees with you.

On the chart below you'll see the average critic score. Anything above 60 (out of 100) is considered a generally good movie and gets recommended to see (thus the higher 'fresh' rating). Cars 2 is the only movie that failed to be 'good' by critical consensus and Cars 3 barely made it. But Brave and MU and even Good Dinosaur got a thumbs up. Finding Dory was regarded as very good. And Coco and Inside Out as excellent.

The point is that a claim of consistent decline is false. An outright lie. #FakeNews

View attachment 246331

They can disagree with me but who is talking about Finding Dory? It was forgettable and generic. It's an irrelevant movie. A huge misstep for Pixar and only made money because of brand recognition to Pixar and Finding Nemo, a great movie.

 

[MisterPenguin]

What are you talking about?

Inside Out was widely panned by deep critical thinkers, and was a terrible representation of a little girl and the struggles she goes through as a female in a male dominated world where she is merely a pawn to the whims of others. The whole story was mansplained to the audience in a way that was both troubling and problematic. From her "traditional" family structure to the shallow sexuality of the female characters in the movie (obsession with the Brazilian Helicopter Pilot for example?), the movie is highly problematic and evidence that the boys club at Pixar/Disney Animation needs to be shaken apart.

Don't believe me?

https://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/06/21/inside-out-review/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joni...-body-positivity-in-inside-out_b_7617432.html

The accompanying "Lava" short, which everyone seems to adore, was equally troubling.

http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/07/29/gender-coding-heteronormativity-and-pixars-lava

In case this wasn't sarcasm...

"Consensus." Every film that doesn't have a rating of 100 had some people not liking it. If they got an 80, it wasn't the majority of them.

 

[Pixieish]

What are you talking about?

Inside Out was widely panned by deep critical thinkers, and was a terrible representation of a little girl and the struggles she goes through as a female in a male dominated world where she is merely a pawn to the whims of others. The whole story was mansplained to the audience in a way that was both troubling and problematic. From her "traditional" family structure to the shallow sexuality of the female characters in the movie (obsession with the Brazilian Helicopter Pilot for example?), the movie is highly problematic and evidence that the boys club at Pixar/Disney Animation needs to be shaken apart.

Don't believe me?

https://www.stanforddaily.com/2015/06/21/inside-out-review/

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/joni...-body-positivity-in-inside-out_b_7617432.html

The accompanying "Lava" short, which everyone seems to adore, was equally troubling.

http://birthmoviesdeath.com/2015/07/29/gender-coding-heteronormativity-and-pixars-lava

Okay, but you want to know the problems in regards to criticisms like those? They're still opinion.

Also - children don't read NEARLY as deeply into animated films and shorts as people think they do. A child's mind simplifies things and will garner the main theme/lesson of a movie, but they don't sit there going "OH MY GOD! THEY USED A FAT GUY AND SKINNY WOMAN TO REPRESENT VOLCANOS!!!". They're also not contemplating whether the two females in Finding Dory are gay, etc. etc. Kids' brains just don't do that...adults' brains do, and then they have to go into a rant/diatribe to rally against whatever it is they find offensive so that they can feel validated and important.

Some people just refuse to accept things for what they are and try to attach intentions/meanings to them that aren't even there.

Do we have any factual, indisputable evidence that Pixar is run as a boy's club outside of the statement of two animators who left the company? We really don't. Am I denying that it is possible? Absolutely not. But we need to stop, for the love of all that is good, STOP with the pushing of opinion/hearsay as fact.

I'm an English major - I could write a paper focusing on the good parts of any of those films, just like those authors chose to focus on the things that would garner the most clicks and cause the most outrage in our outrage-addicted society.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

It is? The land was taken from a movie. As far as the concept, there was nothing to imagine. It was already there.

Car Land’s concept art looked better.

Yes, when you think about what it must have taken to bring this land to life, I'm convinced it is.

 

[TP2000]

I still think Lassetter is toast. Waiting for the other shoe to drop after the holiday weekend...

 

[Pixieish]

I still think Lassetter is toast. Waiting for the other shoe to drop after the holiday weekend...

I hope that out of respect for the people he made so uncomfortable that they don't allow him back.

 

[englanddg]

Okay, but you want to know the problems in regards to criticisms like those? They're still opinion.

Also - children don't read NEARLY as deeply into animated films and shorts as people think they do. A child's mind simplifies things and will garner the main theme/lesson of a movie, but they don't sit there going "OH MY GOD! THEY USED A FAT GUY AND SKINNY WOMAN TO REPRESENT VOLCANOS!!!". They're also not contemplating whether the two females in Finding Dory are gay, etc. etc. Kids' brains just don't do that...adults' brains do, and then they have to go into a rant/diatribe to rally against whatever it is they find offensive so that they can feel validated and important.

Some people just refuse to accept things for what they are and try to attach intentions/meanings to them that aren't even there.

Do we have any factual, indisputable evidence that Pixar is run as a boy's club outside of the statement of two animators who left the company? We really don't. Am I denying that it is possible? Absolutely not. But we need to stop, for the love of all that is good, STOP with the pushing of opinion/hearsay as fact.

I'm an English major - I could write a paper focusing on the good parts of any of those films, just like those authors chose to focus on the things that would garner the most clicks and cause the most outrage in our outrage-addicted society.

Look, these authors write for strongly progressive publications like Huffington and esteemed colleges like Stanford.

Both are highly educated college graduates.

I would think they know more than you about systems of power and how to properly represent marginalized groups.

Obviously Pete Doctor, who has his own issues with gender and racial representations in his personal and professional life, which are reflected by his work (overweight little asian kid in up? Recurring heterosexual relationships with weal female characters playing some role related to being a sexual object of a lackluster male figure? And, don’t get me started on his shallow representations of race!)

What exactly is he trying to portray here?

I am so glad to live in a time when people are not afraid to step forward and address issues such as these that have kept our society at a standstill on social issues for decades.

We have much work to do. And, that work begins by overturning the patriarchy that oppresses us all!