Film Description: This film is set 700 year in the future when the Earth has become uninhabitable as a result of consumerism and neglect. The human race has evacuated a toxic and barren Earth, leaving behind trash compactor robots to clean up. For hundreds of years WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-class) has been routinely compacting and collecting rubbish. A spaceship lands and deploys a modern search robot named EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) when she discovers a seedling plant growing amongst the garbage. Together they encounter a journey that determines the future of Earth and if recolonisation is possible.

Image example (WALL-E) Film technique Effect

Close up                Focuses intently on the face,
                               hands or feet of a character
                               at close range. This
                               emphasises emotion and
                               increases tension

Low angle             Makes the character seem
                                powerful and important

Mid shot                Demonstrates facial
                                expression and body
                                language → develops
                               character or shows action

Eye-level shot      Allows us to see the world
                               from their perspective

Long shot            Establish character or action
                              and links between them and
                              their setting

High angle         Making the character appear
                            weak or inferior

Extreme long shot           Often used to establish
                                            setting and atmosphere of the
                                            narrative

Film techniques:

CAMERA MOVEMENT
Moving the camera in particular ways focuses attention on particular characters, objects and
actions. It can also contribute to the tension by slowly revealing part of a scene and make the audience feel part of the action. There are four main types of movement:

→ TRACKING
Mounted on wheels, the camera runs parallel to the action, keeping pace with the movement of
a character. This captures the intensity of action and the emotions of characters.

→ DOLLY
The camera, again mounted on wheels, zooms in (dolly in) or zooms out (dolly out). This
movement forward or backward can intensify the drama and provide details about the
surroundings.

→ PANNING – The camera remains in one position but rotates to follow the action. This often
reveals scenery establishes the setting or provides a moment of further important detail.

→ TILT – The camera again remains in one position, but tilts up and down. This can be used to
follow the subject or move slowly from head to toes of a character. This can heighten empathy,
tension or humour of a scene.

LIGHTING
Lighting plays an important part in creating an atmosphere. Consider also colours which are
emphasised and their symbolism of them.

→ HIGH-KEY: High key lighting is free from dark shadows and is sometimes used to create an
optimistic atmosphere.

→ LOW-KEY: This lighting emphasises shadow and is often dark and suspenseful.

→ BACK LIGHTING: The light comes from behind the subject, creating a silhouette, creating a
sense of mystery and foreboding.

SOUND
In addition to what the audience sees, consider also what they hear. When listening to
DIALOGUE consider the volume, tone and pitch of the characters’ speech. Also listen carefully
to the MUSIC (score) accompanying a scene as it is a powerful generator of atmosphere.
Consider also its volume and style. Just as influential as sound, is the lack of it. Consider when
SILENCE occurs and why

WALL-E scene questions:

SCENE 1 – Out There
a) Watch the opening sequence of the film with the sound muted. What images and colours
are dominant? What kind of world is this? Which camera shots assist this impression?

b) Watch these first few minutes again this time with the sound. How does the music
change the tone?

c) What is WALL-E’s role in this world? Which camera shots guide the audience’s
understanding of this purpose?

d) How is the audience’s understanding of this world developed in the next scene?
SCENE 4 – A Day at Work
a) Describe WALL-E’s daily routine. What characterises his habits?
b) What does WALL-E’s relationship with the cockroach reveal about him?
c) How does Stanton want the audience to feel about WALL-E? How is this encouraged?
d) How is humour generated in this scene?
e) The discovery of the plant is a pivotal moment in this scene. Which film techniques are used to indicate this?
f) At the end of this scene WALL-E notices and follows the red dot. Which film techniques are used to develop suspense?

SCENE 5 – EVE Arrives
a) What is WALL-E’s first impression of EVE? Which film techniques show this?
b) What does EVE’s flight through the sky reveal about her character? What does the music contribute to this moment?
c) Why does EVE’s first shot at WALL-E shock the audience? Of what does this remind us?
d) Explore the contrasts between WALL-E and EVE.
d) Consider what this scene reveals about:
i) Power
ii) Freedom
iii) Appearance and Reality
iv) Science and Technology

SCENE 9 – WALL-E’s Favourite Things
a) What are some of WALL-E’s favourite things?
b) Why does he want to share them with EVE?
c) Explain what the exploration of them reveals about both WALL-E and EVE?
d) What happens when EVE sees the plant? Why does this occur?
e) Outline WALL-E’s response to this. What does he attempt to do in the next scene? What does this reflect about how he feels about EVE? How do film techniques echo this?
SCENE 20 – Escape Pod
a) What is suggested about technology when we see WALL-E trapped in the escape pod?
b) What film techniques are used to show EVE’s distress when she sees the pod explode?
c) Why is this an important turning point in the relationship between WALL-E and EVE?
d) What does this scene convey about freedom?
SCENE 24 – It Only Takes a Moment
a) Why is the captain surprised when he sees the images of Earth from EVE’s memory?
b) What is the Captain’s realisation at this point in the film? How does a high angle camera shot and music emphasise this?
c) Describe the character of the Captain. What does he represent about the current state of the human race?
d) The security footage that EVE sees functions as a flashback. What is its purpose?
SCENE 25 – Code A113
a) When the Captain gives the plant some water he says “You just needed someone to look after you.” What does he realise once he articulates this important statement? Which film techniques are used to reinforce his realisation?
b) Describe the character of Auto. How are film techniques used to develop his character in this scene?
c) What kind of shot is used of the former captains of the Axiom? What in particular does it illustrate?
d) Who is the most powerful character in this scene? Explain your answer.
e) Consider what this scene reveals about:
i) Power
ii) Appearance and Reality
iii) Freedom
iv) Science and Technology