WALL-E

Film

Synopsis:

The 2008 film WALL-E, directed and written by Andrew Stanton, explores an abandoned, polluted planet Earth many years in the future. Mankind abandons the Earth following irreparable environmental damage caused waste contamination, pollution, and the effects of global warming. Only one being remains: a trash-compacting robot named WALL-E, who has gained cognitive abilities after many years alone on Earth as he tidies up the mess humans left behind. He meets EVE, a sleek probe robot whose mission is to assess the environment’s improvement or further decline. He quickly falls in love with her and follows her to human civilization on space ships in outer space. The pair work to save humanity and repair Earth’s damaged environment, encountering several obstacles along the way.

Themes:

The film explores our reliance on technology; humanity’s incessant use of technology and careless industrial practices leads to the destruction of the planet, as the effects of global warming and waste leave it uninhabitable. As they seek refuge on space ships, mankind continues to rely on technology for nearly everything, such as transportation, communication, and entertainment, as their human relationships and passions fade away. However, although technology causes humanity’s downfall, it is also its savior; WALL-E works to clean the planet of its waste and pollution, leading to the renewed possibility of sustainable life. WALL-E and EVE save humanity by triggering the ship’s return to Earth, and the robots and humans work alongside one another to restore and rebuild the planet. The film demonstrates that technology is dangerous if not used properly and responsible with careful consideration of its true value.

Additionally, WALL-E offers a biting critique on current practices of consumerism, waste management, and environmental impact. The planet is uninhabitable after centuries of human pollution and abuse; no signs of life remain and mankind is forced to abandon the planet. The film’s bleak imagery conveys a sad nostalgia as it depicts the remains of civilization. In a world that faces the harmful effects of pollution and global warming every day, the film serves as a warning of our future if we are not more responsible with the earth and our resources.

Source: WALL-E (film)

Image: http://www.dan-dare.org/FreeFun/Games/CartoonsMoviesTV/WALL-E7/WALL-E7.htm

Author: Emmie Kline