The animated film The wild robotproduced by DreamWorks and distributed by Universal Pictures, is one of the most anticipated films of the year. Released in Italian cinemas last October 10, it is directed by Chris Sanders, already known for successes such as Kung Fu Panda And How to Train Your Dragon.
The film is based on the bestseller of the same name by Peter Brown. The plot follows the adventure of the robot ROZZUM 7134better known as Roz, who finds himself on a remote island after a shipwreck. In this new hostile environment, Roz will have to adapt and learn to coexist with the local faunaeven becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned goose.
The story explores universal themes such as adaptation, self-discovery, and the relationship between technology and nature. The creative process that led to the making of the film was characterized by particular attention to visual design, capable of mix different artistic influences.
On the one hand technology, on the other wild nature
Sanders and his team tried to create a style that combined the imagery of Japanese director Hayao Miyazakiknown for works such as The my neighbor Totoroand impressionist painting, inspired by the works of Claude Monet. This allowed them to bring to life a visually fascinating world, in which robot technology it clashes and integrates with the wild nature of the island.
To represent this contrast, DreamWorks artists drew inspiration from two very different worlds: the hyper-technological and futuristic one of Universal Dynamics, the company that created Roz, and that of uncontaminated nature of the island.
While the design of the human world was heavily influenced by science fiction artists like Syd Mead, known for his works in Blade Runnerthe wild island is characterized by an organic, dynamic and constantly evolving aesthetic.
An interesting aspect of the film is the transformation of Roz’s character, whose design evolves in parallel with her emotional growth. At the beginning, the robot appears like a cold and precise machine, but over time, in contact with nature, his appearance becomes more “human”showing scratches and signs of wear, a symbol of its adaptation to the natural environment.
The integration between design and narrative is one of the strengths of The wild robota film that explores the connections between living things and nature through innovative aesthetics and a touching story. A film suitable for the whole family that conveys important messages such as solidarity, the importance not only of accept diversity but see it as an added value and, of course, how fundamental it is preserve natural oases and their ecosystem.
