Saturday, November 10, 2012

What's Wrong With This Picture?

That's Mark Andrews, the final director of Pixar's Brave.  He is the recipient of the Global Scottish Thistle Award, for "those who have helped to put Scotland on the world stage."  So far as I know, Andrews had nothing to do with setting the film in Scotland and Visit Scotland, the organization that gave him the award, seems to have no knowledge of Brenda Chapman, the film's original director.

12 comments:

Steven M. said...

I seem to be disliking Brave more and more everyday now.

Daniel [oeconomist.com] said...

[Insert obsence expletive here]

Anonymous said...

I like the "idea" of Brave more than the final cartoon. It's certainly beautiful to look at. I thought the direction was slack and scattershot--and corrected itself intermittently by going for the juvenile and obvious. In particular, the fight choreography and staging was confused and weak. I'm sure if Pixar lets this guy direct another film, they'll pair him with an experienced, director who can teach him how to tell a story well. Based on this, he's got a long way to go.

Martin Juneau said...

I wanted to give it a try for "Brave" since it hold on DVD this week but by this new, it seems chances is come from slim to none.

Jack Yu said...

haha! great post Mark!!

Alessandro said...

"What's Wrong With This Picture?"
Noone noticed the man has no pants!!!
Kidding aside great post Mark!

Wil Hewson said...

I was thinking of viewing "Brave" ON DEMAND, or buying the DVD, but after reading this, OH HELL NO.

dany boom said...

what is wrong with you people ? brave is a heartfelt and awesome film. mark andrews is an excellent director and worked hard to get the scottish location right, im sure, as he seems a champion of the place. is there any substance to this article or is it just sour grapes ?

Anonymous said...

Why couldn't they have awarded both directors? Or hell, share the award! Just because she wasn't kept on the project long enough to see it finished doesn't mean he can suddenly take credit for everything she did.

Ugh.

Anonymous said...

If Brave is an example of "excellent directing," time for Pixar io hire some new directors. The staging and timing and choreography were confused at best, and the storytelling and pacing were weak.

Steve Schnier said...

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

Awards are given to promote a film, event, cause, etc. The organization presenting the award doesn't really care who wins - as long as they get some press.

I'm sure that Mark Andrews didn't submit his name for this - it was probably someone in Pixar's PR department. They're not interested in historical accuracy - only in putting the best 'corporate face' out in front of the public.

While the award is 'inaccurate', I'd pick my battles elsewhere.

Mike Caracappa said...

I'll just say this. If Mark Andrews really wants to be courageous and do the right thing...if Brave wins at the Annies, he should not accept the award. I'm not talking about receiving it and in his speech trying to be polite and say "this really belongs to Brenda."

Turn it down.

Forget about what's good for the Disney/Pixar company. Forget about everything else. If he accepts the award and uses it as a stepping stone to advance his career, that is NOT right. Brave is not his movie. He doesn't need it. If he really truly respects Brenda as a colleague, he should do this for her and give up the award. He should give her the credit she deserves. Mark knows she deserves it.