Pixar movies seem to do just about everything well, from character development to plot twists to balancing dramatic tension with more comedic moments. Another key element Pixar absolutely nails is how they resolve all of these factors with the closing shots of their movies.
The video below compiles the final shot from every Pixar movie (except for the just-released Finding Dory) and what they all seem to achieve is a visual representation of a resolved conflict or a significant change of heart of a main character, all in one frame (via Neatorama).
Toy Story shows Woody and Buzz palling around after the trials that brought them closer together, A Bug’s Life demonstrates the newfound respect Flik has gained in his community and the people responsible for helping bring that about, The Incredibles shows the family coming to terms with the entirety of their complex identities… it all functions perfectly.
Even the shorter shots work well: Finding Nemo shows Nemo swimming off to school, showcasing both his independence and Marlin’s ability to accept it. A lot of the shots also show a sweeping shot that zooms out to reveal the larger picture, another way to capture a lot of the film’s plot points without having to cut and change angles, an effective way to show how everything that happened in the movie comes together in the end.
All in all, this clip proves that Pixar is masterful at both telling an exciting story while leaving a good taste in your mouth as the credits roll. Watch the video above, and let us know in the comments which of the above endings is your favorite.
Image: Pixar