Topic > Narrative Elements in "Toy Story"

The narrative of Toy Story has enchanted audiences since its release in 1995. Both adults and children have enjoyed this adventurous, heartwarming and nostalgic film. Young audiences identify with the dream of seeing their toys come to life, while older audiences are reminded of a simpler time in their lives, full of joy and play. The Toy Story script expertly uses dialogue, imagery, and music to express themes of friendship and childhood innocence that compel audiences of all ages to fall in love with this beautiful visual narrative. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The opening scene of Toy Story takes place in a child's bedroom filled with toys. The film's theme song, "You've Got a Friend in Me," begins playing. This song is a very appropriate choice because not only does the melody and rhythm create a warm and happy feeling in the opening sequence, but it also leads into the theme of friendship and reminds the audience that a toy can be a child's best friend on the Earth. of fiction. The audience is introduced to the character of Andy, the boy who inhabits the room. The audience sees him playing with his toys, especially a cowboy doll he calls Woody. This image would immediately cause audience members of all ages to remember and relate to playing with their favorite childhood toys. The theme song playing in the background highlights how many young children like Andy see their toys as friends. Andy then walks out of his bedroom and the toys are left alone. They are shown flashing, moving and coming to life as they begin to interact with each other. Every audience member would remember a time from their childhood when they wondered what their toys were doing while they were out of the room. Children in the audience will interpret this scene as confirmation that their speculations that their toys are actually alive are absolutely correct. The toys consult with each other as they worry about Andy's upcoming birthday party and the new toys he might get. Whedon, Stanton, Cohen, and Sokolow describe toys' fears of being replaced by a new or better toy. They have been shown to be a strong community where each toy cares for the others, building strong friendships between them (11). They want to take care of each other during this stressful time, which is shown through jokes such as when Woody reassures his fellow toys by saying "Hey listen, no one's getting replaced." We're talking about Andy” (Whedon, Stanton, Cohen & Sokolow, 12). This furthers the script's overall theme of friendship, emphasizing the strong relationships between each of the toys. Whedon, Stanton, Cohen, and Sokolow describe the toys as showing dismay when Andy receives a new action figure called Buzz Lightyear (20). Andy starts playing with Buzz while ignoring his favorite toy and best friend Woody. Jealousy begins to grow in Woody, which is shown through sarcastic lines such as “Enough, I know we're all impressed with Andy's new toy” (Whedon, Stanton, Cohen, & Sokolow, 28). Woody's jealousy reaches its peak when he pushes Buzz out of the bedroom window. The other toys become angry at Woody for his jealous actions, and the previously strong friendships seen in the toy community become strained. This is shown through jokes directed at Woody from the other toys such as “Where's your honor, asshole? You are an absolute disgrace!” (Whedon, Stanton, Cohen, & Sokolow, 45). This sudden..