During the Another World studio, we analysed the story sequence in “Up”. First we watched the story sequence, and then we attempted to write the sequence. It was very difficult as it is hard to separate what was in the script, and what was interpreted by the creative team after the script was written. Watch the story sequence with the script below.
In the script
During the wedding scene, both Carl and Ellie’s family live is alluded to very economically. The use of the word Puritans when describing Carl’s family is very effective in this scene, as it brings to mind an image of what the family looks like without using many descriptive words.
During the scene when Ellie and Carl are painting the mailbox, the use of the words “Oh well” in the script accurately describes Ellie’s reaction to Carl accidentally putting his hand print on the mailbox. This is not a description of the scene which is the purpose of the big print, however
The first hillside scene the script ends the scene with the text “He’s lucky to be with her”. This is an insight into what the character is thinking, and it is generally frowned upon to write what characters can’t act out. However, the use in this context implies a meaning that would be lost if the script has simply read Carl smiles. The intended meaning is that Carl is very content and happy to be sharing his life with Ellie.
The sequence references Carl and Ellie’s professional life twice. The first time Carl struggles to secure his balloon cart as it slowly floats through the air, the second time over 30 years have passed and Carl is aware that the balloon cart hovers in the air, but casually leans his elbow on it to secure the cart. This shows the progression of their professional lives and how Carl has become accustomed to this quirk.
The Doctor’s Office scene is very brief, but effective. The use of “the doctor explains” implies a medical problem in which Ellie is unable to have children, but the wording also implies that it is not important what the doctor says, just that it is bad.
The scene with the tie montage is very well written, and subtle in the script. It shows the longest passage of time, in a very short period. It follows the progression of Carl and Ellie’s working life over 30 years. The cleaver mention of different tie types is apparent in the script, however in the film it is difficult to catch the full importance of the ties because they pass through the screen so quickly.
Not in the script
The scene when Carl and Ellie push chairs together near the window int he script is very simple. When the scene is animated, the chairs were made to reflect both Carl and Ellie’s personality, adding a deeper level of meaning. This was not mentioned in the script but is very effective in the sequence.
The repetition of the hillside sequence, where Carl at first struggles up the hill, and later on Ellie falters, was not originally in the script. This was added during the production process. This repetition is similar to the balloon cart at the zoo.
Therefore, the writing style for the story sequence that spans over thirty years is very sparse and is not embellished with description. The minimal description allows the point of the scene to come across quickly and be interpreted in creative ways.
