Film Analysis on Toy Story 3

1. Toy Story

2. Sound
In the animated film Toy Story 3 there are many diegetic and non-diegetic noises which
create an effect for the audience and create a sense of knowing who each character is.
For example, the scene starts with low deep build up music as we are introduced to "Mr
Potato Head" who is playing the role of a villain at the time. This creates a dramatic
effect as it draws the audience in as the antagonist ins introduced. As he enters through
the train window, the sound of an explosion occurs which could indicate that everything
is going to go downhill. The audience may also link the sound of the explosion which
creates a negative effect to the antagonist as they are both creating danger. The music
at this point when the evil character is shown is fast paced, and deep with lots of
instrumental. However when we are introduced to a new character ‘Woody’ it is clear
he is the hero as the music changes to a lighter tone and more mellow which could
indicate to a viewer that because of his presence things will soon get better. When the
frame is focused on one character in the scene the music seems to change to fit the
characters personality; it changes back and forth to dramatic tension music, to a more
lighter settled tone.

3. Diegetic sounds
There are also diegetic sounds such as the jingle of money, the crank of
Woody’s whip, the footsteps of Woody’s boots, the galloping of the horses
hooves, the sound of bleeping of the bomb detonator, and the beep of the
car horn which all help to set the scene through very detailed sounds.
These diegetic sounds help the audience understand the character’s roles
better. For example the jingle of money creates the sense that the villain is
motivated by money and is willing to do anything to get money. The sound
of Woody’s shoes and whips add to the characterization of a stereotypical
cowboy.
Furthermore, there are also effects of sounds edited in: for example, when
One Eyed Betty is fighting with Woody there are ‘swooping’ sounds
whenever she moves or jumps.

4. Mise en scene
During the 2 minute scene, the main character, Woody, is wearing a cowboy
costume: Cowboys typically symbolise or represent a spirit of independence and
self-reliance. The American cowboy “lives what he believes, and is a man of
substance, strength and courage.” Woody shows signs of strength and courage when
risking his life to save the orphans from plummeting to their death in result of the
bridge being destroyed by Mr Potato Head. He also puts his life on the line to try
fight off the two evil characters. Cowboy symbols can be detected by symbols such
as cowboy hats, cowboy boots, spurs, horses, and belt buckles which are all evident
from Woody’s appearance. In comparison the villains are shown to be wearing
bandanas and eye patches which can be shown as disguises as they appear to be
covering their identity. By there clothing, appearance and relationship between
each other it is clear that both characters are actual partners (husband and wife).
The scene is also set in a deserted landscape which adds to the action scene as
there is no one to help.

5. Cow boy hat
Western boots
with cactus
Gun holder
Gold sheriff medal
Western Belt
Bandana
Spurs

6. Camera Work
• Tracking shot of the train which also establishes the
setting and shows the surrounding.
• High angle shot which establishes Mr Potato as the
weaker character.
• Close up shot which shows Woody’s shocked expression
when One Eyed Betty is introduced to the scene.
• Long shot which shows the action happening between
Woody and One Eyed Betty, but also incudes the setting.
• Low angle shot which shows Mr Potato and One Eyed
Better look bigger than they are.