COCO

Film analysis

KEY FACTS
Release Date:​ November 22, 2017 (United States).
Country of Origin:​ United States of America.
Running Time:​ 105 minutes.

PRODUCTION NOTES
Director: ​Lee Unkrich.
Production Company: ​Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures.
Distributor:​ Walt Disney Pictures.
Budget:​ $175,000,000.
Awards (highlights among the 106 wins and 35 nominations):
● Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) Kristen
Anderson-López and Robert López for “Remember Me”, Academy Awards,
USA.
● Best Animated Feature Film Lee Unkrich and Darla [Link], Academy
Awards, USA.
● Best Motion Picture - Animated, Golden Globes, USA.
● Best Animated Feature Film Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson, BAFTA
Awards.

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PLOT SYNOPSIS prove himself. In a desperate attempt
to participate in a talent show, he
In Santa Cecilia (Mexico) steals De La Cruz’s guitar from his
there’s a boy, Miguel, who desperately mausoleum. After doing this, he soon
wants to become a musician but finds discovers there is a whole other world
himself oppressed by his strict family where dead people live in and he’s
who forbid him from following his currently there for stealing from a dead
dream. In fact, they always tell the person. Having met his ancestors, they
story of his great-great-grandfather; a take him to Mamá Imelda, who could
man who abandoned his wife and not cross the bridge because her
daughter to pursue his dream of photo was removed from the ofrenda
playing music in front of the crowd. His by Miguel. She tries to send him back
wife, Imelda, banished all the music to the real world with only one
from her life and started a business in condition: never play music again.
shoemaking to make a living for Miguel, deeply frustrated, escapes
herself and her daughter, Coco. As the from his ancestors to find his
business passed from generation to great-great-grandfather and get his
generation, Miguel is now being blessing to keep playing music.
encouraged to join his family in the
business so he can become a true Along the way he meets an
Rivera. unlikely friend called Héctor which
joins him in his epic adventure. He is
Nevertheless, Miguel secretly almost being forgotten and needs the
plays the guitar and idolizes the boy’s help to not vanish. Making a deal
greatest musician that has ever lived: with Miguel to put his photo in the
Ernesto de la Cruz. Inspired by his ofrenda once he returns home, they go
charismatic personality and elusive in search of Ernesto de la Cruz, who
musical skills, the hopeful boy wants to was Héctor’s friend a long time ago.
become just like him. One day, he
notices that De La Cruz’s guitar is the When Héctor discovers Miguel
same as the one that appears in a has been lying about his family, they
family photo sitting in the ‘ofrenda have an argument which ends in them
room’. Ecstatic by this discovery he splitting up, resulting in Miguel going
eagerly runs to reveal the news to his alone to Ernesto’s party. Miguel and
family, however it soon turns into a Ernesto spend the whole night
heated fight resulting in his together; meeting famous mexican
grandmother breaking his guitar and celebrities and singing the celebrity’s
him leaving the house with the photo. most iconic songs together, the little
boy is livid as his dream of meeting his
Heartbroken and hopeless, favourite celebrity and ‘supposedly’
Miguel roams the streets of Santa great-great-grandfather. However,
Cecilia seeking for an opportunity to Héctor shows up at the party and

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prays Miguel one last time to pick up
his photo.

As this scene unfolds in front of

his eyes, Ernesto does not let him take
the photo because he needs Héctor to
be forgotten. In fact, it is revealed they
used to play music together, but when
Héctor told Ernesto he wanted to go
home the latter killed him and stole all
his songs to become famous.

Willing to do whatever it takes

to seize his moment, the famous
musician locks up both Miguel and
Héctor. Despite that, the boy and
Héctor share a heartfelt moment
between both of them and realise
Héctor was actually Coco’s father,
which makes him Miguel’s true
great-great-grandfather. Afterwards,
Imelda saves them and the boy finally
realises that family comes first that
anything else.

The film ends with Miguel

coming back home and, in an attempt
to save Héctor, sings ​“Remember me”
to Coco, a song his father wrote only
for her. This works out and she even
reveals she had been keeping for
years a photo of his father, which will
now prevent Héctor from vanishing.
On the other hand, when Miguel’s
family observe how powerful music
really is, they come to terms with the
boy’s love for music and let him
express himself and explore his
undeniable talent.

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HISTORICAL CONTEXT character to be voiced by a
non-caucasian actor was Miguel
Coco was directed by Lee himself.
Unkrich and released in 2017.
Interestingly enough, this was the Furthermore, it is also important
second feature film he directed, the to highlight that there has never been
first one being ​Toy Story 3 (2010). a female director in any of their films.
Nevertheless, he had been working at Brenda Chapman started to direct
Pixar for years, co-directing many Brave, but ultimately left the project
iconic movies for the studio such as because of creative differences with
Toy Story 2 (​ 1999), ​Monsters Inc. John Lasseter, the chief creative
(2001), and ​Finding Nemo (​ 2003). It is officer of the studio. The same could
clear that when Pixar felt confident be said about people of colour, with
enough with his aptitudes they let him only Ronnie del Carmen as a
direct the third entrance to their most co-director of ​Inside Out (2015). This
important franchise. Then, ​Toy Story 3 fact has been acknowledged by the
proved to be both a critical and a studio in front of a situation where
commercial success; grossing more there is a more aware society that
than one billion dollars worldwide at demands this type of representation.
the box office and receiving more than
60 awards. After this huge win for the That being said, it is undeniable
studio, Lee Unkrich was clearly that ​Coco became a socially and
rewarded with the opportunity of politically significant movie, providing a
directing a completely original Pixar much needed representation for
film in which he started to work in Mexico, especially with the social
2010, just after the release of ​Toy conflicts that started to emerge during
Story 3.​ the production of the feature film.

As Pixar started to focus more As a matter of fact, this film

on sequels than on original ideas, unintentionally reflected a political
there was a lot of anticipation for this stance when being released. Even so,
film. On the other hand, it is a fact that the whole story was considered by
Pixar had never been a studio with many to be an allegory of immigration.
much diversity either in front or behind Although there is nothing explicitly
the cameras. In fact, it took them political about it, in Donald Trump’s
twelve films to finally have a female America it certainly has been a way to
protagonist, this one being Merida in bring people closer to a country and
the movie ​Brave (2012). Regarding culture that were considered inferior by
other types of representation, they many. The director had the idea for the
never had a main character being film 5 years before Trump announced
voiced by an actor of colour. As a he was running for president in 2015,
matter of fact, the first Pixar main but it certainly was released in the

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middle of the political storm created by by controversy. To begin with, a lot of
Trump’s conservative ideology. He people started to point out its
later became president in 2016 and, similarities with ​The Book of Life
since then, he has branded mexican (2014), a mexican animated film
immigrants as outsiders who steal their produced by Guillermo del Toro.
jobs and bring crime to the country. Despite its clear similarities with their
This makes ​Coco​’s success a powerful themes about death and love and their
political statement that claims this portrayal of the mexican festivity “Día
culture to be as valid and legitimate as de Muertos”, many people ended up
any other one. seeing it as a coincidence, as Coco
started its production long before ​The
Because of this undeniable Book of Life was even released.
social importance, Lee Unkrich was Moreover, that certainly did not stop
not completely sure if he wanted to Coco from being a huge critical and
take the risk of directing such feature box office success. It even became the
film, himself being caucasian and not most successful film ever in Mexico.
having any connection to the mexican
holiday “Día de Muertos”. He hesitated In fact, ​Coco’​ s huge success
to approach this idea in fear of being inspired the studio to start introducing
accused of cultural appropriation. At more diversity in their content. It also
the end, he decided to tell the story but confirmed them they need to update
promised to make sure he properly their stories to keep being relevant and
understood the culture and to stray socially acceptable while still being
away from any stereotypes by doing commercially viable. An example of
extensive research. that would be ​Soul​, a movie set to be
released in 2020 that will have an
The animators discovered a african american cast and will honor
festivity that was truly authentic and jazz music, a form of art that has been
faithful to its traditions. It is a christian traditionally associated to this
celebration in that it combines Roman community. The similarities between
Catholic liturgy with indigenous religion both movies are undeniable,
and practice. In modern Mexico it still confirming that Pixar might have found
is a highly celebrated festivity and is a a formula for success after all.
national holiday that carries their most
important traditions. Each family
makes their own ofrenda, featuring
photos of the dead family members
along with their favorite food items and
other decorative elements.

On the other hand, the movie

was not saved from being surrounded

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MAIN THEMES melancholic and mature tone that adds
weight to all the fun of the land of the
Coco,​ as almost every Pixar dead.
movie, is an emotional roller coaster
that explores deep and universal Loving and supporting your
themes which are in touch with family is one of the most important
everyone. It is essentially a film about messages the film tells us, as well as
death and loss, which also explores remembering those you have lost
themes of family and responsibility but through tradition. These themes come
joins those heavy themes with musical through in almost every scene; Miguel
numbers, comedy and colorful visuals. sometimes thinks his family and their
The story takes place around Mexican shoemaking business are annoying;
culture, with nods to cinema stars, nevertheless, he also knows that they
artists, food, Mayan culture, and most love him. The whole family, led by
of all the traditions surrounding Día de Miguel’s grandmother Elena, is always
Muertos. This celebration, which seen together, moving from their home
originates in the indigenous belief to their shoe shop there is not one
system, plays a central role in scene where they are separate. The
everything that happens in Coco. The entire family also cares for Miguel’s
story walks us through a complex great-grandmother, Coco, who lives in
theological understanding of what her home surrounded by her children,
happens after we die. grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The idea of representing a tightly knit
The Land of the Dead is where family with a clear hierarchical
people spend their afterlife; it is structure was Pixar’s way to pay
depicted as a welcoming, full of life homage to the family dynamics seen in
with bustling people, a place that many Mexican households when they
portrays hope to people wondering visited for research.
what happens after death. When
departed, people are forgotten by the Something significant for them
living, they disappear from the Land of are the photos of their ancestors,
the Dead. They disintegrate painfully those members of their family who
into a golden dust that vanishes away came before them. The film shows us
into the air. No one knows what all the affection they have for each
happens to them, whether there is other instead of hearing people talk
some further realm of existence, or if about the importance of family and
that is the end. It is a dark direction for respect for the elderly; we can see it in
the film, that sets up both the theme action. We constantly hear the idea
that it is important to remember those that "Nothing is more important than
who have died, but also that family." Near the end of the film, one of
eventually, someday, all of us will be Miguel's deceased ancestors tells him
forgotten. This touch gives the film a to "Never forget how much your family

6
loves you." The film clearly wants to first, to being willing to please his
give the message that it is important to family and not play music anymore.
love and take care of your family while Though Pixar suggests a balance
they are alive and also to remember between personal ambition and
them when they are gone. domestic responsibilities, the film very
forcefully portrays unchecked ambition
The power of music is also in a negative way. The “do whatever it
another important theme in the film. takes to succeed” mentality has been
Music is shown to be a positive and a prevalent subject in many
exciting force for Miguel, even though Disney/Pixar movies before. This
his family is initially completely against attitude is portrayed in Ernesto de la
it. However, music is Miguel’s main Cruz as well, who takes it a step
motivation in life and what eventually further and murders Héctor and steals
gets the family back together, when all his life work due to his own ambition
Coco remembers the songs her father to be on the spotlight.
used to sing for her and the family
embraces a new appreciation for how Miguel’s story is a portrayal of
the songs we pass on from generation today’s youth concerns, which is why
to generation have special meaning. many can probably relate to his
character. He is struggling to pursue
Moreover, there is a conflict his dreams and has trouble at home
between aspiration and familial duty because his family does not support
that is explored during the film through his goal in life. Furthermore, he is
a variety of characters, each constantly trying to find a place where
expressing different views on the he fits in, since he does not wish to
matter. First, we have Miguel’s join the family business and does not
great-great-grandfather, who we agree with his house’s tradition of
initially believed left his family to music being banned.
pursue a musical career. Later we
discover that he had the intention to Miguel’s coping mechanism to all his
come back to his wife and daughter troubles of rejection and identity crisis
before he was murdered. Then there is is by creating his own little ‘sanctuary’
the family itself, they are all so where he watches his idols’ (Ernesto
convinced that music is a curse to de la Cruz) movies while learning to
them that they do not hesitate to give it play music on his own with his
up, but we can tell at the end that it is homemade guitar. The subject of
something they enjoy. Finally, Miguel idolatry is another theme which drives
is trapped between his desire to have the film as whole; Actually, Miguel’s
music in his life and his family’s adoration towards Ernesto de la Cruz
disapproval of it. His perspective is the catalyst which pushes him to
changes throughout the film, from follow his dreams and “cease the
being against giving up his dream at moment”. This moment is portrayed

7
with Miguel staring at the screen with is his stubbornness, when at the end
hopeful eyes; a recurring shot in he realizes that there is something
various Pixar movies such as more important in life than his own
Ratatouille and Wall-E. Actually, the personal glory. Still, it is Miguel’s
storyboard artist for Coco, Adrian family who change their beliefs,
Molina, commented on the fact many personal identity, and worldview
of Pixar’s main characters stare because of his actions. Therefore,
longingly at their dreams through a TV Coco is technically the story of how
screen; Miguel’s family changed because he
insisted on not changing.
“It probably stems from the fact that we
all ended up at Pixar because of a
moment where we looked up at a
screen and saw something that moved
us. It’s probably cliché to tell my story
about loving animation and scouring
old reruns of ​The Wonderful World of
Disney because I wanted to know how
it was done, but that memory is burned
into my brain. It’s these moments
where you look at a screen longing for
a connection to something and then
something fulfills that for you.”

A last important thing to

mention is that Miguel, who is the lead
character in Coco, does not have a
strong character arc. While Miguel has
a wonderful and emotional journey
where he learns about his family’s
ancestors and what happens after life,
he is not actually the person who
changes the most as a result of it. He
is brave, conflicted, and he does
overcome his one defining flaw, which

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VISUAL RESOURCES

The filmmakers made creative

choices throughout the film to give
visual clues to the audience of what is
happening, what the relationships are
between the different characters and
even subtly foreshadowing plot
developments in the movie. Through
lighting, costumes, colour, camera
positions and movements they
reinforce the messages of the story as
well as the themes. Another scene in which light is
undeniably important is when Miguel is
Lighting secretly playing music. Before he even
In this movie the use of light is a starts, Dante tries to enter the room
breathtaking and striking element. and we see a shot in which Miguel
Found in the lights during the tries to hide the guitar. He is
celebration of the mexican festivity of surrounded by dark, foreshadowing
“Día de Muertos” and throughout the how he has to behave not to upset his
Land of the Dead, it is often used as a family. The light that Dante provokes
narrative element that enhances the makes a contrast with the dark,
storytelling and warns the audience revealing what Miguel is about to do.
about what is about to happen. It is Later, when he is watching an old
impossible to talk about all the scenes cassette tape while playing music by
in which light has meaning, but we will himself, he is undoubtedly lit by the
breakdown the ones we think stand TV’s blue light. This is because he
out the most. feels Ernesto de la Cruz is the only
light in his life, who will determine his
In the beginning of the film, path, as he is blinded by his music.
when Miguel is narrating the story of When he notices that the photo’s
his family, light strengthens the sad guitar is the same as Ernesto’s, he
moments as well as the charming runs to corroborate his suspects, and
ones. This is achieved by using clear there is a shot in which the light
tones to simulate a sunny day and creates another contrast with the dark,
darker ones which resemble an almost this time revealing Ernesto de la Cruz.
rainy one. This is a clear attempt to foreshadow
how Miguel idolizes the celebrity and
desires to follow his steps.

9
 film, but it is the moment Miguel has
been waiting for his entire life. When
the boy enters the tower we see how
the space is mainly illuminated by pink
lights, which sets a festive and playful
mood. This is later juxtaposed by a low
Miguel trying to hide, scared by the light
green light that covers both Miguel and
Ernesto. The objective of both scenes
is completely different, as the first one
establishes a lively and thrilling
moment for Miguel, while the second
one is clearly meant to be menacing. It
Miguel being illuminated by the TV is when Ernesto de la Cruz reveals his
true facet and Miguel realises what the
real threat is. The colour green is often
used to show putrefaction, poison or
evilness, and it is no accident the
celebrity’s face is lit by this colour.

Ernesto de la Cruz’s photo

illuminated by sunlight

Even so, when Miguel does the

same as Ernesto and abandons his
family there is a use of light that warns
him about what he has done. This is Ernesto’s tower party
accomplished by lighting Ernesto’s
statue with the colour red from a
firecracker, evoking a sense of danger.

Revelation of Ernesto’s true

personality

Lastly, there is a scene where

Ernesto de la Cruz’s statue light is used to manifest a character’s
illuminated by firecracker’s emitting red personal point of view. This is when
light Miguel and Héctor finally discover they
are related and that the latter is Coco’s
Ernesto de la Cruz’s party is a real father. When he picks up the
crucial sequence for the story. Not only photo and starts to sing there is a
has it been built up during the whole transition that transports the audience

10
to an intimate scene between the little also to memories, love and traditions.
girl and his father. The transition itself It is the colour that displays the main
is done through lighting: the photo themes of the story. Even the “The
darkens while Coco is still lit up, then, End” letters are painted in this colour.
when we see the memory and Coco is Marigold was clearly chosen because
the first thing to appear, surrounded by of the real festivity of “Día de muertos”,
darkness. In this case, light is used to where its presence is overwhelming as
show the only thing that matters for the the flowers are tied to the mexican
character. He only cares about her, traditions.
and that is why everything around her
disappears in the darkness.

Rivera’s family “ofrenda room”

Mamá Coco

Colour
Coco is filled with a wide range
of lively and vibrant colours to create
an engaging experience from Santa Cecilia’s cemetery
beginning to end. Although it is hard to
believe, none of the choices are made
thoughtlessly; As a matter of fact, each
colour is tied to a specific theme or
character. The most significant one is,
undeniably, marigold. From the Bridge of the Land of the Dead
family’s ofrenda, the cemetery and the
magical bridge to Coco’s clothes, it
appears throughout the movie to
reinforce the importance of family.
Actually, marigold is not only
connected to the theme of family, but

11
 It is also important to highlight
that when the dead family members go
visit their living family to the real world
they emit a marigold glow. This is done
in order to visually distinguish the dead
Héctor and Miguel witnessing
from the living people (and to reiterate
Chicharrón’s final death
the fact that they are skeletons), but it
also foreshadows why they are there.
This brings us to the other main
The only reason why they cross the
theme of the movie: death. Death has
bridge is to visit their family, so they
never been an unusual topic of
have marigold in them. Also, they are
discussion in animated films, but the
able to do it because they are still
way this one unapologetically gives it a
remembered; the memories of them
spin is both refreshing and innovative.
are alive and so are they.
This time, death is not something sad;
it does not keep you away from your
family; it is just another chapter of life.
It is not presented as an obstacle
anymore. Indeed, it is celebrated
instead of feared.
The colour that is tied to such
complex theme is blue. Traditionally,
However, there is one scene in black has always been associated to
the movie in which we learn about death in Western culture, but, as we
what is named as “the last death”. It is said, this time it is not meant to be
when Héctor asks for a guitar to his old considered something dark. If you take
friend Chicharrón and he sings for him. a closer look, blue is all over the Land
Once the song is over, Chicharrón of the Dead. It is always in the
disappears because there is no one background, almost as a light that
left in the living world that remembers illuminates the whole world. However,
him. In other words, there are no it never is the only colour; it is
memories left about him and he accompanied by a palette of lively
vanishes into a marigold dust, colours, showing how, despite the
continuing to develop the themes tied death, it is full of life. That is something
to this colour. we can see in almost every shot of the
world.

12
 image about them. In fact, these
scenes are also blurry, as well as his
memories.

Ernesto de la Cruz and Héctor drinking

together

There is also a very interesting

shot that visually displays the duality of
this world; how it is moved by
memories and death at the same time.
The shot is divided in two parts by a
bridge in the middle of the frame: the Héctor singing “Remember me” for Coco
bottom part is marigold and the top
one blue, which reinforces this Costumes
juxtaposition. Just as all the environments
and sets, the costumes in this film
were carefully designed to correctly
portray the mexican culture while
celebrating it. In fact, the animators did
an extensive research to capture in
their design the more traditional side of
the country as well as the
contemporary one. Just with Miguel’s
It is also noticeable the way
family alone we can see a detailed
colour is changed in the scenes that
study of the evolution of mexican
happen in the past. But an important
fashion through ages, from late 1800s
differentiation is that only the scenes
to the present day. We can see an
that are memories experiment this
example of this with some of the oldest
change. When Héctor narrates the
family members which are dead, like
night of his death and talks about
Mamá Imelda, as they are dressed in a
Coco, both scenes have a sepia toned
victorian look. However, although
palette of colours that resemble a
she’s wearing more traditional clothes,
photography. It is done to not only
she still wears her apron from work,
show these are his memories but that
representing the social status of the
they happened a long time ago and he
family. Another example would be both
does not have a completely definite

13
aunt Felipe and Oscar, who are also him with his family and the traditions
wearing the workshop’s clothes as a while the red stands for his passion
sign of their dedication towards the and ambitions, in this case being
family business. music. This colour choices show us
the internal dilemma he has between
those two things. During the whole
feature he is wearing both pieces of
clothing, but the red one is above the
white one, meaning that in that
instance he gives priority to his dream
of becoming a musician. Furthermore,
Ernesto’s guitar is also white because
it ties him to his
Mamá Imelda
great-great-grandfather. In other
words, the instrument ties him to his
family.

Aunt Felipe and Óscar

On the other hand, the younger

family members who are alive have a
Once he is in the land of the
contemporary style combined with
some traditional pieces of clothes from dead, he covers himself with the hood
and he raises the zip while escaping
Mexico. A clear example of that would
from his family to pursue his dream.
be Miguel’s mother, who is wearing a
The red completely covers his body
traditional oaxacan embroidered
while the white remains hidden, which
blouse.
matches with his actions. He is
At the same time, the costumes
carelessly ignoring his family to be
are also tightly related to colour, as
able to play music. Later, when he
they were cleverly used not only to
faces Ernesto de la Cruz during his
show the culture and social status of
concert, the celebrity violently
the characters but their psychology
stretches his sweatshirt and takes it off
and relationship with their
of him, leaving the white shirt
surroundings.
uncovered. That is when Miguel has
Firstly, it is important to
already realised that family comes first
acknowledge that Miguel is always
and he is willing to leave his dream
dressed with a red sweatshirt and a
behind. What is really meaningful and
white shirt. The colour white connects
important is the fact that he does not

14
take it by himself, but his idol takes it
away from him. Ernesto does not care Regarding the other characters,
about Miguel’s talent or passion and there is one colour that has a huge
he will do anything to save his own presence and is cleverly used through
fame.. the movie: the purple. To begin with,
By the end of the film Miguel is Imelda noticeably wears a purple
shown in two different outfits that dress, which connects her to two main
summarize his whole character arch themes: sorrow and power. In fact, in
and his learning. In one shot, when he many cultures purple identifies a ruler,
is showing her sister the ofrenda room which she clearly is, as she started the
with her grandmother, he is wearing a family business and defined
white shirt. In the next shot, when he is everyone’s mindset for generations.
singing and playing the guitar On the other hand, it also relates to
surrounded by his family, he is her personal grief, as the love of her
dressing a completely red outfit. This is life abandoned her, which she still has
extremely important because he is no not overcome.
longer putting ahead one colour of the However, interestingly enough,
other; each one has its own space, just this colour ties her to Héctor, his
like family and music do in his life. husband, as he also wears purple
Now he has learnt the importance of clothing. Since the beginning of the
both things and how to keep them movie they are subtly telling us the big
coexisting. It is also important to notice twist: that Héctor is the real Miguel’s
that his red outfit has touches of great-great-grandfather. You could
marigold, reinforcing that he does not also say that purple ties the characters
separate his love for music from his and their grief, as they have always
family, because, as we mentioned loved each other but had not been
before, marigold is mainly the colour of able to live a life together.
family.

Miguel wearing a completely white shirt The thing is that they are not
the only ones that have been suffering,
as Coco has always missed her father,
wondering if he truly loved her. By the
end of the movie, when Coco has died,
they show us how her daughter puts
her photo in the ofrenda. However, she
Miguel wearing a red outfit

15
is not dressed with the colour marigold different type of authority which Miguel
as she has done through the whole escapes from, a clear example being
film; this time she is wearing a purple all the police officers of the land of the
piece of clothing. That way, the film dead.
beautifully shows us she will reunite
with her father and that they will finally
live as a loving family. Purple
reconnects the family that was once
separated by music and ambition.

Ernesto de la Cruz during his last concert

Mamá Coco’s photo of the

“ofrenda”
Miguel talking to a mariachi
Lastly, blue is a colour that has
been used in very interesting ways for
some costumes. In this case, the
colour creates a figure of authority for
Miguel, either for him to idolize and
have as a reference or to fear and Land of the Dead’s police officer
have respect. In fact, there are two
main figures that inspire Miguel to
follow his dream: Ernesto de la Cruz
and a mariachi he meets in the
beginning of the movie, and they are Camera positions
both dressed in blue outfits. Although There is also a lot to talk about
Ernesto always wears white, there is a camera positions in this movie. Like
key scene in which he wears blue. The any feature film, there are many types
scene plays while Miguel is explaining of shots that are used to achieve
to the audience who the celebrity is, different things. However, there are
just before saying: “I want to be just some standouts that we think are more
like him”. It is also interesting to important, or at least more interesting.
highlight that, as we previously said, There are many establishing shots,
blue also refers to death, which especially in the land of the dead, in
matches with this scene because it is order to set the scene for the narrative
when he is crushed by a giant bell. On and show the environment. The most
the other side, blue also creates a significant one is when Miguel is

16
crossing the bridge and sees the land
of the dead for the first time. The point
of view shot is also often used to
display what Miguel is looking at and
immerse the audience into his
experiences.
Other than that, we noticed that,
regarding Ernesto, there is a build up Furthermore, there is a
of expectation towards his character compelling shot in which the camera
that is solved in his party, when Miguel has been carefully positioned in a very
finally meets him. Before that happens, clever way. To begin with, there is an
every time that some object or element obvious low angle that shows how
related to the celebrity appears on Miguel is running towards Ernesto’s
screen there is a low angle used in party. However, Imelda is a very
order to add subjectivity and position important part of the shot as well.
him in a higher and more powerful Basically, the position of the camera
situation than Miguel. This can be and the composition of the elements
seen in the mausoleum scene and display Miguel’s preferences in life.
every time that the boy looks at the Imelda, representing the whole family,
tower where the party is happening. is in the bottom part of the stairs while
Moreover, it displays the character as the tower, representing music and
something distant, almost fame, is on the top of the shot.
unreachable. This also creates an Moreover, Imelda has a clear obstacle
effect of mystery and expectation for that does not let her follow her
the viewer, increasing the desire to great-great-grandson, which are metal
meet him. bars that create straight lines,
enclosening her below everything else.
This bars also represent the barrier
that Miguel puts around himself to not
get hurt and get away from his family
to pursue his dream.

Miguel stealing Ernesto’s guitar from his

mausoleum

Miguel running away from Imelda

17
Camera movements every time, following the main
There could be many things protagonist of the story to force the
explored about the camera movement audience focus on his actions.
in this movie, but we found especially
interesting the way they kept building Editing
up Ernesto’s character, just as we For the most part, the editing in
have discussed in camera positions. A Coco does not differ from other movies
very clear example appears when from the studio. However, it does have
Miguel is in the “plaza”. Just after he some scenes which are edited in a
says “It’s not my fault I love music; it’s way to make it easier for the audience
his”, there is a cut and they show us a to link some concepts. For example,
statue of his idol. Then, the camera when Miguel meets his family there
smoothly does an arc shot, revolving are quick cuts that show us each
around the meal statue. The camera family member’s photo of the ofrenda.
later reveals Miguel’s figure in the It helps the audience to make the
distance with a pan left, who is comparison and understand who they
admiring the image. This movement is are and what they mean for Miguel.
very effective because it foreshadows
Miguel’s whole world is focused on
Ernesto de la Cruz’s figure.

Aunt Victoria’s comparison

Also, when Miguel is talking

about Ernesto de la Cruz in the
beginning of the film there is a
rhythmic montage. While Miguel’s
off-screen voice is what stands out
most, it is accompanied by some
scenes about the celebrity in which we
see some TV programmes and even
his last concert. In this sequence, not
only the images correspond to the
music that starts to play, but also to
Besides, it is worth highlighting
the off-screen narration. It is important
that the pan shot is motivated almost
to notice that in some cases the aspect

18
ratio of the frame was changed from the story. They could have done it by
2.39:1 to 4:3 to simulate an old tape. just showing us a flashback scene, but
they really outdid themselves by doing
it in a more fun and creative way that
also incorporated some mexican
culture elements. Even when Miguel
makes a joke about what the family
business could have been about, like
firecrackers or clothing for fighters, all
those things appear on the screen as
well. This gag was very well delivered,
not only by the voice actor but the
camera movement and the visuals as
well.

Visual narrative
Coco is a very intelligent film,
thought to create a visual experience
that could be muted and still be
completely understood. There are
many examples of this through the film
but we finally decided to talk about the
opening scene in which Miguel
narrates the story of his family. We
were doubting if we could talk about
this one in terms of visual narrative
because there is an off-screen voice
narrating everything. Even so, we
ultimately decided to do it because it is
thanks to the visuals that the scene is
truly efficient.
This highly effective sequence
scene does not have any cut and that
is the reason why it works so well. The
off-screen narration is enhanced by
the images. Not only they masterfully
get back 2D animation through
traditional mexican decorative
elements, but they also do it without
any cuts for us to get truly invested in

19
SOUND RESOURCES Christopher Boyes, supervising sound
editor/sound designer/re-recording
Sound and music are mixer. He was even nominated for a
undeniably an important element of CAS award for his mixing work in the
every film, but in ​Coco they play a vital film.
role since they are not only used to set
the mood and honor mexican culture,
but are a crucial element of the story
itself. In fact, the film received an
Oscar and a Golden Globe award for
Best Original Song and several Annie
Awards for Best Music and Voice
Acting.
To capture the true essence of
Just from the beginning of the “Día de Muertos” in Mexico, effect
feature film we hear a reimagining of recordists were sent to Oaxaca to get
the iconic Disney song ​“When you field recordings of the real
wish upon a star”.​ In fact, they cleverly celebrations.
gave it a spin by using mexican
“​These recordings were
traditional instruments, celebrating this
essential to us and director Lee
culture while making clear that this will
Unkrich, as well as to Pixar, for
be a different kind of story.
documenting and honouring the
Furthermore, when talking holiday. As such, the recordings
about sound effects in ​Coco we must formed the backbone of the ambience
highlight three points: the guitar, the depicted in the track. I think this was a
ambience and the bones. crucial element of our journey”​ , says
Boyes.
The guitar is a very significant
element within the film, to the point Just as the festivities’ sound
that it becomes a character by itself. was important, the sound of Miguel’s
Almost all the film’s scores have the town was too. The team needed to
guitar as the main element. As a provide a realistic sense of a small
matter of fact, all the physical guitar Mexican town to contrast with the Land
effects were handled by the Skywalker of the Dead, and those recordings
Sound team, from the handling of the captured in Mexico were a key building
instrument to string breaks and block. They allowed to maintain the
smashing sounds. authenticity of the town, the workshop
or the cemetery.
“​There was a lot of interaction
between music and effects, and a fine The other prominent set of
balance between them, given that the sounds in the film are bones. Director
guitar played two roles”​, says Lee Unkrich had specific guidelines on

20
how the bones should sound. different types of sound instead of the
Characters like Héctor, who are stuck traditional Mariachi which is what
in the Land of the Dead and are being people think about when they think of
forgotten by those who are still alive Mexican music”​ said Germaine
have a more rattle-y sounding bones, Franco, songwriter and arranger.
as if the skeleton could easily come
apart. In contrast, Miguel’s family To do so, the music in ​Coco
members, which are characters that incorporates traditional Mexican
are well remembered, have bones that instruments like guitar, marimba,
sound tight. One example is Papá jawbone rattle and even zapateo.
Julio, who bursts apart many times but
Score music is used to hold up
goes back together as a pretty solid
emotions of the film, to play the
structure.
themes of the characters and explore
The music of the film is also the environments, settings and the
worth talking about. It features an characters’ motivations. One clear
original score from composer Michael example is when Miguel arrives to the
Giacchino, who wrote the Academy Land of the Dead: the music turns to a
award-winning score for Up and magnificent tune that goes along with
original songs written by Kristen Miguel’s amazement and makes us
Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, feel the same way.
who won an Academy Award for
Music is also used to enhance
writing the popular song “Let it go”
comedic gags. An example would be
from the film Frozen.
one of the scenes in the beginning of
“​We didn’t want music to be the film, in which we see abuelita
incidental, it had to be crucial to the approaching Miguel, who’s cleaning
storytelling”​ , shares Adrian Molina, one mariachi’s shoes. We know she is
writer and co-director of the film. outraged by what is happening and the
low rhythmic beats transform into a
Like mentioned above, it was hilarious scene what could have been
important to give a sense of a tense one. It also helps us see which
authenticity to Miguel’s world and that kind of person is this character and
was not only accomplished by the what her ideology is.
sound. The spaces were filled with
beautiful music and a vast diversity of
traditional Mexican sounds which
inspire him to follow his path.

“​We wanted to do something

that is homegrown because Mexico
has such a rich variety of genres of
music, so we wanted to include

21
 Another scene that is away. He’s associated with the song
masterfully enhanced by music is the “Juanita”, the one Héctor sings to him
one where Mamá Imelda gives Miguel with a sad tone.
his blessing. When the petal lights up,
a mystic tune starts playing, which
gives us a feeling of mystery and helps
create this magical environment. It
also helps the audience understand
the importance of the petal and the
immense power it holds.

Apart from scores, original

songs also hold the power to identify
characters and convey feelings about
them.

“​So much of the music in this

film is performative and we wanted to
give the characters in the film an iconic
voice and original songs became a
fantastic way to do that​”, says Molina.

A clear example of this is the

song ​“Remember Me”​, which from the
start is the one associated with the
character of Ernesto de la Cruz.

Another one would be

Chicharrón, Héctor’s friend who fades

22
KEY SCENE ANALYSIS
(Scene is from 24:30 - 26:02)

Pixar has never failed to deliver

compelling masterpieces throughout
the years. Establishing themselves as
a studio that focuses on attention to
detail and breathtaking use of As Miguel’s ancestors walk
cinematic techniques to immerse the through the bridge seemingly
audience in each adventure, they unbothered, Miguel is left behind with
manage to delve into various themes an unnerving look directed to them.
and portray them in unique ways to This creates a seemingly perfect line
entrance the viewer. In ​Coco we see using the start of the bridge as a
just that; this key scene is a perfect separation between the boy and his
example of director Lee Unkrich dead relatives. This imaginary line of
advanced filmmaking abilities as he separation serves multiple purposes
portrays Miguel’s first entrance to the that are achieved very effectively.
Land of the Dead. Firstly, it differentiates Miguel, being
the only character alive, with the rest
It begins with a wide shot of the of the dead characters. It also visually
bridge connecting the ‘living’ world with showcases the age difference between
the dead; the wide shot allows the them (and how that affects what they
audience to clearly see the actions of wear, how they act, etc.) as well as it
the characters as they step on the isolates the little boy with the rest of
bridge while still masking a large part the members, alluding to his emotions
of it and just allowing a bit to be seen. of uncertainty and nervousness
This creates a feeling of anticipation towards the current situation (while the
within the audience as they wonder family members feel carefree and
where this beaming orange bridge comfortable).
leads to. Apart from that there is the
clear use of contrasting colours; the
marigold hues of the bridge alongside
the dark blue backdrop of the sky
create a mystical aura to the scene. To
emphasize the fantasy-like feeling, a
non-diegetic sound of a harp can be ​Imaginary line dividing Miguel from the
heard to immerse the audience even rest of his family.
more into this seemingly hidden
paradise. The camera then changes to a
dolly shot as Miguel is seen walking
through the bridge surrounded by dead
people. The dolly shot allows some

23
movement to the scene while the field in the camera allows for a more
motivated camera movement follows intimate and personal closeness
the main character, making it easier for between Miguel and us, making the
the audience to see in first hand how scene even more impactful.
Miguel interacts with the unknown
surroundings. Then, it changes to a
close-up shot of his feet as he softly
treads over the marigold petals
forming the bridge. The intense light
which glows beneath him every time
he takes a step personify the bridge as
it seems like it comes to life and has a The camera then rack focuses
mind of its own. This foments the idea to guide the viewers eyes to the
of a surrealist world while also subject behind Miguel. There, we see
honoring the Mexican culture. Dante in a wide shot as we hear him
bark. The diegetic sound of the bark
In fact, the crew actually got helps pick up the pace of the serene
inspiration for the bridge in one of their aura from before.
visits to Mexico on “Día de los
Muertos”. The filmmakers would see As Miguel runs behind him
trails of marigold petals leading from trying to catch up, the camera switches
cemeteries to houses - a symbolic to an extreme wide shot to showcase
path to help guide ancestors home. the bridge in all its entirety. This
Harley Jessup, the production sudden change from intimate
designer for the film, commented how close-ups to an impressive extreme
their “story department took that idea wide shot gives a larger impact within
and literally connected the two worlds the audience as we are left breathless
with the marigold bridge, which we staring at the scene in front of us. The
tried to make as spectacular as we wide shot also helps us know more
could”. about the surroundings and familiarize
ourselves with them as we realize the
We then have a close-up of bridge is actually floating in mid air.
Miguel’s face: this reaction shot allows This shot also allows us to appreciate
us to see the boy’s amusement and the vibrant colours even more while
utter disbelief at the scenery in front of the visual effect of the smoke aids in
him. Reaction shots are an easy and emphasizing the mysteriousness and
fast way to communicate feelings fantasy-like aura of this place. The
without having to over explain, while crew actually got inspiration for the
the proximity of a close-up shot helps hazy aesthetic during a trip to Mexico:
the audience feel more connected with Danielle Feinberg, director of
the character and their emotions. photography for the film became
Adding to this, the shallow depth of

24
entranced with the smoke-filled area they can anticipate something good is
where barbecues were located when about to happen thanks to the boy’s
she visited a market. She was so expression. The increase in volume of
vehement in adding the smoke the background music also serves in
throughout the film as she claimed creating more momentum as it keeps
“this is the best photography situation the audience at the edge of their seats
ever!” to see what lies in front of Miguel.

It then turns to what I believe is

the (metaphorical) money shot of the
entire sequence; peak climax is
reached as an extreme wide shot of
the entire World of the Dead is
presented to us. This spine-tingling
moment is accentuated by the
We can also observe the emotional music which can be heard at
parallels between Miguel and Dante’s full force by now. Miguel is deliberately
character. Although they are both new positioned in such a way to look tiny in
to this environment, Miguel’s tentative comparison to the world in front of him,
and cautious state differs greatly from as if it was engulfing him as a whole.
Dante’s free-spirited personality. This The dazzling ambient lights are
heartfelt moment shared between child positioned with taste to evoke the
and dog serves as an indication of mystical aura of the town. In fact, the
their relationship and it could team put over 2,000 lights for the town
symbolize how they complete one alone. It then zooms in so the
another in this adventure. It also audience can get a better view of the
foreshadows how Dante will end up intricate designs of the houses and
becoming Miguel’s “alebrije” and will streets. The colour palette extends
guide him during his journey. from pinks, purples and blues, to red
greens and yellows which evoke an
(ironic) liveliness to the Land of the
Dead.

Then, the camera dolly’s in to

focus on Miguel’s face as his
expression changes to one of
complete awe. The audience cannot The main colours however are
yet see the view in front of Miguel, but the marigold hues which tint Miguel’s

25
face as he looks up to the house and “You’re all really out there”,
the dark violet and blue of the sky. Miguel points out in amazement. Just
While the marigold is a symbol of as he says it, all his relatives walk
family and tradition, the factors which behind him and we can appreciate for
keep Miguel grounded to reality, the the first time a shot of them all
violet and blue shades relate to a together. The waist up shot used here
fantasy world and represent the need helps us see all the characters in detail
to escape from the practicalities of life. while also fitting them all in.
You could argue the little boy is a
daydreamer escaping from all his
duties tormenting his everyday life.

The camera then switches to a

POV shot as if we were Miguel himself
looking at all the buildings. This
subjective camera captivates the
We are next directed to a little
audience more and makes them feel
girl from the Dead World pointing at
more connected to the characters,
Miguel in confusion. The over the
while also providing a bit of variety
shoulder shot makes it seem as if the
from the typical static or dolly shots.
girl is pointing at us; this absorbs us
even more into the story as we feel like
We then have a panning shot
we are right there, walking with Miguel.
that lets us see many more marigold
“It’s rude to stare at people”, says the
bridges lining the horizon. This
mother, who hasn’t noticed Miguel is
provokes a sentimental feeling within
actually an alive person. This short
us as we witness just how vast the
exchange in dialogue, although banal
world really is. Miguel looks even
at first sight, helps humanize the
smaller as he is positioned in the left
skeletons as to not make them scary
corner of the shot, reiterating the fact
or difficult to sympathize with. Pixar
they are not the only ones visiting their
tried to make them as human as
relatives during the Day of the Dead,
possible and we can see an example
but how this common Mexican tradition
of that in this segment.
is followed by everyone.

Then, we get a final long shot of

the entrance to the town. The
fluorescent pink colour of the
‘Bienvenidos’ sign evokes a welcoming
feeling within us while the diegetic
sound of a person talking through a
megaphone says “Welcome back to
the Land of the Dead”. The entrance

26
resembles one of a theme park, journey in a visually appealing way but
inviting and charming. Many would the various cultural elements added
think it is an odd choice of colours give a more realistic insight on
since we associate death with dark, Mexican culture and specifically the
somber tones. However, the director Día de los Muertos festivity. Pixar took
wanted to pay homage to the actual extreme care on portraying every small
festivity of “Día de los Muertos” and element seen as true to real life as
how there are many vibrant colours possible and accomplishing what the
adorning the streets creating a light aim of the film was: To be a love letter
hearted feeling. to Mexico.

We found this scene to be the

perfect key scene to analyze because
it not only depicts Miguel’s exciting

27
BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Coco - Awards [Look up date: 8th of December]:

<​[Link]

Coco (2017 film) [Look up date: 8th of December]:

<​[Link]

The Surprising Influences Behind ​Coco’s​ Most Important Scene [Look up date: 12th
of December]:
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elliot-whale-rider​>

The Color Palette of Disney/Pixar’s “Coco” [Look up date: 9th of December]:

<​[Link]

Coco - Fashion Through the Ages [Look up date: 9th of December]:

<​[Link]

Pixar’s Coco Celebrates Life By Diving Into Death [Look up date: 9th of December]:
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The Surprising Theme in Pixar’s Coco [Look up date: 11th of December]:

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“Coco” a Vibrant, Detailed, Rich Experience [Look up date: 13th of December]:

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Coco - Narrative First [Look up date: 13th of December]:

<​[Link]

Coco’s sound story - music, guitars and bones [Look up date: 13th of December]:
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Disney Pixar’s Coco takes you on a musical journey through the sounds of Mexico
[Look up date: 13th of December]:
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al-journey-sounds-mexico/​>

11 Coco Easter Eggs And References To Look For In Pixar’s Latest [Look up date:
14th of December]:
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Coco review: Pixar makes sense of bereavement with a hopeful, healing celebration
of life [Look up date: 15th of December]:
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opeful-healing-celebration/​>

“Coco”, a story about borders and love, is a definitive movie for this moment [Look
up date: 15th of December]:
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In “Coco”, Bringing the Land of the Dead Back to Life [Look up date: 15th of
December]:
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RenderMan’s Visuals for Coco [Look up date: 15th of December]:

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Disney•Pixar Coco - Documentary “A Thousand Pictures A Day”

[Look up date: 15th of December]:
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 Pol Córcoles
Joana Escabia
Dana Segura
Carmelo Zambrano

30