What The Incredibles Teaches Us About Mediocrity
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ส.ค. 2024
- The Incredibles, arguably the best Pixar movie dwells on some pretty mature themes. A Matter of Film examines this film in this analysis/video essay.
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Fourteen years ago, my cousin and I went to see the latest Pixar movie at the time, The Incredibles. He was 10 and I was 8 years old. Obviously, like most other kids we grew up watching Pixar movies. We were already huge fans of the stories they came up with and we used to play Toy Story all the time on VHS. But the Incredibles always had a special place in our hearts, even though we were too young to properly express why that was. Fast forward fourteen years later and we started A Matter of Film. Since the sequel is about to come out this year, we decided to share our thoughts on why The Incredibles is considered by many to be the best Pixar movie ever made.
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We lost the audio presets we had, so just wondering if the audio sounded right. What do you think of the audio in this video?
A Matter of Film where did the quote at the end of the video? Who said it
The audio definitely had some issues, weird pauses of silence, some rough cuts, all in all, could be better.
And yes, where was the last voice clip from?
A Matter of Film i didnt understand what does the last quote was trying to say.. can anyone
explain?
Daniel Azevedo someone in the comments said it was from mr robot
H. Haydon mr robot
I don't think mediocrity is the theme, exactly. Edna Mode has no powers, but she's easily the most content, successful and self-assured character in the movie. Buddy also wasn't mediocre, he was an exceptional engineer and inventor.
I think it's more a movie about wasted potential. Buddy could have been like Edna, but he wasted his own potential with his obsession with being exactly like the superheroes. The Parr family are all exceptional, but the beginning of the movie highlights their complaints, and only their complaints. They don't do anything about their situation until forced to by outside forces, itself a form of mediocrity.
It's not a movie about exceptionalism, it's about actually using your gifts, whatever form they take, and using them to better society instead of burn it.
and revenge
I think this movie is something our current society needs this movie is a perfect lesson for our current society we need movies like The Incredibles that teaches kids that mediocrity is bad when everyone is special it's another way of saying no one is as Dash says in our society no one can be exceptional because everyone wants to be special but everyone is special in their own way our world is so focused on mediocrity that we lost sight of what makes us humans special from other species it's time we change that or we will destroy ourselves I don't care who or what you are as long as you are a good person I don't care you are allowed to be who you are you will hear no rude comments from me The Incredibles is a movie that our world should take notes from
Maybe I'm reading waay too much into this, but what if Edna's "NO CAPES!" mentality also represents the dangers of trying to be like everyone else. The cape is a very generic piece of superhero clothing, and in The Incredibles, many heroes have been sucked into fans by their cape. Their generic outfit gets them sucked in and killed, leaving nothing but unrecognisable bits. Just like how trying to be generic sucks you in and figuratively kills your spirit, leaving nothing but an unrecognisable husk of who you are.
This movie works on so many levels it seems
I think about Bob's obsession with past glories and his need to cooperate with others
A lacking quality that served as the catalyst to the main conflict between the family and Syndrome
Go watch how the Incredibles should have ended and you'll see what i mean
Buddy resented their lack of mediocrity. Mr Incredible's behaviour toward him shows the problem of high achievement/capability looking down on less distinguished people, but he came to the conclusion that forcing mediocrity was better, because Mr Incredible hadn't accepted him. It's a narcisisstic injury. Very much a mirror image to what's going on today. The whole "everyone is special" crowd hates dissent.
Pixar's first movie with fully realized human characters...and it remains Pixar's most human story.
LOVE the use of Mr. Robot and the Sam Esmail quote to prove your point. A++++
I don't think you're being fair to Elastagirl. I don't think she's pretending to be happy when she isn't. In fact she is the one keeping up the energy of the house and understands the necessity of being incognito because of their situation. She isn't too thrilled about it, but she is making the most of it, keeping the family together and finding happiness in the day to day grind (calling Bob because she's excited about unpacking the last box, mundane, but something that excites her). Helen seems to be the more responsible one and is willing to sacrifice her old exciting life in order to be the anchor for the family. An under appreciated role nowadays because we live in such a 'it's all about me' time.
Fair point! I think Helen's doing everything for her children and this requires sacrifice, for sure. The point I'm making here is that she seems to act like she wouldn't care less about being a superhero anymore, but when she finally puts the costume back on, it's evident that it's the moment when she feels the most alive in the movie. In the sequel this is explored a lot more, of course. On a side note, if there was a "Mom of the Year" award, Helen would definitely be nominated.
@@AMatterofFilmlet alone "Hottest mom of the year", but that's a different story
I just realized how The Incredibles is basically a family-friendly version of Watchmen, or better say: While Watchmen is a Satire of superheroes, poking fun and judging the concept in the first place, The Incredibles is a parody of it, celebrating the main thought and purpose of the super-hero genre in the first place.
Watchmen also forces the superheroes into becoming "normal", but it explores the question of allowing individuals to have the power to control other peoples fates through a disguise.
The Incredibles are saying that the disguise IS the power, it IS giving the individual power to be themselves and inspire others to be their true selves, that IS the power and inspiration the idea of a superhero and superpowers is giving the average joe.
While one is questioning if powerful individuals in masks should be allowed to have power, the other is exploring the fact that giving the individual the option to wear the mask they want IS giving them power, is giving EVERYONE the possibility to have power and feel powerful.
Maybe that is the constant argument that different people have with pro or con view up on what superheroes actually represent.
For some, it means: To give power to the individual (all individuals)
For others, it means: A few individuals having powers over everyone else
One of them is preaching freedom of expression for everyone, the other is warning about the danger of too much power for certain individuals.
Maybe they're simply two sides of the same coin, and the only thing separating them is the point of view.
Those are actually my favorite Superheroe movies of all time. The Incredibles and Watchmen :)
I don't think The Incredibles is precisely a "parody", and I've always though of Watchmen as a deconstruction, but I see your point
Nicolai Marquez i agree, not a parody in the traditional term.
My point is more that different people have different interests and preference when it's about superheroes as a concept.
I prefere the stories about the danger of individual power
But I understand people interests for superheroes as a metaphor for individual freedom.
The only problem I have with the last one is that it seems too much of a power fantasy, and leaves out many aspects and issues with having power that is ether not considered or taken for granted, simply for the sake of entertainment
TomásEl38 in some says he is basically a young lex Luthor. Only a more family friendly one
MarkFilipAnthony could you summarize this? i got lost after the first paragraph
why? can't you just read the comment like everyone else?
8:21 Mr Robot's monologue with The Incredibles Soundtrack? I didn't know it before, but apparently that's what I needed to have so much goosebumps.
For a split second I thought it came from the film. It genuinely fitted that well... :P
I was in fourth grade when I saw Incredibles in theaters. I remember feeling so bad for Buddy/Syndrome and it was years for me to realize how that whole storyline only makes it better.
This movie is one of the best action movies ever, not just for a cartoon, but any action movie. Ever.
As others have pointed out, you squandered points about Buddy. He was exceptional in his own right, probably even a low-level technopath that was ignore by more obvious powers (think of Sky High's villain Royal Pain). Buddy isn't the establishment of mediocrity. That does disservice to his origin and motives. He is a cautionary tale of someone exceptional who everyone kept telling to be quiet. He and Bob are literal mirror versions. Buddy was forced into mediocrity by Bob and ironically, Bob was forced into mediocrity himself. Bob lived life the way Buddy had also been forced to live life. The difference is, Bob was old enough to handle the emotions well (at least in an adult way as best he could) whereas Buddy was a child and growing, developing. He didn't know how to manage being denied at every turn and It is obvious his parents weren't really caring about him. Buddy and Bob agreed on how life should be lived but Buddy's worldview was distorted and shifted by spite.
Wow, that was actually really excellent
Amazing thoughts!
7:19 that line always hits me. When I saw the filw as as kid, naturally I thought "oh he wants to make everyone super and then kil everybody with the robots" kind of, (because syndrome was the bad guy and naturally does bad things), but now i get it properly. He just wanted everyone to be equal.
Me: Honey! Where is my A Matter of Film video?
Wife: What?
Me: Where. Is. My. A. Matter. Of. Film. Video? Where?
Wife: Why do you need to know?
Me: I NEED IT!
Wife: Uh-huh
Me: TH-cam is in danger! You tell me where my A Matter of Film video is, woman! We are talking about the greater good.
Wife: "Greater Good?" I'm your wife! I am the greatest good you are ever gonna get!
Kylo Ben This was great, man! As always, thank you for supporting us on this journey :)
rene L nonono u gotta say "i dare u" once only then u say "i double dare u"
Oh my gosh. This was great.
Nice Mr Robot quote. Can you do a video covering that show?
Noah Ptacek We'll see what we can do :)
"Being a loving family doesn't mean you have to stop kicking ass". Great line. Another very well put together video. Top-notch editing and audio mixing. Have you read any of the theories about how the film is about objectivism and how great individuals are stifled by society, Ayn Rand style? It's very similar to your own analysis, albeit with a much darker slant. I ask because this video offers an interesting counter-point to those arguments.
Congrats on the channel's success. I'd say "good luck" hitting the 10,000 subscribers mark, but we all know you guys don't need the luck :)
Hey, man. Haven't read those theories yet but it's interesting that you mention Ayn Rand since I just started reading Altas Shrugged. As always, thanks for the support, Daniel.
I tend to fall pretty firmly into the, "Ayn Rand is full of shit" camp, but I do find her work interesting in exploring, especially for critique.
I'll tell you what I think about it when I'm done reading it :)
Cool. Not sure if you've played Bioshock at all, but that first game is very much a critique/response to Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged in particular, hence the name Andrew Ryan. Anyway, the Rand analysis of The Incredibles doesn't quite work given The Incredibles, in spite of their exceptionalism, ultimately adhere to altruism and helping others rather than rational self-interest (though I guess you could argue the family, and Bob in particular, pursue heroism more for personal fulfillment than altruism).
I owe my early childhood to Pixar and Tim burton
Whoever made this video is very creative, the music in the background n everything is awesome, it doesn’t drag or anything 👌🏾
Great video man, audio sounds perfect, smooth and fluent. Keep it up
Thanks, man. Glad you liked the video :)
Man i was looking at your videos without check your numbers then i realize you are a little channel, you are doing amazing content bro you deserve millions of suscribers, good vibes from Venezuela man.
Thank you so much, man. Peace, brother.
this is maybe one of the most underrated channel.
Thank you! We really appreciate your support :)
I saw this film when I was 5, and there was always something about it that stood out to me, compared to other Pixar films, but I just couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Now, 14 years later, I stumble upon your video, and you literally read my mind. Excellent analysis video. No question, The Incredibles is the best Pixar movie ever. A timeless superhero film for all ages.
Marvel, DC...take notes....
Great video, I love how you bring a childhood movie to life in a new way. Plus your editing is amazing. Keep it up!
Saw the first 2 seconds and needed to say: Sam Esmail is a genius and I hope you make a video on Mr Robot or at least Comet soon. He's gonna blow up the world in a few years; I know it.
Karim Bayad Totally agree
Karim Bayad There was a Mr. Robot teaser in his channel trailer so it's probably on it's way soon.
"THAT...WAS...WICKED!"
Wow, that was a great video. Subscribed.
The quote at the end "what mask do you wear or are you just as afraid as the rest of them" is that from the incredibles or something else? I cannot remember. Thanks
It's a quote from Mr. Robot! Highly recommended, maybe the best show on T.V. right now.
found this channel a few days ago and now I'm subbed. Love this type of content!
How do you not have more scribes? The editing and commentary is 100% on point.
Great video, it made me understand more about why I love the Incredibles. Glad to see others feel the same way.
Absolutely amazing video quality, great job!!!
there aren't any good animated movies anymore, now they're all just "fun kids movies with bright colors with no complex narratives and plots or dark themes"
Loved the video! Fantastic analysis. I just feel that you had much more to offer, especially when it came to Syndrome.
Now, I'm not saying it's your fault or anything, but this movie SCREAMS for a full in-depth analysis. This is just scratching the surface.
Thanks for the awesome content!
Hector Manuel Elias Oliver Thanks for the kind words! At this time, our video essays are between 6 and 12 minutes, because of the time we can dedicate to the project. But it's good to hear it from you and we'll definitely consider it for the future. Any movie or TV show that you would like us to talk about?
1:08 The chills this part gave me, you made very good points it almost just felt uncanny.
I also like how they still show their human like how just because Mr.Incredible can stop the train with his strength doesn’t mean it won’t hurt and Mrs.Incredible being knocked out by the blast
Yo that Rami Malek monologue from what I believe is the show Mr. Robot was so perfect for this. And hearing it with the Kronos Unveiled theme really makes me want to see Rami Malek play a calculated supervillain in something.
Like James Bond: No Time To Die?
Guys! Brilliant work. Just saw three videos about John Wick, Gladiator and this one, Incredibles. Beautifully written and analyzed. Great to see film appreciation in a different perspective. Hoping to see more soon! and keep up the good work! =)
Thank you Vignesh, have a great day!
As a kid we were buddy, as an adult we are bob
2:38 Generic?? My house is not even 1/4 of that one!
Awesome video. Immediately subscribed
My favourite thing is how Brad Bird used each of The Incredibles' powers to further emphasise their roles in the family.
Dads are supposed to be big and strong, so Mr. Incredible has super strength.
Mums are supposed to manage everything in the house and the kids, so they're pulled in all directions, so Elastigirl can stretch.
Teenage girls are shy and awkward, so Violet can disappear.
Little boys are bundles of raw energy, so Dash has super speed.
Babies represent potential so Jak-Jak has ALL the powers!
Not a subtle metaphor, but I love it all the same!
Great video!
This made me feel stuff. Thank you.
Great great movie; awesome analysis. You are INCREDIBLE 😏
What’s the quote at the end from?
Also, any time anyone makes a video about how fucking awesome the Incredibles is, I have to watch it at least twice. Great job!
Awesome! Hope you enjoyed the video, I invite you to check out our other content. The quote is from Mr. Robot, highly recommended! Thanks for the kind words.
Fantastic video, subscribed!
Thank you and welcome to the channel :)
This is such good narration
AMAZING!
Don't you mean...INCREDIBLE? Sorry I couldn't help myself.
Great film essay! This film was amazing
I subscribed 😁 👍
Thank you and welcome to the channel Jacob!
Its crazy how a movie like this could have been made soo recent when all of society today represent the villan of the movie
Hey guys, excellent work once again! At some point, I have been thinking about the story behind this film and for some reason, in an altered perspective, it felt the same on how you explained it with this awesome effort! I truly love this film when I first saw it since it gives a sensible direction to accept what you are and embrace what you should be, and until now, that's the passion that drives me. Y'all delivered it way better! Superb!
Thank you Sal! This was a very fun video to make :)
I believe every video you've create that I've seen so far came from the love of movies and the fun you guys are having in doing so. I appreciate it!
That was really good, man.
your videos are underappreciated
Thank you my guy
This video is amazing.
Please do an analysis for the Incredibles 2! This video was incredible.
Thank you! We'll highly consider it :)
this movie is so important to me
Excellent video. Reminded me of why the Incredibles is such an awesome film, and now I have a sudden desire to experience it once more. I must say that I especially liked your statement about society not liking special, or doing the extraordinary. I've often wondered how it is that remarkable people are able to accomplish the feats that they do. Certainly those few are simply born to be great, but I believe that the special spark is an acquirable trait. Which I suppose is something of an obvious idea as heroes are meant to inspire. Again, great video.
Greatness is something that truly exists in all of us :) We just have to find a way to let it out. Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!
Just excellent 👌🏻
amazing video
AWESOME
i recently rewatched it the corporate life just depressed me to no end.
Wow that was great! Consider me a fan. Subbed
Thank you Peter, welcome to the channel!
This video is pure genius!
You made a lot a great points in here! But a more structured format would really help to keep things from getting a bit rambled! (Think: essay format)
Beautiful video
Thank you Thomas!
You know you're growing up when you start to realize that this is one of the most mature superhero films ever made because of how it deconstructs the superhero genre. How the heroes incorporates themselves in the real world, how to live with their powers & deal with everyday life, like Bob, he miss the old days so much that he lies to Helen about his job to continue his superhero even though he didn't realize that his old days is way behind him. Another thing I like about this movie is the one's fascination & obsession about power can lead to one's own demise. Like Syndrome, he is so obsessed of being powerful that he created a droid that can learn almost everything. The irony is that his intellect got the best out of him, he created a droid he can never defeat & when he kidnapped Jack-Jack & turn on him, he learns what true power really is. This movie is turning 20 years & still way better than the superhero movies we have today. This is the same guy who brought us Iron Giant.
This is fucking INCREDIBLE it deserves WAYYYY more views
This came after my birthday and it still was something that would want me to make a superhero cartoon
Actually, when everyone is super then...
Everyone will be super.
Psychopathy aside, Buddy was trying to allow everyone to gain superpowers, not just those elites who happened to win the genetic lottery.
He did not represent mediocrity. He represented empowerment. Giving everyone far greater control over their destinies.
The world would have been far better off if he had succeeded.
@onyx fyre I'll ignore your ad hominem attacks, and just respond to your arguments. I'm rather dismayed that you believe my view is communistic, when it is the exact opposite. In a communist society, the interests of the individual are sacrificed to serve the interests of the collective. Of course in real-life communist societies, the interests of the elites are given top priority.
Buddy's devices would EMPOWER individuals, giving them greater control over their lives. This is the opposite of communism.
And you're incorrect about my view of wealth. I do not begrudge rich people their money. The fact that I am not currently one of them, and may never be, is irrelevant. I simply believe that a society in which more people have the opportunity to become rich is better.
You seem to believe that it would be preferable to have a small super-powered aristocracy, even if we have the ability to allow a much larger number of people to possess such powers. I disagree.
As to your arguments regarding Buddy's crimes, they are beside the point. I indicated in my original post that I was not discussing his psychopathic behavior, but only his goal of allowing the masses to gain superpowers.
Obviously, his crimes were reprehensible. But any technology or ability can be used for good or evil, and of course any society in which Buddy's devices were widespread, the police and military would certainly have them too. And he wouldn't be the sole supplier of them for very long.
People in the U.S. can possess firearms but society does have forces in place to deal with the irresponsible use of them, though unfortunately not perfectly, of course.
*So meaningful*
So glad this Movie is a part of my life x
One aspect of society that needs to change, awarding mediocrity is not what we should do, that is only going to cause delusions of grandeur and of course feed into someones narcissism, plus other negative effects, what we should do is accept what we are and what we are not.
Wow such a great video
Very cool
That was totally wicked!!
Thank you!!!!!
Elastigirl is thicc tho
This is such a great breakdown! So glad I stumbled across it!
Thank you Donald!
My big question is what happened to the villians without the heros wouldnt the villians take over the world.
Really great Channel! Having a total binge of your content at work lol
Thanks Alex, lol! Quick switch between windows with ctrl+Tab or command+Tab 😏.
Sure thing! Haha no alt tab needed, it's Friday so it's Miller time!
0:00
Well you can count first Spiderman from the "Home" trilogy. I mean, Aunt May discovers his identity at Homecoming, and if that isn't enough, he gets doxxed by a villain so much that he literally needs Dr. Strange's powers to solve the situation.
Hey, can you do another video essay on the beauty of soundtracks in film, cartoon and even anime? (my favourite in particular is Yuki Hayashi, his work is amazing) and do you guys have a discord?
It’s by far the best superhero film I’ve seen, it dynamically maintains its flow, and to this day I wish other superhero films would learn from it because I’m so over marvel and dc films. I can watch and watch this over and over again.
you got a new sub
That Mr.Robot quotes at the end!!!
You’re 22 congratulations 🎊
*SPOILER ALERT*
Isn't it ironic that Elastigirl also demonstrates how much she also craves to be a super hero her self again? especially in Incredibles 2. Like she legit enjoys it to much. The only difference between her and Mr. Incredible is that she has way stronger impulse control.
I dont think its self control but rather prioritize “normality” family etc... over self fulfillment.
Maybe for the next Superman movie they do, they could use this video on their theme on mediocrity.
One thing I always wondered was what happened to all the super villains
Although I agree with the message itself, Bob's argument falls flat because his exceptionalism comes from his natural born super power, not from hard work. If Syndrome wasn't planning on making "noone super". He is more suitable for being an inspirational hero than Bob and his superhero family and friends.
great video man! btw, from which movie is the monologue in 8:52 ?
Its from Mr. robot 🤖!!
@@AMatterofFilm Thank you!!
The Incredibles is so closely linked to Watchmen, it's ridiculous. Love it.
This was my favorite Pixar film from them
I remember when you had only 10k subs. Now you have 100k
Thank you Mystery Man!
@@AMatterofFilm you deserve it friend! Hope to see more content soon. Its been a while since the last.
What is the audio clip at the end from?
Because reality, rather the reality we desire, happens through us, we have to make adjustments within ourselves before we can truly make a difference in the world.
The most interesting thing I find about this movie is that for all the rhetoric spewed about being special and about Syndrome being a pretend superhero, when all the "real heroes" were given the chance to put their way to the test, they all failed and died, while what ultimately brought him down was his own ingenuity when the AI he built realized that he had the one thing that could control it, and took the remote away. His own brilliance was his downfall, something none of the "real heroes" ever managed
What was that end quote from?
I feel like if Bob actually got a job where he was doing good, or did something where his strength would be an asset (construction, where he only lifts what really strong guy could lift) or something, he wouldn't hate his life so much.
such quality content yet not very popular
Hey Loránd :) We're a relatively new channel, but we'll continue to upload quality content every week so growth is inevitable! Any movies you would like us to discuss?
A Matter of Film Well if you have thoughts about Interstellar which are worthy of this quality content then i would love it :)
A Matter of Film Please do a Last Jedi video, I‘m interested in your perspective on this movie.
i LOVE This Movie
Okay I think I pinned it. The thing you guys are missing in your presentation, i think the "script" comes out too much. It's not that i don't disagree with the visuals, audio (somewhat, the music mixing and audio mixing needs to be a little more deliberate in the way of... more awareness of auditory engagement if that makes sense. I'm sure you guys know Ralphthemoviemaker, he does this in his reviews, there's clearly a script, but it's rehersed, more of your charisma can come out, it's also /filmed/ but you don't need to do that. Another excellent example of very good audio editing (narration mixing, auditory engagement, good mix) is MandaloreGaming. I think with a little better audio (cuz damn you guys have editing down, i think a few more visual gags with the editing could go a long way, but thats it), and a less obvious script, it sounds like an essay more than a conversation of ideas, if that makes sense.
I love your guys stuff tho, it's awesome and i've been binging your stuff. I'm offering this all cuz i think these are things that'll help earn you guys those extra points to bring it from great to godly. Very excited to see how you guys improve as a channel and grow, keep it up, advertise aggressively, keep up the quality, remain objective, OH and though this sounds supremely pretentious, id suggest reading texts and lectures about film-making. There's even plenty of legitimate stuff on TH-cam, just really ensure /those/ guys are credited. RalphtheMovieMaker is a great start given he has a pretty informed perspective given he's a student film maker, but I'd suggest searching for more established material as well :P
keep it up, love you guys, take this is a fan who has legitimate critique, not like "ew bad" critique, like the good kind
Hey Benton. First of all thank you so much for the constructive feedback, we can really tell that you care about the quality of these videos. I'm a HUGE fan of Ralph, I think he's one of the guys on TH-cam that's providing something new, interesting and very funny every time he uploads. We'll check out MandaloreGaming as well. We strive to get better with each video we make, so we'll keep all of these things in mind. Thank you for being a fan!
"That's correct, wendy we all wear masks metaphorically speaking"
Dr. Newman
Good essay, but you need to work on sound design. You were using sound bytes from the movie in parts where they just seemed unnecessary, in particular the conversation between Bob and Rusty (the kid on the trike; the long pauses in between each point were very jarring to me.