Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Finding Nemo is a 2003 American computer-animated adventure film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features the voices of Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, and Willem Dafoe. Set in the vibrant underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney, Australia, the film follows the journey of a clownfish named Marlin as he searches for his abducted son, Nemo.
The Story Unfolds
The Tragedy and Overprotection
The film begins with a tragic attack by a barracuda that kills Marlin’s wife, Coral, and most of their eggs, leaving only one surviving egg that hatches into Nemo. This incident makes Marlin overly protective of his only son. On Nemo’s first day of school, Marlin embarrasses him with his cautious behavior. In an act of defiance, Nemo swims out to a boat and is captured by a scuba diver.
The Journey Begins
Marlin embarks on a journey to find Nemo, encountering a forgetful blue tang named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) along the way. Despite her short-term memory loss, Dory proves to be a loyal and resourceful companion. Together, they face various dangers and challenges, including encounters with sharks who are trying to abstain from eating fish, a deep-sea anglerfish, and a field of jellyfish.
The Climax and Resolution
Nemo’s Life in the Fish Tank
Meanwhile, Nemo finds himself in a dentist’s fish tank in Sydney. He meets a group of fish known as the “Tank Gang,” led by Gill (Willem Dafoe), who devise a plan to escape. Gill’s earlier escape attempts have failed, but he sees potential in Nemo’s small size and daring spirit.
The Rescue
Marlin and Dory eventually reach Sydney with the help of a group of sea turtles and a pelican named Nigel. Marlin is reunited with Nemo after a series of thrilling events, including a daring escape from the fish tank. Nemo uses his quick thinking to save Dory from a fishing net, demonstrating his bravery and resourcefulness.
The Conclusion
Returning Home
The film concludes with Marlin and Nemo returning home to the Great Barrier Reef. Marlin has learned to trust Nemo and allow him more independence, while Nemo has gained confidence in his abilities. Dory becomes a part of their extended family, and the bond between father and son is stronger than ever.
Movie Ending
Finding Nemo ends with Marlin and Nemo back at the Great Barrier Reef, having grown through their respective journeys. Marlin learns to let go of his fears and trust his son’s capabilities, while Nemo gains confidence and self-reliance.
Post-Credits Scene
The post-credits scene shows the Tank Gang, now free from the dentist’s office, still in their plastic bags in the ocean, pondering their next move, providing a humorous and light-hearted closure.
Type of Movie
Finding Nemo is an animated adventure comedy-drama that combines elements of family, friendship, and personal growth, set in a beautifully animated underwater world.
Cast
- Albert Brooks as Marlin
- Ellen DeGeneres as Dory
- Alexander Gould as Nemo
- Willem Dafoe as Gill
- Brad Garrett as Bloat
- Allison Janney as Peach
- Stephen Root as Bubbles
- Austin Pendleton as Gurgle
- Vicki Lewis as Deb/Flo
- Joe Ranft as Jacques
- Geoffrey Rush as Nigel
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Thomas Newman, whose music enhances the film’s emotional depth and adventurous spirit. The soundtrack also includes the song “Beyond the Sea,” performed by Robbie Williams.
Filming Locations
As an animated film, Finding Nemo was created entirely through computer animation at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California.
Awards and Nominations
Finding Nemo received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Academy Awards: Won Best Animated Feature. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
- BAFTA Awards: Won Best Animated Film. Nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film’s realistic depiction of underwater environments was achieved through extensive research and advances in animation technology.
- Ellen DeGeneres’s performance as Dory received widespread acclaim, and her character’s popularity led to the sequel Finding Dory (2016).
- The storyline was inspired by director Andrew Stanton’s experiences as a father, emphasizing themes of parental love and letting go.
Inspirations and References
Finding Nemo draws inspiration from the natural beauty and diversity of marine life, as well as themes of family and adventure. The film also includes nods to classic adventure tales and incorporates humor and heart in its narrative.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Finding Nemo closely follows the original script by Andrew Stanton and Bob Peterson. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Finding Nemo has inspired various book adaptations, including children’s storybooks and educational material. These adaptations typically follow the film’s plot closely, though they may simplify or expand certain elements for different audiences.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Marlin and Dory’s encounter with the sharks who are trying to give up eating fish.
- The thrilling chase through the jellyfish field.
- Nemo’s daring escape from the fish tank.
- The heartwarming reunion of Marlin and Nemo.
Iconic Quotes
- “Just keep swimming.” – Dory
- “Fish are friends, not food.” – Bruce
- “I shall call him Squishy, and he shall be mine, and he shall be my Squishy.” – Dory
- “It’s time to let go!” – Gill
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Pixar’s signature Easter eggs, such as the appearance of the Pizza Planet truck and references to other Pixar films, are scattered throughout Finding Nemo.
- The animators included subtle nods to marine biology, such as accurate depictions of fish behavior and coral reef ecosystems.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was approximately $94 million, and it grossed over $940 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.
- The character of Dory was originally written as a male, but was changed to a female after director Andrew Stanton heard Ellen DeGeneres on her television show.
- Finding Nemo was the first Pixar film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Why Watch?
Finding Nemo offers a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure that appeals to audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, emotion, and memorable characters, along with its beautiful animation, make it a timeless classic in animated cinema.
Director’s Other Movies
Andrew Stanton also directed:
- A Bug’s Life (1998)
- WALL-E (2008)
- John Carter (2012)
- Finding Dory (2016)
