Narrative and Character analysis on Wall E (awesome film!)

Genre:
The genre of Wall E is mainly animation, as it is animated. It comes from the renowned animators Disney and Pixar, which makes the genre even clearer. However it also fits into the comedy genre, as there are lots of funny scenes within the film, usually occurring because Wall E is very clumsy. For example the scene where his hand gets caught in EVE shows slap stick comedy. Sci-fi is also a genre for this film, as the majority of it is set in outer space. Some conventions of the sci-fi genre are made clear in the film, such as the bright lights, futuristic technology, and the different coloured lycra clothing.
Propp:
Wall E is no exception to Propps theory of key characters in films. The Hero is Wall E, who saves all the humans on the ship and brings them back to Earth. The Princess is EVE, who bonds with the hero, where a relationship is created between them. The Villain is not shown until quite far into the film, and is the machine Auto, that runs the ship. Other villains include the ships “police”, who are controlled by Auto. There are various helpers within the film, including the captain, various humans on the ship, and all of the malfunctioning robots that were captured by the ship’s “police”. The main donor would be EVE, as she gives the plant to Wall E, which is needed for the ship to return back to Earth. However, the Princess’ Father does not seem to show, as EVE is a machine. The closest person to the Princess’ Father would be the captain, as he is the one who tells EVE to find the plant, and moves the story forwards.
Wall E does not fit the typical conventions of a hero, as he is not very strong, wise or courageous. Yet he still manages to save everyone and plays the hero in the end. The main villain, Auto, is first seen as a helper, as he helps the captain control the ship. However the turn rogue and tries to take over, which makes him the villain in the end. EVE plays a dual character, as the Princess and as the main Doner, which is common in many films. She is not the stereotypical “Princess” character, as she is generally cleverer than Wall E, and does most of the hard work and fighting, whereas Wall E seems to get in her way a lot. This breaks the stereotype of female characters being unhelpful and needing saving. Although some of the character challenge the stereotypes of that character, the film still retains its familiarity, and is able to be recognised by the audience in terms of the characters which are used.
Todorovs narrative theory:
The structure of Wall E is fairly conventional, and follows Todorov’s theory on the narrative structure of films.
Equilibrium – Wall E is living a simple, peaceful life on Earth, as he clears up the mess which is left day after day. He is alone, and nothing especially exciting happens as he works, apart from Wall E finding a plant which he keeps.
Disruption – A space ship lands on Earth, and EVE, the “princess”, comes onto Earth in search of something. Wall E falls in love with her, and they begin to bond. However, the thing that EVE was looking for happens to be the plant Wall E shows her, and she unwillingly takes the plant and goes into something I would call “sleep mode”, awaiting a ship to collect her. When the plant is collected by the humans, Auto, the villain, tries to destroy the plant to stop the humans returning to Earth.
Resolution – Wall E and EVE, along with the many helpers and doners, go on an adventure to give the plant to the captain, and return the entire space ship back to Earth. Auto is stopped by Wall E, and the plant is given to the captain.
Restoration – The humans return to Earth, and plant the plant into the ground. Wall E and EVE hold hands and electrically kiss, showing signs of a relationship. The humans are taught to look after plants, and a bright future is suggested as the camera zooms outside the city, showing more signs of plant life.