ROTTEN TOMATOES: Brad Bird Gets a Golden Tomato Comments

Brad Bird Gets a Golden Tomato

by Steven Horn | January 25, 2008

Summary

On the heels of the film's five Academy Award nominations, Bird took some time out to speak with RT about the film, critics, modern animation, and his most recent mantle-worthy achievement -- The Golden Tomato Award. Back to Article

(1-46 of 46 posts) | Reply

jpotter writes:
on Jan 25 2008 08:37 AM

for me, i think 'ratatouille' beats 'no country,' 'juno,' and 'sweeney todd' for best of the year. which i'm kind of surprised at, but i love the movie. of course, i haven't seen 'there will be blood' yet, so maybe i should hold my tongue.

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minderbinder writes:
on Jan 25 2008 09:04 AM

Nice to see it get this recognition.

I haven't seen most of the nominated films yet, but Ratatouille was the best 2007 film I've seen so far.

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dahluzz writes:
on Jan 25 2008 09:21 AM

congrats brad. it's a crime ratatouille had to decide between the animated feature and potentially the best picture categories. Clearly it's one of the year's best films and animated movies in general should be treated with as much resppect as their live-action counterparts.

The academy really needs to alter its submission requirements so that a film does not have to automatically relinquish a shot at best picture in order to qualify for the more easily attainable animated feature nod. While the category was created with the best intentions, it currently treats animated fare as less worthy.

the fact that ratouille is up for original screenplay underscores bird's prioritization of story above all else and solidifies it as one of the year's top narratives. Considering it's one of the most accomplished movies of the year in terms of writing, technological innovation and audience satisfaction (not to mention box office receipts), Ratatouille should be able to compete with the big boys.

Maybe the best way to combine the various animation media is to go within a character's imagination. that way, it's expected that the style would change throughout the course of the film. maybe a re-imagining of the maze and the minataur or something, but set within the confines of a brain. i dunno, but if anyone can figure it out it's the bird.

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nathanpoitras writes:
on Jan 25 2008 09:40 AM

Nice work Mr.Bird, you da man! Ratatouille is Fantastic!

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vic40186 writes:
on Jan 25 2008 09:52 AM

Ratatouille is a masterpiece, I bought it the day it was released on DVD and I've watched it like 5 times more since then.

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kungfu_sage writes:
on Jan 25 2008 10:25 AM

I must say, I absolutely loved ratatouille, but the Incredibles is still my favorite Pixar film.

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rt_hire_me writes:
on Jan 25 2008 10:38 AM

Interesting what he says about time constraints. I assumed the Pixar pictures do so well because they take a lot of time to craft it just so, and that so many other films flop not because the makers aren't necessarily incompetent but because tight deadlines prevent creative people from taking the time they need to complete their vision. I never pictured the Pixar team racing against the clock and making compromises, but I guess we all do. I still wonder how Pixar can get it right so consistently where other filmakers seem content to spend zillions and spew undigested cactus vomit.

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Bob* writes:
on Jan 25 2008 12:37 PM

He doesn't deserve that price or any other price. He is not the REAL director of the movie.He just finished that work because the Pixar sorority stole that project from Jan Pinkava.

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Helmkat writes:
on Jan 25 2008 12:51 PM

Congrats! Honestly though this was not my favorite Pixar, in fact its at the very bottom. I understand all the metaphors etc. -but- all I saw was a Rat in the Kitchen.

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lilheclou writes:
on Jan 25 2008 12:58 PM

congrats mr bird a job well done

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sokiveta.com writes:
on Jan 25 2008 01:07 PM

Incredibles is still my favorite, too.

But Brad Bird is amazing. He's the only director who can make a movie that doesn't leave me thinking, "It was good, but I would have changed a few things ...."

No, when you watch one of his movies you think, "Wow, they told that story perfectly!"

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Chris Lang writes:
on Jan 25 2008 01:20 PM

Bob: So Pixar should have gone forward with the project anyway even through it wasn't working? Bird practically re-wrote the entire script, so saying he doesn't deserve it doesn't make much sense. You do realize a lot of Pixar's movies happen like this: they start over until they get it right.

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michaelwalker writes:
on Jan 25 2008 02:08 PM

In reply to this comment (#1520235)
A Crime? A bit overstated I must say

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sonnyliew writes:
on Jan 25 2008 03:15 PM

In reply to this comment (#1521300)
I was curious about Jan Pinkava's replacement by Bird on the story. Did some searching on the net, and it seems Pinkava's refusing to answer questions about it and has since left Pixar; beyond that no one seems to know much beyond vague talk about story problems.

Does anyone know what happened? Personally I'm curious to know what Pinkava's story was like - The final version of the movie was alright, but no great shakes - would Pinkava's version have been less commercial? less coherent? more intellectual?

Would be interesting to hear the story behind it all :)

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Willy105 writes:
on Jan 25 2008 04:35 PM

That movie was awesome.

Brad Bird is the best.

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simpsonslover writes:
on Jan 25 2008 05:08 PM

Great Movie, Sorry, I like simpsons movie better

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Bob* writes:
on Jan 25 2008 06:57 PM

In reply to this comment (#1521479)
wasn't working? well I think we'll never know.

Don't get me wrong, I do like Bird's films a lot, besides is probably the only american filmmaker that really sees animation as a medium and not a genre but the whole stpry is so fishy that really makes me doubt.

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~*Admiral Snowstorm*~ writes:
on Jan 25 2008 07:30 PM

Ratatouille has so far been the best movie I've seen so far this year. I haven't seen many 2007 releases, I'll admit it, but of the ones I have, Ratatouille is still my favorite. I got it as a Christmas present from my sister and have since watched it two or three times, and I'm feeling the urge to rewatch it again. I love the movie; it's so quintessentially well-done. Everything in it is topnotch. I'm glad Brad Bird won this award, because he truly deserves it. Yes, Pinkava started the story and worked on it, but Brad Bird is responsible for the Ratatouille we've been presented with, and thus, I have no problems with him receiving the Golden Tomato.

I'd honestly like to see Ratatouille win something alongside/in place of Best Animated Feature. Best Screenplay especially, because I adore the script. Best Animated is an award that most adults kind of overlook, because, let's face it, most of the contenders are usually children's films. This year we have Persepolis and Ratatouille, two films that are far more mature than the world has come to expect from the animated field, and yet, I doubt anyone who doesn't already recognize the worth of animation will notice. But if Ratatouille wins against live-action movies, movies that the adult movie-going public is familiar with, that might pique interest. And there can never be too many Pixar fans.

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sonnyliew writes:
on Jan 26 2008 01:39 AM

In reply to this comment (#1521479)
i did read that the director on toy story 2 was replaced midway; but that was because it was upgraded from a made-for-tv show into a feature length film, so they wanted an experienced director for it.

In the case of Ratatouille however, we have a story that oscar-winning (for "Geri's Game")Pinkava came up with and worked on for several years before it was taken away from him - which points to serious creative differences.

In that sense it would be interesting to know what happened - Pixar seen as the antithesis to Disney in many ways, but the lack of any substantial information on Pinkava's replacement suggests that it might not be a totally rosy picture behind the scenes :p

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sonnyliew writes:
on Jan 26 2008 01:49 AM

In reply to this comment (#1523131)
you mean you smell... a rat? :p

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pianochess writes:
on Jan 26 2008 06:16 AM

In reply to this comment (#1521314)
I sooooooo agree. I hated it. My four kids hated it. My seven year old daughter just asked what I was doing. I told her and she said "It sucks out Loud!!" This movie was animated. The critics and some adults may have loved it, but not the kids. They thought it was the worst movie they saw this year. Who are you trying to please critics or your audience? That's always Hollywood's problem. The movies they think are great and important flop, because people don't want to spend that much money (for my family it's roughly a hundred dollars) to walk out feeling crappy. This one did well because of Pixar's reputation alone.

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osma.r writes:
on Jan 26 2008 09:45 AM

Ratatouille � um dos melhores filmes que eu assisti na minha vida.
Ele tem uma m�gica que, em raz�o do seu g�nero, � �mpar.

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osma.r writes:
on Jan 26 2008 09:48 AM

Ratatouille � um dos melhores filmes que eu assisti na minha vida.
Ele tem uma m�gica que, em raz�o do seu g�nero, � �mpar.

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moviemonkey2 writes:
on Jan 26 2008 11:05 AM

Meh. That movie was good, but not that good. It was pretty formulaic, and probably Bird's worst film. Both Iron Giant and Incredibles were far superior.

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Chris Lang writes:
on Jan 26 2008 02:18 PM

In reply to this comment (#1524466)
The fact that your daughter proclaims at age 7 that something "sucks" speaks volumes to their upbringing. I'm sure they loved mindless dreck like Shrek 2 and Flushed Away, too. Congrats.

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VML writes:
on Jan 26 2008 06:05 PM

"RATATOUILLE" IS THE BEST MOVIE OF 2007 AND IT DESERVES AN ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATION FOR BEST PICTURE!!!!!!!!!!!

There, I said it.

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Bob* writes:
on Jan 26 2008 08:10 PM

In reply to this comment (#1524096)
lol! XD

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CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Jan 26 2008 08:47 PM

In reply to this comment (#1524466)
kudos to you chris lang, its a nice to see someone as deluded and

ignorant as pianochess and his children be Put in their rightful place!! i

mean, seriously pianochess if your kids nor you can't see how wonderful this

film was then you should only see crap like shrek 3 or how about shark tale

or some other piece of crap maybe that would be more suiting. OH and

Simpsonslover, i didn't forget you, ummm you actually thought the simpsons

movie was better than ratouille?? buddy, have you been in hit in head, lately

or ius matt groening holding a knife to your back or maybe you were just

seeing a rerun of an episode from a decade ago back in 90s when the simpsons

were great. I mean good lord it wasn't awful but, honestly it isn't half the

masterpeice that ratouille is. you know isn't it funny how a show brad bird

helped so much back in its golden years, like the simpsons, sukcs so badly

without him? hmm, too bad the simpsons boys didn't bed some of their talent

back for their climatic movie that turned out to be nothing special.

Essentially, Simpsonslover and Pianochess, get some help before you start

liking uwe bowl or dane cook movies, jeez. hope you someone helps you see

actual masterpieces and appreciating this living legend, named Mr. BRAD BIRD!

He is the real Iron Giant, all his movies stand so much higher than any

ridiculous criticism from deluded fools.

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CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Jan 26 2008 09:00 PM

correction** You know IS IT NOT funny how a show, like the

simpsons, brad bird helped so much back in its golden years...NOW is so

inferior without him? Hmm, too bad the simpsons boys didn't HAVE some of

Mr. Bird's talent ......

sorry for all the mistakes again:) Oh, and Pianochess i apologize if i

ripped into your kids in anyway, their just kids and hey when i was kid

i like some horrible movies myself, i am a kid who once appaulded films like

Space Jam and Pokemon the movie. I always can't believe how many films i

didn't get wheni was kid that i do now. So, once again i am sorry if i

attacked your kids in anyway pianochess, okay? Still, thats no excuse for

your hatred of this movie, so i hope you can realize this movie is certified

super fresh for FAR more than just Pixar's golden reputation. so, please

reconsider your final opinion on that film.

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diefelo writes:
on Jan 26 2008 09:19 PM

Lets talk truth here. To nominate Juno or Michael Clayton for best movie and disregarding Ratatouille shows the academy does not have respect for great animated movies like this one. i would say is the best animated movie ever if I didnt have a sentimental value for Lion King, but it is the best animated movie clearly beating out great other s in my opinion and beating out other real life acting movies in history. Every critic liked this movie every [person liked the movie the story the sound mixing the voice acting everything is great there is nothing bad that can be said about the movie. It should have received AT least the nomination for best movie and if it doesnt win animated movie and Surfs Up beats it there is gonna be some problems here!!

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Shatter24 writes:
on Jan 26 2008 09:36 PM

The movie was ok, but at the bottom of the Pixar list. I agree, a rat in the kitchen is hard to get around. Bird did the best he could, but this film is for critics not audiences. It did the worst boxoffice of any Pixar film since A Bug's Life and yet had the largest budget. Pixar is alienating its fan base of kids and families, by coming up w/ off the wall concepts. I think Mr. Bird is a capable director and I really liked Incredibles, but this film is not his best. Separate yourselves from the hype people.

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CoUcH ToMaToE DoUgIe writes:
on Jan 26 2008 11:24 PM

Shatter24, let me just say i never EVER accept hype and make

my own opinion felt based on my own feelings and judgements and this truely

was a GREAT film. honestly, PLEASE don't bring up boxoffice totals they

don't mean ONE thing. realize this fact: Fantastic four made more money than

Batman begins... was fantastic four a better fim... uh no not unless your

a lunatic, stupid or are adkonn3;) basically, box office are ALWAYS

misleading and i have come to completely disregard them almost everytime

except for rare ocassions. such occasion comes with the year's biggest film,

the dark knight, because i am just curious if it will break any records and

if it is great,{and it probably is}, then it will be great to see a great

film have a top ranking in box office, as well! So, essentially Shatter24

please, don't use box office EVER to back up a point that a movie was a

disappointment. I mean, Alvin and the F%$%#% Chipmunks was a box office

juggernuat does that mean it was a good film or was a film that SHOULD be

connecting with kids? once again, if not lunatics, adkon3, etc. then the

answer's ... no. Ratouille, is a masterpiece and the hype underated in my

opinion... and thats no hype!

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Haro writes:
on Jan 27 2008 05:08 AM

Shatter24: You're doing it wrong. The international gross of "Ratatouille" was higher than any other Pixar films excluding "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles." Hate to burst your bubble, but American numbers aren't what's most important. The worldwide audience positively ate up the film (no pun intended). The movie was a huge hit in America (and did far better than any other animated movie outside "Shrek the Turd" which definitely shows America's top notch taste in movies- not), but people were closed off to it because it was not as flashy (I mean it's basically an art film) so no, it did not make as much as some previous Pixar films. That being said, I work part time at a rental place and I've never spoken to a single person (and I've asked a lot) that didn't totally adore the movie after renting it. Seriously. The movie will become a classic in time, and those who didn't see it at the theater will and are having their chance to do so on DVD.

As for Jan Pinkava. He admitted himself he didn't feel himself fit for the project- his own words.

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pianochess writes:
on Jan 27 2008 04:12 PM

In reply to this comment (#1525648)
Unfortunatly My daughter attends school. If you have children you know they pick up things from ohter children. As for Shrek 2 , 3 and Flushed Away, She wasn't allowed to see them. YOu, howver, classicly avoided the issue witha very basic deflection of the topic.

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bijio writes:
on Jan 27 2008 04:13 PM

wasn't a fan of this one, though i reckon the animation is the best ever. it was a nice little movie, but as far as emotional involvement, plot, humor and setting goes my vote is resoundingly to 'finding nemo' as pixar's best.

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bijio writes:
on Jan 27 2008 04:17 PM

In reply to this comment (#1525648)
shut up. how can you say something like that about somebodies kids that you've NEVER ***ING MET. flame on, champ

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pianochess writes:
on Jan 27 2008 04:23 PM

In reply to this comment (#1527979)
Unfortunatly My daughter attends school. If you have children you know they pick up things from other children. As for Shrek 2 , 3, and Flushed Away, She wasn't allowed to see them. YOu, however, classicly avoided the issue with a very basic deflection of the topic. They are not allowed to watch the Simpsons or see the movie. And while you are so high and mighty when someone disagrees with you, its clear you've seen this garbage, I haven't. I was expecting something of quality and family from Pixar, I was dissapointed. It was too clever for it's own good. At least "A Bug's Life," another Pixar dissapointment, is useful in explaining Plantation Politics. This one is only useful in explaining Health Code Violations. Oh, by the way, very sexist of you to assume that because my name is Pianochess I must be a man. Wrong.

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longfellow writes:
on Jan 27 2008 08:53 PM

The Incredibles and Ratatouille are both excellent movies - some of the best CGI animation ever created - but neither lives up to the promise of the much finer The Iron Giant. You can write your own ticket now, Mr. Bird. Please give us a movie that takes us back to your original heart and soul.

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Haro writes:
on Jan 27 2008 09:01 PM

Longfellow: Both of those movies are better than "Iron Giant" imho. That movie is fine, but I honestly don't get the appeal of it as a classic- especially over Brad's films with Pixar.

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bethehero7404 writes:
on Jan 28 2008 09:18 AM

Loved the movie but the only reserve I have is the fact that it is an animated film from Disney/Pixar and they still have a swear word in it. 'Cars' had the same problem. Granted it was only the word HELL but it is a kids movie. This is why I have not put 'Cars' and 'Ratatoulli' at the top of my favorite Pixar list. That goes to 'The Incredibles.'

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Gimy writes:
on Jan 28 2008 11:11 AM

most overrated film of 2007...

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VECTRESS writes:
on Jan 28 2008 07:32 PM

In reply to this comment (#1520235)
brad bird is a genious, i say take that warner bros!

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dystopiandweller writes:
on Jan 31 2008 09:06 PM

I loved this movie. However, I loved No Country For Old Men, Juno, Knocked Up, and Bourne Ultimatum just as much. And I loved There Will Be Blood most of all. It is my opinion that a few percentage points of difference, especially between movies that are all 90 %, don't make a difference. Ratatouille only wins by technicality, but everyone should watch every movie with 90s tomatometers.

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High School With Money writes:
on Feb 02 2008 02:28 AM

The way Bird describes the working process at Pixar, it doesn't seem fun at all. No time to sit back and enjoy the journey of making a feature. Pity.

For anyone wanting to find out about Pinkava's involvment, even though he doesn't post there, Animation Nation's forum has industry pros who may know a bit more about the subject.

I wonder if 1908 will either be in the Irwin Allen or more serious vein.

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High School With Money writes:
on Feb 02 2008 02:50 AM

In reply to this comment (#1530706)
pianochess -

I'm please to read that you're using these films to explain more complex adult issues to your kid, but I feel it's unfair to expect Pixar to adhere specifically to those rigid, historic topics while trying to tell more universal stories. With Ratatouille, "class and social strife" and "the nature of criticism" are other subjects touched upon, but so are more heartfelt ideas like "following your dreams" and "knowing the difference between a true friend and a friend of convenience", and Bird interweaves them all so well in this film, that when the ending comes it feels both realistic and just. A film this intelligent shouldn't be lambasted for simply being just that, despite how many kids' heads it goes over. Explaining these matters to them are parents are for.

But then, I might be rare, considering when I was a kid, I actively sought out deeper and different fare in animation (and back then, it was extremely hard to come by - you youngins have it easier! :D ).

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High School With Money writes:
on Feb 02 2008 03:01 AM

bethehero -

You... CAN'T... be... serious. So I guess that Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin (almost), and quite a few others aren't your cup of tea because of a few curse words? REALLY?

If so, you might want to know the difference between Felix the Cat and Fritz the Cat. Just a suggestion...

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