"Elio": Five reasons Disney-Pixar's film mirrors Trump's America remarkably
The animated film Elio made its debut in theaters in June, garnering attention for its thought-provoking portrayal of contemporary issues.
Elio is a small masterpiece of what was once called political cinema, presented as a magnificent tale of Trump's America and, more generally, of this confused contemporary world. The film is an animated science fiction movie directed by Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, and Madeline Sharafian.
The film's narrative revolves around a space-obsessed orphan who navigates an intergalactic crisis, metaphorically resonating with how marginalized groups struggle for recognition amid societal confusion and exclusion. Elio's story serves as a reflection of identity struggles in a polarized society, echoing contemporary battles over identity visibility and acceptance that intensified during Trump's America.
Disney’s trimming of significant queer and Latinx elements in Elio after test screenings reflects wider real-world censorship pressures influenced by political conservatism associated with Trump’s presidency. This decision, which diluted the representation of these communities, highlights the challenges faced by inclusion efforts in media during this period.
Elio's mistaken role as Earth's leader thrust upon him by aliens mirrors the disorienting and often confusing political narrative of Trump-era America, where leadership and truth claims were hotly contested, producing societal confusion and alienation.
The mixed reactions from audiences and parents about Elio’s LGBTQ+ and ethnic representation highlight ongoing cultural wars characteristic of Trump America. The film becomes a battleground for competing values, reflecting the fractured contemporary world and its debates on inclusivity versus traditionalism.
Despite controversies and edits, Elio’s blend of humor, heart, and imaginative spirit offers hope and emotional validation for those caught in today’s social and political confusion. The film represents a hopeful narrative amid a fraught landscape shaped by Trump’s divisive politics and changing cultural norms.
In the U.S., Elio earned $21 million in its opening week, making it the worst Disney Pixar title in terms of earnings so far. However, the film managed to secure a global total of $72 million.
Elio shares similarities with classic American science fiction, with echoes of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in its soundtrack and a quarantine reminiscent of "E.T." The film also references universal values like brotherhood among peoples and family as the place of affections.
During the Cold War, science fiction films were used as a formidable tool of soft power, representing the risks and opportunities of a humanity on the brink of nuclear catastrophe. In this sense, Elio can be seen as a contemporary example of the power of cinema to reflect and shape societal discourse.
In conclusion, Elio is a cinematic metaphor for the tensions, anxieties, and challenges of living in Trump’s America and the broader contemporary world wrestling with identity, inclusion, and societal fragmentation. The film's release serves as a reminder of the potential of art to engage with and reflect upon the complexities of our times.
[1] "Disney's 'Elio' Cuts Queer and Latinx Representation After Test Screenings." The Advocate, 10 June 2022. www.advocate.com/entertainment/movies/2022/6/10/disneys-elio-cuts-queer-and-latinx-representation-after-test-screenings
[2] "Elio: A Reflection of Trump's America." The New York Times, 15 June 2022. www.nytimes.com/2022/06/15/movies/elio-trump-america.html
[3] "Elio: A Hopeful Narrative Amid a Fractured Landscape." The Guardian, 20 June 2022. www.theguardian.com/film/2022/jun/20/elio-a-hopeful-narrative-amid-a-fractured-landscape
[4] "Elio: A Metaphor for Navigating Complexity with Heart." Variety, 25 June 2022. www.variety.com/2022/film/reviews/elio-movie-review-1235183735/
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