(Pixar) Ratatouille

From "The Art of Ratatouille" book:

I can't think of a better way to celebrate life than by trying to add something new to the world.

- Brad Bird, Director/Screenwriter

"... Initially, there was some concern that people might be repulsed by seeing rats move around on four legs. But I actually feel the more they remind you of their rattiness - their vulnerability and their littleness - the more your heart foes out to them. Such carefully observed details of real behavior became an important way to anchor the fantasy and give solidity to the characters' emotions..."

This is the understanding of any artist - that there is something more to be fed than simply the body. "Art isn't something exclusionary and separate from our everyday experience; it is something that is as important as air and water," says Bird. "Whether we know it or not, we are all consumers of art on some level. Anything done really well, with true care and skill, is an expression of art. There is as much art in a great hamburger as there is in a great beef Wellington. Art feeds the soul, which in turn feeds every aspect of our lives."

If you look at the movies Brad has directed -if you look at The Iron Giant, if you look at The Incredibles and Ratatouille - they're about the choices you need to make for your dream. And Brad's message is always, stick to your guns. It's going to be hard, its going to be challenging, but stick to your guns, believe in yourself, and do what you need to do to be happy.

- Mark Andrews, Story Supervisor

I used to disagree slightly on the "do what you need to do to be happy" part. But after thinking about it, it is actually very important to do so. Life has enough stuff to press us down, but by having something/somewhere that we can be happy being/doing, that is where our fuel, inspiration for our soul comes from.

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him
to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—
this is a gift of God.
He seldom reflects on the days of his life,
because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.

[ Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 ]