Plot vs Theme

Andrew distinguishes plot (the events that happen) from theme (the message the audience walks away with). Using Finding Nemo, students initially give plot answers before arriving at the theme: letting go. Monsters Inc. came from Pete Docter having a baby and exploring "putting everything at stake for someone you love." The Incredibles explored midlife crisis, even using metaphorical powers: Elastigirl is "stretched thin," Violet feels invisible.

The best anecdote: Robert McKee visits Pixar and asks what Up is about. Someone answers "life and death," and McKee scolds them. That's binary and black-and-white. Up is really about regret. This introduces the "story engine" concept: you need to identify what thematic fuel drives your story and generates content. Regret works because there are countless ways to challenge a character through it.