It’s All ‘Soul’: A Conversation with Pixar chief Pete Docter

“Soul” is a 2020 American 3D computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. The film is directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, and written by Docter, Powers, and Mike Jones. It stars the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Phylicia Rashad, and Questlove.

The film follows Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. After a near-death experience, Joe's soul is sent to the Great Before, a pre-birth realm where souls are prepared for their lives on Earth. There, Joe meets 22, a soul who has been on Earth for centuries but has never found a passion. Joe helps 22 find her passion and in the process, learns the true meaning of life.

Pixar’s “Soul” is a beautiful and heartwarming film that explores the meaning of life, death, and passion, which has always been core to Docter’s films.

In 2023, Docter sat down with Brehm Film leader Kutter Callaway for an in-person conversation about “Soul,” his own faith journey, and how films can stir us up to see more clearly.

Interview with Pete Docter

In this interview, Pete Docter talks about the making of Soul, the film's themes, and his career.

On the making of Soul

Docter says that Soul was inspired by his own experiences as a father. He wanted to make a film that would help his children understand the meaning of life.

He also says that he was influenced by the music of Miles Davis. He wanted to make a film that would celebrate the power of music.

On the Soul’s themes

“Soul” explores the themes of life, death, and passion. Docter says that the film is about finding your purpose in life.

Docter also says that the film is about the importance of human connection.

On his career

Docter is one of the most successful animators of his generation. He has worked on such films as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out.

He says that he is grateful for the opportunity to make films that have touched people's lives.