Symbolism In Finding Nemo

Finding Nemo, an animated children’s movie from 2003, follows the odyssey of a young clownfish on his way back to his father. He is presented with a plethora of difficulties, all of which he overcomes with growing maturity. As Nemo progresses throughout the movie, he learns that genuine friendships and a home are fundamental to survival. Nemo lives in a vast ocean. It is portrayed as eerily soothing yet intimidating; in certain scenes the water is tranquil but empty. The utter lack of all life is unnerving; it magnifies feelings of solitude. To look out and see no movement but water; no organisms but oneself, augments the trepidation of what lies beyond home. In turn, it magnifies the notion of home as a sanctuary from vulnerability. The portrayal of the lifeless waters contrasts the warmth of home and augment the central claim of the importance of home. …show more content…
Presumably the most fearful thing to a fish is a set of teeth—gnarly, menacing teeth—and all of the protagonists in the movie’s teeth are magnified. When the barracuda attacks Nemo’s family, its fangs are monstrously gigantic. When the fearsome shark, Bruce, smiles at Marlin, his leer fills almost the entire frame. Furthermore, the human enemy, Darla, a notorious fish-killer who wants to adopt Nemo, petrifies the meager fish with her brace-filled smile. The frightening grins throughout the film represent that smiles are not always as well natured as they are intended to be. Teeth, a fear of fish, strike a cord of human fear as well—one of fake friends. The menacing false smiles contrast genuine friendship and show the need for true