Bee Movie Script
Discover the complete script of the buzz-worthy animated classic!
About Bee Movie
Bee Movie is a 2007 American computer-animated comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures. The film was directed by Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith, and stars Jerry Seinfeld and Renée Zellweger, with Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, John Goodman, and Chris Rock in supporting roles.
The story follows Barry B. Benson (Seinfeld), a bee who is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a special trip outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa (Zellweger), a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans actually eat honey, and subsequently decides to sue them.
Fun Facts about Bee Movie
Origin Story
The idea for Bee Movie came from a dinner conversation between Steven Spielberg and Jerry Seinfeld.
Voice Acting Debut
This was Jerry Seinfeld’s first significant acting role since the end of his TV series, Seinfeld.
Long Development
The movie took nearly four years to develop and produce.
Artistic Detail
Animators studied honeybees under a microscope to accurately depict their fur and wings.
Cast & Crew
Jerry Seinfeld
Barry B. Benson
Renée Zellweger
Vanessa Bloome
Matthew Broderick
Adam Flayman
Steve Hickner
Director
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Bee Movie has left an indelible mark on popular culture, evolving from a quirky animated film into a beloved internet meme. The movie’s unconventional plot and Jerry Seinfeld’s distinctive comedic style have made it a subject of countless parodies, remixes, and online jokes.
The phrase “According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly” from the movie’s opening has become particularly iconic, spawning numerous memes and discussions about bees and flight physics.
Despite mixed critical reception upon its release, Bee Movie has gained a cult following over the years. Its absurdist humor and environmental message continue to resonate with audiences, making it a unique entry in the annals of animated film history.
Production and Development
The journey of Bee Movie from concept to screen is a fascinating tale of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance. Jerry Seinfeld, known for his groundbreaking sitcom “Seinfeld,” ventured into the world of animation with this unique project. The idea for Bee Movie was born during a casual dinner with Steven Spielberg, where Seinfeld jokingly pitched a movie about bees called “Bee Movie.”
What started as a lighthearted conversation soon turned into a full-fledged production at DreamWorks Animation. Seinfeld took on multiple roles in the project, serving as co-writer, co-producer, and lead voice actor. This marked his first major foray into feature film production and voice acting for an animated movie.
Writing Process
The writing process for Bee Movie was a collaborative effort led by Seinfeld, along with experienced comedy writers Spike Feresten, Barry Marder, and Andy Robin. The team worked tirelessly to craft a story that would appeal to both children and adults, infusing it with Seinfeld’s signature observational humor and witty dialogue.
One of the challenges the writing team faced was balancing the fantastical elements of a bee’s world with relatable human experiences. They spent considerable time researching bee behavior and hive dynamics to create a believable bee society while still maintaining the film’s comedic tone.
Animation and Visual Development
The animation team at DreamWorks faced unique challenges in bringing the world of bees to life. They studied real bees under microscopes to accurately depict their fuzzy bodies and translucent wings. The animators also had to create a visually distinct bee society that was both familiar and alien to human viewers.
The film’s visual style blends realistic textures with cartoonish character designs, creating a unique aesthetic that sets it apart from other animated films of its time. The team paid special attention to the lighting and color palette, using warm golden hues to evoke the feeling of honey and sunshine.
Voice Acting and Recording
Jerry Seinfeld’s transition from live-action comedy to voice acting was a learning experience. He spent hours in the recording booth, perfecting his delivery and timing for animation. The voice cast also included established actors like Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, and Patrick Warburton, who brought their characters to life with distinctive performances.
The recording process for animated films is unique, as actors often record their lines separately and rarely interact with each other during sessions. This presented a challenge in creating natural-sounding dialogues and maintaining the comedic timing that Seinfeld was known for in his live performances.
Themes and Messages
While Bee Movie is primarily a comedy, it also touches on several thought-provoking themes and messages:
1. Environmental Conservation
One of the central themes of Bee Movie is the importance of bees in our ecosystem. The film highlights the critical role that bees play in pollination and maintaining biodiversity. Through Barry’s journey, viewers learn about the interconnectedness of nature and the potential consequences of disrupting the natural order.
2. Finding One’s Purpose
Barry’s dissatisfaction with his predetermined role in the hive reflects a common human experience of seeking purpose and meaning in life. His journey encourages viewers to question societal expectations and pursue their passions, even if it means going against the norm.
3. The Complexity of Human-Nature Relationships
The film explores the complex relationship between humans and nature, particularly through the lawsuit plot. It raises questions about ownership of natural resources and the ethical implications of exploiting nature for human benefit.
4. Teamwork and Community
Despite Barry’s individual journey, the film emphasizes the importance of community and working together. The bees’ collective efforts in the hive and during the climax of the film showcase the power of teamwork in overcoming challenges.
5. Unintended Consequences
Barry’s well-intentioned actions lead to unforeseen consequences, teaching viewers about the complexity of ecosystems and the potential ripple effects of our actions on the environment.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release in November 2007, Bee Movie received mixed reviews from critics. While many praised the film’s animation quality and voice performances, some found the plot convoluted and the humor uneven. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film was a moderate box office success, grossing over $293 million worldwide against a budget of $150 million.
Critical Response
Critics generally appreciated the film’s visual style and the star power of its voice cast. Jerry Seinfeld’s performance as Barry B. Benson was particularly praised, with many noting that his distinctive comedic timing translated well to animation. However, some reviewers felt that the film’s plot became too complex in its later half, potentially confusing younger viewers.
Box Office Performance
Bee Movie opened at #2 in the United States box office, behind “American Gangster.” While it didn’t reach the heights of some other DreamWorks Animation releases, it performed respectably, especially in international markets. The film’s box office performance was seen as solid, if not spectacular, for an original animated property.
Awards and Nominations
Despite mixed reviews, Bee Movie received several award nominations:
- Golden Globe nomination for Best Animated Feature Film
- Annie Award nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Writing in an Animated Feature Production
- Kids’ Choice Award nomination for Favorite Animated Movie
Cultural Impact and Meme Status
In the years following its release, Bee Movie has gained a second life as an internet meme. The film’s unconventional plot elements, combined with Jerry Seinfeld’s deadpan delivery, have made it a popular subject for online jokes, remixes, and parodies. The opening line, “According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly,” has become particularly iconic in internet culture.
This meme status has led to a resurgence of interest in the film, with many viewers revisiting it through a new, often ironic lens. The phenomenon has even been acknowledged by Jerry Seinfeld himself in interviews, adding another layer to the film’s ongoing cultural relevance.
Legacy in Animation
While Bee Movie may not be considered a classic in the traditional sense, it has left its mark on the animation industry. The film’s blend of adult-oriented humor with family-friendly content paved the way for future animated films that aim to appeal to both children and adults. Its use of celebrity voice casting also reinforced the trend of bringing big-name stars to animated projects.
Moreover, the film’s environmental message, while sometimes overshadowed by its comedic elements, was ahead of its time in bringing ecological concerns to a mainstream family audience. This approach has since become more common in animated features, with many subsequent films tackling environmental themes.