The Incinerator Scene in Toy Story 3: A Horrifying Twist on Childhood Favorites

In Toy Story 3, the beloved characters from our childhood are faced with a terrifying reality - their own destruction at the hands of other toys. This is a departure from the usual portrayal of toys as harmless playthings, and instead, we see them as capable of inducing fear and horror.

The incinerator scene in Toy Story 3 is a prime example of this. The toys' worst nightmare comes true as they are faced with the very real possibility of being burned to ashes in a fiery furnace. This scene is a masterclass in building tension and suspense, as we see our favorite characters struggling to come to terms with their impending doom.

But why did director Lee Unkrich choose to incorporate horror elements into the film? For Unkrich, it was all about paying homage to his favorite childhood film, Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. As a young boy, Unkrich was fascinated by the eerie atmosphere and imagery of The Shining, and he has carried that influence with him throughout his career.

In Toy Story 3, we see subtle nods to The Shining in various Easter eggs and references scattered throughout the film. For example, the number 237 appears multiple times, including on the license plate of a dump truck driven by an older Sid, foreshadowing the toys' eventual fate at the incinerator.

Unkrich's love for The Shining extends beyond just its influence on his filmmaking style. He has even curated a Tumblr blog dedicated to the film and helped create a documentary about interpretations of the film, Room 237.

For Unkrich, the appeal of The Shining lies in its unique blend of horror and imagery. 'I think it's because it was the film that got me interested in not only filmmaking but also having a sense that there's a singular voice controlling the imagery that's being put on the screen,' he explained.

In conclusion, the incinerator scene in Toy Story 3 is a testament to Unkrich's ability to balance humor and horror in a way that is both entertaining and unsettling. The film's use of horror elements adds a new layer of depth to our beloved characters, making their journey even more relatable and terrifying.

So, the next time you watch Toy Story 3, take a closer look at the incinerator scene - it may just send chills down your spine.

Incinerator toy story 3 scene