"I think if you have a really big, heavy person, there's a feeling of an invisible puppeteer jerking them around in space. They don't feel like they are moving themselves"

In this quote, Brad Bird, prominent filmmaker and animator, provides a brilliant metaphor describing how the movement and existence of big or heavy people can be viewed in animation or storytelling. The images of an "invisible puppeteer" jerking a person around in area recommends an absence of control or autonomy, as if the individual is being manipulated by an external force instead of moving under their own power.

This can be analyzed in a number of ways. In the context of animation, it could show the difficulty of representing weight and gravity accurately. Animators need to be experienced in demonstrating how bigger bodies respond to physical forces to convey a sense of realism. If done improperly, movements might seem abnormal or overstated, providing the impression that an unseen force is moving the character around in an uncomfortable and unconvincing manner.

On a metaphorical level, Bird's words might likewise discuss social understandings of body weight and company. He may be alluding to the stigma that surrounds being heavy, where individuals might feel as though they go through the judgments and presumptions of others, just like puppets being directed by societal norms and pressures. This representation can cause the erroneous belief that such people lack control over their actions and choices, strengthening negative stereotypes.

Furthermore, the quote invites a conversation on compassion in storytelling and the arts. Bird might be urging creators to be delicate and insightful when portraying characters of all physique, ensuring their portrayals are grounded in authenticity and regard. Giving characters autonomy and an authentic sense of agency, no matter their physical kind, contributes to richer, more relatable stories.

Ultimately, the quote acts as a reminder of the delicate balance in between creative representation and the inherent human self-respect of all individuals, emphasizing the need for mindful consideration and realism in creative representations.