Ronnie Del Carmen, the acclaimed Filipino-American filmmaker, known for his directorial and screenwriting prowess, is making waves in a new dimension – as a voice actor. While he had previously contributed minor voice roles in Pixar films such as ‘Soul’ and ‘Inside Out,’ his latest endeavor in ‘Elemental’ marks a significant leap into a major character.
Del Carmen’s multifaceted talents have earned him respect in the animation industry, with an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for ‘Inside Out.’ Now, in ‘Elemental,’ he steps into the character of Bernie Lumen, a role that adds a captivating layer to his already impressive portfolio.
The recent Cannes Film Festival showcased ‘Elemental’ as its closing night film, leaving audiences in awe of Ronnie Del Carmen’s impactful voice acting. In an interview, he shared insights into his unexpected journey into this major voice role and the depth he brought to the character.
While many recognized Del Carmen for his contributions behind the scenes, ‘Elemental’ introduces him as the voice of Bernie Lumen. Previously, he had undertaken minor voice roles, but the scale of ‘Elemental’ brought an entirely new dimension to his career.
‘Elemental’ unfolds in Element City, a place where fire, water, land, and air elements coexist under the condition that they don’t mix. Del Carmen’s character, Bernie Lumen, heads a fire family, the Lumens, with the narrative revolving around his daughter Ember’s journey to control her fiery temper. As Ember falls in love with a water element, the film explores challenges arising from societal norms.
In an engaging interview, Del Carmen shared his personal connection to Bernie, highlighting the thematic elements of immigration, family, and tradition woven into the narrative. The film’s metaphorical exploration of race and immigration resonated with Del Carmen’s own experiences as the son of Filipino immigrants.
The collaboration with ‘Elemental’ director Peter Sohn, a longtime friend of Del Carmen, played a crucial role in bringing him into the voice acting spotlight. Sohn’s encouragement and appreciation for Del Carmen’s voice during early reels led to the filmmaker’s major role in the film.
Del Carmen acknowledged that while voice acting was never an aspiration, the opportunity to voice a significant character like Bernie in a Disney and Pixar film was a landmark moment. The process of embodying Bernie’s character involved capturing the essence of a father passing on his business to his daughter, Ember.
A review by Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter praised Del Carmen’s portrayal of Bernie as the most moving element in ‘Elemental.’ The character, a hardworking foreigner preserving traditions while supporting his family, struck a chord with Del Carmen’s personal story.
Reflecting on his journey from the Philippines to the United States and his success in the animation industry, Del Carmen expressed gratitude for the fulfillment of his dreams. As he embraces his new role as Bernie, the resonance between the character’s story and his own immigrant experience adds a layer of authenticity to the film.
Del Carmen, now part of Netflix, is actively involved in developing stories that reflect his identity, roots, culture, and heritage. While continuing his artistic endeavors, he remains a family man, drawing inspiration from his personal and professional journeys.
Ronnie Del Carmen’s breakthrough in ‘Elemental’ not only elevates his status in the animation world but also adds a vibrant chapter to his artistic legacy. As Bernie Lumen, his voice becomes a conduit for a heartfelt narrative, bridging the gap between animation and personal experience.