Summary

• Finding Dory is a delightful Pixar sequel that explores self-discovery and the importance of family.
• Ellen DeGeneres' charming voice acting brings Dory's forgetfulness and unique ability to "speak whale" to life.
• Despite the physical strain, DeGeneres' dedication to her character pays off, making Dory's "whale speech" a beloved element of Finding Dory.

Finding Dory is the best Pixar sequel, as it explores the theme of self-discovery and the importance of family. While Nemo and other beloved characters from the original movie return in the 2016 follow-up, Dory is central to the film's charm, aided by Ellen DeGeneres' entertaining voice-acting.

Dory's forgetfulness and whimsical nature are pivotal to the plot's progression and its emotional undertones. However, Dory is an iconic character not just for her memory lapses but for her unique ability to "speak whale." In Finding Dory, this unique talent plays a crucial role, as Dory navigates the vast ocean in search of her long-lost family. DeGeneres' skill in bringing Dory's character to life, particularly in these whale-speaking scenes, adds an extra layer of charm to the already delightful film.

Ellen DeGeneres Learned To Speak Whale After Hearing A Whale Sounds Album On Vacation

Ellen DeGeneres's ability to "speak whale" as Dory is not just a fictional skill; it's a craft she honed in a rather unexpected way (via Talks at Google). This peculiar talent came into the spotlight in a memorable scene in Finding Nemo, where Dory communicates with a whale in her distinctive, elongated vocal style.

This unique aspect of her character was influenced by a real-life experience DeGeneres had, and she recounted an amusing anecdote about her stay next to a yoga enthusiast in Hawaii. Degeneres' vacation neighbor had an unusual routine that involved performing intense yoga sessions while listening to an album filled exclusively with whale sounds. DeGeneres shared:

I didn't know you could buy that record, but there's a record that just is whale sounds. And I was listening to it...and it was just the weirdest thing I'd ever seen in my life.

This surreal experience not only provided DeGeneres with a good story but also inadvertently served as research for her role as Dory, enhancing her ability to mimic whale vocalizations in a comical and endearing manner. The whale speak was such a hit with audiences in Finding Nemo that the gag was repeated in Finding Dory. This time Dory was speaking with Destiny, a whale shark who was going through an identity crisis and thought they were a whale. Dory also meets the whale Bailey in Finding Dory, a beluga who can't figure out his echolocation.

Finding Dory Director Andrew Stanton Didn't Think DeGeneres Would Do The Whale Sounds

Finding Dory director Andrew Stanton initially had reservations about whether DeGeneres would be able to, or even willing to, perform the whale sounds. The task required not just vocal flexibility but also a willingness to embrace the absurdity of the situation. DeGeneres, however, rose to the challenge, showcasing her commitment to her character and her craft. The result is a performance that is both hilarious and memorable, contributing greatly to the film's success. However, the physical demands of speaking whale as Dory were not lost on Ellen DeGeneres.

In bringing this unique form of communication to life, DeGeneres faced challenges that went beyond the usual voice acting. The actor commented, "It's not easy... if you have to do it a lot. It's very, it's tough on your vocal cords. You have to kind of warm up," This aspect of her performance highlights the dedication and effort that went into making Dory as authentic and engaging as possible even despite the character already being established. Despite the physical strain, DeGeneres' efforts paid off, adding depth and humor to Dory's character and ensuring that her "whale speech" became one of the most beloved elements of Finding Dory.

Watch Finding Dory on Disney+

Source: Talks at Google