Great post Jason and I think WALL-E is one of the greatest film characters, not just a PIXAR one. The emotion and empathy that is generated for WALL-E in the first few scenes is just sublime film-making. Its like a dry-run for UP. However, although UP makes me cry like a baby whenever I watch the opening, I think the characterisation in WALL-E is better as it must be much harder with a non-organic robot? The main thing with WALL-E that helps is his eyes. The subtle movements and adjustments that make him so expressive let you know exactly what he his thinking and feeling. But also his interaction with a cockroach is so well developed as he shows friendship and concern for the little critter. I think you could talk about WALL-E forever, discussing the subtleties of his character and the way he makes you fall in love with him. It is a testament to this character development that you get a lump in your throat not only when you think he has blown up, but also when you realise he isn't and enjoys that dance in space with EVE...and then you think it is all over for him as they save the plant. Simple, elegant and beautiful...might be my favourite (non Ratzenberger) Pixar character!

Agreed. I need to re-watch WALL-E soon. It's one of the few movies I have seen in my life that kept me engaged the ENTIRE time. I can only hope my future screenplays will inspire the same undivided attention ....

The one thing that absolutely mesmerized me about Wall-E during my first screening is the fact that he is a protagonist who carries an entire film almost entirely without dialogue (unless you count all the buzzing metal stuff). And the expression of that as a film makes this one of Pixar's bravest attempts to date in my opinion, certainly more than the other 'brave' of 2012.