Why Hopper is a Fantastic Villain [A Bug's Life]

I decided to make a video about why I think Hopper is a great villain after my most recent rewatch of A Bug's Life, enjoy.
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My Patreon if you want to support me www.patreon.com/Rockotar
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All footage used is for review purposes and is fair use.
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Music Used from -
Super Mario 3D Land
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door
Super Paper Mario
Fire Emblem: Thracia 776
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Disney Princess Enchanted Journey
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#disney #pixar #abugslife #hopper #villains #villain #disneypixar #animation #analysis
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0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Hopper's Power is Fear
2:57 - He Even Makes His Own Minions Fear Him
3:36 - He Knows His Own Weaknesses and Seed Scene
4:46 - Flik Stands Up and Hopper Loses His Power
6:56 - Hopper's Poetic Downfall
8:07 - Final Thoughts and Outro

[@andrewchilds8886]

Hopper is a great example of lawful evil. He is evil and doesn’t mind it. He has a code and obeys it. He has a plan and does his best to keep it going. However he stands on a house of cards and Someone managed to knock a card out from the bottom.

[@adriancooley1819]

Stand on a house of cards? I see what you did there.

[@Nic_2751]

Holy shit that’s the perfect analogy

[@AJR-zg2py]

Ayyyy I see what you did there :P

[@cameronspalding9792]

Hopper is played by Kevin Spacey, I think he did a good job in this film. Shame that he ruined it for himself by being a rapist.

[@ronaldomontero3624]

​@@cameronspalding9792even worse underage

[@roiroije6326]

A villain who understands their own flaws are so refreshing. Out with the overconfident smuglord who thinks that nothing can pose a threat, in with the intelligent warlord who *knows* how to win.

[@matteomesisca9368]

Non credo hopper Randall lo era di più era così spietato in monster inc

[@matteomesisca9368]

Randall e Lo chef skinner accanto a Hopper

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Say that last part to me but softly

[@glitchon7151]

Hopper is the second pretending to be the first

[@shiggermetimbers]

​@@lavenderflowersfall280ayo?

[@jare3459]

Hopper's mistake is he let the illusion of power fail. He should have gone for kill moment the hero call him out bringing fear back and showing a small amount of power to reform it.

[@0axis771]

Like all bullies, the illusion of power ultimately means a fragile ego. Such egos ultimately give way to fear the moment that illusion begins to crack.

[@capadociaash8003]

He tried, but a house built on a foundation of sand can’t survive when the waves come

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Yeah everything would work out fine if he just killed the protagonist in the beginning. Then when he stood up to hopper again? Definitely should have killed him.

[@TheBlkKat]

Yup, the moment Flik stepped out telling Hopper to quit messing with Dot was when Hopper needed to have squished Flik. Hopper easily could spin the responsibility onto Atta, the Queen likely would have taken the colony back over, and all but one ant would actually care that Flik was executed. Dot would have to somehow assume the throne or rally a rebellion faction starting with her troop in order to get things to change.

[@robirvine6970]

No shit dumbass. That's the point of the video.

[@LowEffortDucks]

"You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one and if they ever figure that out there goes our way of life! It's not about food, it's about keeping those ants in line. That's why we're going back!"- Hopper A people shouldn't fear their government, a government should fear their people. Sometimes we need to remind them.

[@runningbetweenspaces]

Hopper was basically a colonizing power tbh

[@treyowen9213]

DAMN RIGHT!!

[@Cousgoose]

Woah 🤯

[@newelljoseph5060]

January 6th

[@Ltbird]

@@newelljoseph5060 A more pathetic attempt at a Beer Hall Putch. What about it?

[@ViewerOnline101]

I think Hopper's power obsession is related to his scar. We know he got it when he was almost eaten by a bird (at least that's what was implied). That must have been terrifying and traumatic for him and made him feel weak and helpless. This made him a control freak where he needs to feel in power and put others down so he doesn't feel weak or insignificant, and he gets that power trip by bullying the ants and his gang.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Good point. Thanks for watching.

[@tomnorton4277]

I always assumed Hopper's scar was just something that the animators included to make him look threatening. Granted, it was confirmed that he was afraid of birds but I thought that was just an insect's survival instincts. It didn't occur to me that his scar might actually be from one.

[@ViewerOnline101]

@@tomnorton4277 His brother said it. "And the birds eat the grasshoppers. Like the one that almost ate you. This sparrow had him halfway down its throat. Hopper's kicking and screaming. Oh come on, it's a great story."

[@tomnorton4277]

@@ViewerOnline101 Huh, I completely missed that. Maybe it's just because I haven't watched the movie in years but it could also be because Hopper's brother was speaking VERY quickly.

[@acrazysheepdog1555]

That just makes me feel kinda sad now, knowing how he dies.

[@gustavoneridesouza120]

Also, Hopper is somewhat philosophic and way more realistic, as he told Atta that the first step of leadership is that everything is your fault. And we all know this is absolutely true. He is also a bug of word, as he honored the promise he made to this mother in her deathbed. I think Pixar could consider making a spin-off of the grasshopper's gang, or the Circus Bugs.

[@an-animal-lover]

I kind of want to watch A Bug's Life again now, just for Hopper

[@ShadowDeist]

Prequel would be great would love to see Hopper getting nearly eaten by the blue jay

[@gustavoneridesouza120]

@@ShadowDeist won't happen,tho. Sadly a Bug's Life is not that good to Pixar

[@ShadowDeist]

@@gustavoneridesouza120 you got that right sadly, a bug's life is so underrated

[@gustavoneridesouza120]

@@ShadowDeist Toy Story received tons of sequels and spin-offs, has its own games and gained a world in KH 3. Monsters Inc gained a prequel, a sequel in series, several shorts, a world in KH3. A Bug's Life just a PS1 game as far as i remember

[@peterrealar2.067]

The fact this villain is the most relevant PIXAR antagonist today is what I love most about Hopper. He's the definition of the authoritarian figure who trades independence for FALSE security.

[@Bustermachine]

Also he's one of the few Pixar twist villains whose twist is still, relatively, novel. Usually the twist is 'actually I was evil all along!' in Hopper's case though, the twist is that he's fully cognizantt of his achile's heel.

[@peterrealar2.067]

@@Bustermachine Yeah, it's pretty smart.

[@petercross1879]

​@@peterrealar2.067 let's go brandon

[@peterrealar2.067]

@@petercross1879 Indeed, name twin.

[@peterrealar2.067]

@@Bullboy_Adventures You really don't know the value of accountability, do you? You're such a coward, not taking on the elite for all the pain and suffering they've caused. You're not like Flik, you're like a regular ant who maintains the status quo. Do I have to list all the garbage they've got away with?

[@housel9352]

This hits even harder when you consider the fact that realistically, this movie could've easily ended within the first 10 minutes. Ants are ravenous, aggressive, and extremely territorial (basically hornets without wings). If anything, this only further shows how false Hopper's power was, because if he and all his buddies had chosen any other ant colony to break into and bully, they would never emerge to see the sun again.

[@Truck-kun_01]

Them Bullet ants probably would've eaten in a buffet

[@biggsdarklighter0473]

​@@Truck-kun_01bullet ants are ironically more solitary than other ants. They go on hunting expeditions alone, but they can and will pull together in defense of their nest and Queen.

[@Pink_pr1ncess]

It also could’ve ended early because like Molt said “the birds eat the grasshoppers”. Hopper would’ve been eaten by that previous bird by now or by another animal that eats insects.

[@Raspse7en]

Ironically, Ants are related to hornets due to both belong order of insects, Hymenoptera. So your comparison of ants to hornet is very fitting and it show why Hopper wouldn't stand a chance if the ants decide to act like how they usually do in real life.

[@harpereloise7973]

And there 100% are fire ants in that world too. Yeah...

[@alexanderjackson9239]

What made Hopper so great is not exactly how physically strong he was, but how much of a mental manipulation he was able to pull off, with literally just about every character in the film.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Exactly. Thanks for watching.

[@orangeslash1667]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy Hopper was originally going to be voiced by Robert DeNiro, but he said no for some reason???? So Kevin Spacey was chosen instead.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

@@caitlyncarvalho7637 I'll probably have to make a video on the incredibles to fully explain just how great Syndrome is as a villain.

[@tankguy5312]

Would be cool for Hopper trying to take down the strongest ant or any bug that is equal to his strength in a match. To honor his father.

[@nemonomen3340]

Part of the reason Pixar doesn’t have a lot of great villains is that they’re uncommonly great at making interesting stories _without_ villains. That being said, I can’t believe you skimmed over Charles Muntz.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I haven't seen Up in a while, so I can't remember how good he is. Thanks for watching by the way.

[@Cherrywick76]

Yeah, Charles Muntz was great. Admittedly, Skinner isn't really a BAD villain since he's barely even one. He's more an antagonistic side character for the first part of the film and an allegory for a human who has forsaken humanity in favor of being a thief like a rat.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

@@Cherrywick76 I mainly used footage of Skinner to say he was just an OK villain

[@syweb2]

@@Cherrywick76 I'm a little out of the loop, which one is Skinner?

[@hiddenthunder1395]

@@syweb2 Chef Skinner, the antagonist from Ratatouille.

[@shadowwriter329]

Hopper is one of my favorite villains yet is underrated. It was just something about him that made him so cool to me as a kid. Every scene he is in he pretty much steals the show from how he was introduced, to the scene where he threatens his brother to the scene of the seeds and crushing/killing the gang members, he just sells it. And while he is bigger then even his gang members (due to the size and coloring I theorize he is more a locust then grasshopper) we see he isn’t as big of a monster that he wants to appear. Truly a good villain and one that is underrated.

[@kalvin187douglas]

Agreed

[@sofyankarim]

Trust me…. It’s all the doing of Kevin Spacey.

[@leonardocouto3109]

buddy, I don't know if you noticed this, but the segments of his body on the chest and forearms;notice how the first folds a bit outward and the area near his hands are bigger? Also, notice how he's got spikes all over these areas, but especially around the collar and in the forearms? It's a gangster jacket. HIS BODY IS A GANGSTER JACKET.

[@david95ms]

the movie is good, not among te top like Infinity War but very likable overall. But what makes it stand out for me is not the movie itself, it's in the credits scenes where directors usually put bloopers, it was animated scenes from them like they were acting commiting mistakes and showing all the bugs like actors >including the grasshoppers< and having a good time like no harm was truly done to begin with, that's the real reason the movie sticks with me. not a lot of shows let you see a behind scenes like let alone the extra effort animating those scenes to show that ultimately no harm was done cannon or not... That was very wholesome!

[@leonardocouto3109]

@@david95ms I sincerely miss those. They're really fun and I feel some of it could be just actual bloopers of the actors messing up or enjoying themselves! In a way, that makes it feel even more authentic. I love the one in which Flick just screams "To infinity and beyond!". I feel that's an actual blooper of the actor just having fun

[@USMC49er]

Hopper getting eaten by the Bird was also set up by the initial chase the Bird had with Flik and the Circus Bugs. The gang had a full head start to get away from the Bird but when Hopper was trying to escape, the Bird learned from its mistake and cuts off his only escape route.

[@0axis771]

Hopper is also a great foil to Flik. Flik ultimately understands his weaknesses and also tries to cover them up by seeking help. First from the circus bugs, then by trying to create a makeshift bird. He was using similar tactics against Hopper, trying to get something stronger or selling an illusion of strength. Yet at the end of it all, Flik found the inner strength to stand up against the false strength and inspired all the ants to rise up against Hopper. Flik found true strength, while Hopper remained as someone trying to cling to a false strength.

[@ragg232]

That reminds me of this saying I heard when I was younger. "The strong seek strength within themselves, the weak seek it within others." Thinking about it now, you can see it as recognizing your weaknesses and seeking help. You can also consider that not all weak people seek strength for noble reasons, like Hopper using the ants to prop himself up.

[@schnittmagier5515]

Uhhh Axis! That is an excellent point. I never thought about it and you are right. The theme of this story is "illusion of strength". First, the grasshoppers are using it against the ants. Then the ants are using it against the grasshoppers (fake fighters and fake bird) but they fail. The Moral of this story is that they can only beat their enemy by being better than that. Just using the same manipulative mind games against your Opponent is not good enough. Otherwise, you are still as weak and manipulative as your oppressor. The ants were tempted to build up their new society on illusions and lies, and a lesser filmmaker would have made the mistake and let their protagonist get away with this false victory, but Pixar was at their best around this decade!

[@0axis771]

@@schnittmagier5515 Exactly. Because you saw how when the fake bird plan failed them, the ants were cowering once more to Hopper, because their "illusion strength" was broken. They were trying to beat an illusion using their own illusion. So when Flik displayed true courage and strength to unite the ants, nothing Hopper could say or do in order to intimidate them would succeed, because an illusion of strength will always shatter in the face of true strength.

[@rapatacush3]

Did you miss the part were he got badly beated.

[@memenatsuki2577]

Speaking of true strength, did Flik knocking over the food attract the bird in some way?

[@chavamara]

I think my favourite part of this movie is the moment that Flik not only calls out Hopper on his actual weakness, but realizes that Hopper always KNEW about his weakness.

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

Hopper’s speech about power after completely crushing some of his subordinates is genuinely chilling. People still use this illusion of power to hold control and it’s really unsettling how accurate that speech is for a movie about ants and grasshoppers.

[@mateiionescu1817]

The "grasshoppers" have controlled humans for many thousands of years and still do. It's unsettling to watch the movie because it hits close to home.

[@dfsfsdfd]

@@mateiionescu1817 Diaspora == Locust Swarm

[@rosaevee274]

It is by default how anyone running a capitalist business thinks. That is why they continue to oppose a shorter work week despite there being scientific proof it is more efficient. It's about keeping those ants (the labor class) in line.

[@gazelle_diamond9768]

@@mateiionescu1817The "grasshoppers" are literally also humans, so what even is your point?

[@JoeTony1995]

​@gazelle_diamond9768 I think the point is grasshoppers are akin to a ruling class (kings, lords, politicians, CEOs) and the ants are like the people constantly under their boot.

[@adammartinez8061]

This has to be one of the greatest analyses I have heard. To me when Flik stood up to hopper and Hopper began to lose it…..he may not have shown it but you can secretly see the fear in Hopper. To me Hopper actions weren’t out of anger but of fear and desperation…..each word that came out of Flik’s mouth……more fear…….fear because Flik was right. Hopper’s action to squish Flik to me was more out of Fear and desperation…….because Hopper knew that he was going to lose everything but it was too late for the truth had been said and all took was one Ant to speak out for hopper to lose everything…….his control over the ants……..his Gang, even his Feral Pet Thumper took flight and left. All It took was one Ant.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Thanks for watching and enjoying, I'm planning on making more videos like this, so stay tuned if you want to catch them as well

[@adammartinez8061]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy Yup but like Simba and Palpatine said in Lion King and Star Wars. Palpatine “The Only thing he was afraid of was……loosing his power……which of course in the end he did. Simba “Scar couldn’t let go of his hate…..in the end it destroyed him. Yup, exactly what happened with hopper.

[@telefeeb1]

Another thing was not only did the one person speak up, but when they did hopper lost his composure. When people had that seed of empowerment planted it visibly weakened him, demonstrating that HE knew that was true. If he had at least held onto his bravado and shown faith in his illusion, he could have made an effort to maintain it. Quickly slaughtering flik and maybe one or two others for good measure would establish that, sure, they WOULD win if they all worked together; but at what cost? How many of them would be willing to end up like that? Maybe they could all make that sacrifice for the greater good but, if his threat to take as many down with him as possible exposed enough cowards, then a number of sensible rebels would see the odds may not be as favorable as they thought and waver. If that left only a few dozen dedicated rebels then his men could crush them and reestablish order, even setting a precedent of failed rebellion to keep them in line.

[@adammartinez8061]

@@telefeeb1 Only one problem for Hopper and his gang, its going to end up raining only minutes after…..and they have not taken flight from the island yet. Grasshopper: Going back there when it rains???? We might as well end up sucking bug spray.

[@bradleyhauertheedtruncanfa5020]

This guy needs more focus. I really enjoy him, tho I prefer Waternoose and Chick Hicks a lot more than this cruel grasshopper. The only reason he isn't Pure Evil is that he promised his mother on her deathbed that he wouldn't kill Molt and kept it despite really wanting to kill him, proving he is somewhat honorable, which Pure Evils can't be. Also, amazing video.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I agree, he isn't pure evil, he just pretends to be, that's another factor I like about him. also I forgot about Chick Hicks when recounting the best Pixar villains, he's great too, and thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed

[@bradleyhauertheedtruncanfa5020]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy Thx! Can't wait for the next video!

[@Edwinaopt]

Chick Hicks is cool too! Also I never would have thought of Hopper as honorable before.

[@Sejikan]

I don't consider chick hicks as a villain, an annoying rival yes but he's not a villain

[@theintrovertedarcanist984]

@@Sejikan I agree, he’s more plain antagonistic than truly villainous.

[@mrx4022]

_"You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one; and if they ever figure that out, there goes our way of life! It's not about food. It's about keeping those ants in line!"_

[@nategraham6946]

While Hopper may be evil, he does have one line that is beyond true, and I have used it on many occasions, even in the military. "First rule of leadership, everything is your fault."

[@terrymortal5517]

Yeah right you always blamed someone else i know how the military works, you fail up hill

[@wishfulink1219]

Hopper has always terrified me. As a child he made me so scared. When he first stares at Flick when he's scrambling in his introduction, no matter where you sit in a room Hopper is looking straight through you. It's so unsettling. As a kid I saw him as the worst kind of bully, as an adult he is a mirror for the real world. How governments, companies, employers and religions control people, through fear, intimidation and control. He killed 3 of his men just TO PROVE A POINT. And stood on their corpses on the seed pile! I know they're bugs but that's so cold. He had no problem threatening a child offering them up to Thumper. No problem in potentially killing the kids. No problem starving the ants out even tho his gang has plenty of food. All of this, just to maintain to control. Whenever someone asks me what Disney/Pixar villain scares me, I always point to Hopper and most of them are shocked which I find more shocking. This movie is probably what helped set in my early childhood lessons of standing up to bullies and looking out for social outcasts and protecting one another. I feel like every kid should watch this when they're young.

[@Michael-590]

His ego, sadism and gluttony overrode his common sense. He didn’t think about how killing the Queen and starving out the ant colony would get rid of his steady food supply, and therefore his gangs’ way of life.

[@Society.263]

The best part about hopper being a great villain is because he was voiced by a real villain

[@houndsofroses3727]

Tbh last year Kevin Spacey was proved not guilty... it was just some little yob trying to get his money after Kevin hit on him in a bar... the yob in question was 17.... so not illegal x

[@gamingevolvedkg30]

How so?

[@Society.263]

@@gamingevolvedkg30 Kevin spacey

[@SvanTowerMan]

@@Society.263 I'm not fully convinced that he's actually guilty. It wouldn't be the first time that a man's life has been ruined by false accusations.

[@toawing]

Hopper is great, unlike most villains he isn't on a higher threat level then the hero. Or at least it's a small difference, so he has to be smart and act like he is. This grounds him making him understandable while making it more impressive that he can intimidate the ants

[@lukeahn0330]

Honestly the scene where the ant girl gave the main character a rock and the circus members thinking it was an ant thing. Minutes later they give a rock to the ants thinking they nailed it, and the ants thinking it was a circus thing. XD

[@TH3F4LC0Nx]

"Ants don't serve grasshoppers! It's you who need us! We're a lot stronger than you say we are. And you know it...don't you?" 🔥🔥🔥

[@tonyparra8459]

Hopper smacks Flik to the ground and was ready to crush him, but thanks to Atta blocking.

[@user-vt8kz1ll7b]

I’m certain the reason Bug’s Life was seen as meh was cause it had high expectations from audiences as this was Pixar’s 2nd film and were expecting them to knock out of the park as their first film, Toy Story, had done. Also, I think the liar reveal coulda been done a smidge better.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Yeah, I hate it when people say things are bad or meh just because they were expecting too much. The liar revealed section is honestly not that bad compared to most other movies that do it, since it is more well set up and doesn't last too long. Thanks for watching.

[@MasonJWMyers]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy Yes, Thank You! When you legitimately compare it to other movies that do the liar-reveal trope, it's honestly not bad at all. It had proper setup and Flik honestly had relatable reasons for doing so. Be honest everyone, realistically if you were in the exact same situation as Filk, (Where you had made a terrible mistake, self-proclaim that you are gonna make up for said mistake, and find out in your moment of victory you made another mistake.) would you just go clean about it all or just lie to prolong or cover the embarrassment and shame of your mistake because you fear the worst possible case-scenario that will probably come to pass if you never come clean? I'm pretty sure 99% of all people would choose the second one.

[@gabrielstroup]

Its also interesting to note that Hopper and Molt are seemingly the only grasshoppers that have made the transition into locusts, which is prompted by a large uptick of serotonin in their system as a result of living in a larger group of grasshoppers. This carries the implication that Hopper is obsessed with controlling his gang becauss the serotonin in his system has literally altered his brain chemistry, forcing him to gather as many resources as possible to grow his grasshopper army.

[@Michael-590]

That would probably help explain his unreasonable demands for food offerings. He wanted to protect his power and steady food supply so his gang could continue with their comfortable way of life, but his ego, sadism and gluttony overrode his common sense by plotting to squish the queen and starve out the ant colony.

[@TheRedRoseofJujutsuKaisen]

Hopper getting eaten alive by a bird was the most gruesome way to go. Jesus, imagine getting pick up by a bird and having it feed you to their babies and all you can do is watched helpless while you’re being eaten alive. But what makes it even worse is that you can just hear his desperation and cries for help. His voice actor did a good job showing the fear in his voice and the screaming too.

[@AiluridaeAureus]

Like literally. Birds and snakes are the actual worst thing to be eaten by. At least you're dead by the time a wolf or bear is digesting you. A giant owl or snake though? It eats you whole and you spend your last moments burning alive and suffocating in a place you can't see, with no way out. Eerily resembles literal hell.

[@dfsfsdfd]

@@AiluridaeAureus I have to respectfully disagree, Chimpanzees and cats will rip you apart and watch you suffer and find joy in it. Regardless, being eaten alive in general is a awful way to go. I fully agree with the horror of the picture you painted though.

[@atozreaction116]

@@AiluridaeAureus the thing is tho these baby birds DIDNT swallow him whole😰 they tore and tugged him apart, fighting over limbs. It’s so scary to think about. From a human’s perspective, baby birds are cute but from a BUG’s perspective it’s looking death in the face😰

[@WeaverOfStars]

@@atozreaction116 I was about to say, I am pretty sure considering there was 3 baby birds that his death was even less clean than getting swallowed whole. Baby animals like that are voracious and would of fought over his still living body by pulling him apart with him absolutely helpless to stop them. Basically his death likely was a Pixar equivalent of Mike Zacharias's death from Attack on Titan out of all things. That death scene showed how horrifying it would be to be literally pulled apart and chomped on by 3 larger beings that don't care for your pleas.

[@atozreaction116]

@@WeaverOfStars Yeah one of the reasons why I can’t bring myself to watch that show is the literal deaths😅 it’s too disturbing and the screams are haunting, I can’t remember which guy it was but his so called friends left him to die on a roof while a titan was getting closer and he was screaming help although while crying while trying to stop the titan from eating him. His screams were terrible

[@superdimentiobrolyX]

There's one thing you didnt mention. i like that hopper acts as a reflection of the hero flicks biggest mistake: flick earns the trust of the ants by deceiving them into thinking he's stronger than he is. flick learns his lesson from the fallout of this mistake, while hopper simply doubles down

[@xcarnage3936]

Hopper was badass. Especially when he gave that speech after pretty much commiting murder in front of his gang. "It's not about food!! It's about keeping those ants in line"!!

[@metalspinda9594]

Hopper is just like every modern politician! Nice video.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I can definitely see the similarities. Thanks for watching.

[@sacrificed9116]

@Kristopher Prime Except no one believes he has any real power, everyone views him as the puppet and complete joke he is

[@LucasSantos-ss6ou]

@Kristopher Prime And Trumptard. Except his house of cards is down 😂🤣😂😂

[@ronaldomontero3624]

Since ancient Egypt not modern days

[@rosaevee274]

Business owner is a better analogy. Politicians in USA don't exist to project power, only to rhetorically justify it.

[@ladygrey7425]

Power resides where men believe it resides. It's a trick. A shadow on the wall. And a very small man can cast a very large shadow - Varys, *A Clash of Kings*. This quote demonstrates what every humanistic philosopher since the Magna Carta has championed, at various levels - power is ultimately derived from consent of the governed, both the individual and the community. Hopper was the very model of a despot - a man who kept those he viewed as beneath him in perpetual fear of his supposed might. But all it took was for one lone man to stand up to him, and the belief in Hopper's power began to shatter. This is the Machievellien trap, as it were - whilst it is better to be feared than loved, you must be avoid being hated. And once the ants began to lose their fear of Hopper and his gang of thugs, it quickly was replaced by raging hatred.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Good quote and excellent example. Thanks for watching.

[@logandelacruz2152]

That’s the part everyone misses about Machiavelli’s quote whether they’re taking his quote unironically or criticizing him as a tyranny supporter.

[@TheoTungsten]

@@logandelacruz2152 It isn't from Machiavelli. It's from A Clash of Kings, the second book in "A Song of Ice and Fire", the book series on which Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are based on.

[@logandelacruz2152]

@@TheoTungsten I was talking about the Machiavellian trap.

[@malokeytheallaround]

The one scene with Hopper holding out the little ant in front of the crazy hoppers is just the most terrifying thing I watched as a kid. Yet it was so good. I loved that scene so much because of how much it scared me.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

The scary scenes are always some of the best. Thanks for watching.

[@shostysboo]

I’ve always loved watching this movie because along with the great story, I’ve always liked the scenes with Hopper because something about him intrigues you

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Hopper really has a great presence to him, and yes, it is a great movie. Thanks for watching.

[@astro6009]

He's one charismatic bug.

[@DemonicRemption]

It's sad how this video showed me something about Hopper that as a writer I should've noticed ages ago. I mean it's all right there, as he's in control until the ants stand up to him. He seems like a rare breed as characters in his position are relegated to a second in command trying to usurp control from a more powerful and capable leader.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Glad to have helped you improve as a writer, I'm a writer as well, and studying the clockwork (so-to-speak) of the Villains is always a good way to see what makes them so well written (or poorly written in some cases). Thanks for watching.

[@MrDibara]

You're right. Rather then successfully deceiving others and reaching the top spot, most villains like Hopper usually get the Starscream treatment.

[@edgaropts5257]

Who else always watched the short with the guy who played chess with himself? Such a good one.

[@greasybumpkin1661]

Ants in a Bug's Life: oh please have mercy on us grasshoppers? Ants in real life: ALRIGHT LADIES WE HAVE 20 GRASSHOPPERS IN OUR TURF SO WE WILL RIP THEM TO PIECES AND IF THEY KILL A HUNDRED OF US THEN WE WILL CRUSH THEM UNDER THE WEIGHT OF OUR OWN CORPSES!! OOH RAH!!

[@TheImaginator972]

IKR because I really loved "A Bug's Life" as one of my most favorite childhood movie including I still consider Hopper as my most favorite PIXAR Villain of the entire decades since 1998.

[@Edwinaopt]

It was one of my favorite childhood movies too!

[@disneyvillainrocket1]

Hopper reminds me of Goliath except as an insect version of Goliath

[@Edwinaopt]

Hopper is so underrated! I remember watching this movie so many times when I was younger with my family! I never realized why he hated his brother before, but it makes since. I need to watch this movie again but focus on Hopper more. I like the message of standing together and how bullying doesn't pay off in the end. Another Pixar villain I think is cool even if they are not as good as some of the others is Mor'du from Brave. I like him because he actually has an interesting backstory that is relevant to Merida's choices. Great video, I look forward to the next one.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I was actually thinking about doing a video on brave, so maybe I will talk about Mor'du sometime soon

[@Phoenix0F8]

I recently had a coworker who wouldn't stop referencing Bugs Life and I told him I think he's the only person in the last decade who has even thought of that movie I suppose I was mistaken

[@fruitytiffgaming4573]

I love how you use Dimentio’s soundtrack at describing Hopper’s power to correspond with how Dimentio is also quite powerless against a group of people lmao.

[@misterniceguy429]

Does anyone else realize Hopper is one of the few Pixar villains that has a body count?

[@Callabungah]

It always fascinated me how arguably one of the most intimidating antagonists for the audience in Disney's entire run (In my opinion), was a simple grasshopper.

[@ozzywalker609]

An excellent look into Hopper, one of the most underrated villains in animation. As a side note, the scene at the bird's nest is genuinely terrifying, even as a bird lover. Just goes to show how any animal can be shown in a scary light, if the scene is written properly.

[@TrinityCore60]

That’s actually something I share. Humans are one of the most powerful species on Earth, chiefly thanks to our intelligence and Technology. I’m fairly certain we don’t pay attention to the smaller animals because we can afford not to. Many animals though… aren’t that lucky. Insectivorous birds are a good example here, but many predators can actually be quite good at hunting prey. Dragonflies, for instance, have the highest success rates with their kills on on Earth- 95%. These things would be terrifying if they could actually threaten us.

[@greenghoul157]

His bullying of ants is similar to the people I'm surrounded by in real life, thanks A Bug's Life for getting me to start questioning people who are clearly toxic bullies not blindly trusting them, Lotso from Toy Story 3 is a similar kind of villain

[@Shadow952013]

Good show! Looking back on Hopper I can't help but be reminded of Lord Varys' speech of power to Tyrion-- The one about how power is just a shadow on the wall. Hopper internalizes that same concept really well. Of course this is a Pixar film, and we can't have the villain winning at the end of the day here

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I've never watched Game of Thrones, but I could definitely see a speech like Hopper's being in a show like that. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed.

[@M.D.R417]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy you should read the SONG OF ICE AND FIRE books before you watch the series ( it all goes down hill after half way through season four)

[@jeremygill5282]

Fun fact when grasshoppers start staying together they start to turn into locust and if I am not mistaken that makes them more aggressive as well Look it up And that would mean hopper is a locust if you look at him he’s different from the others they’re still grasshoppers(not for too much longer) but he is a locust

[@kantsaveme635]

I find it interesting. While this is just one possible solution, ive always wondered what the movie would've veen like if the ants just stopped working. Like all of them. Not even fight back. Just stopped caring and started living for themselves.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

He would probably try a tactic of capturing and/or beating up a few at a time until they did what he wants, but he would lose his power the same way, as he knows he can't take on all the ants. Thanks for watching

[@kantsaveme635]

@@Rockotarthepurplehatguy hell yeah. Love the topic of villains. From actions to morals to backstory. Hell the villain is probably the best part of the story. Literally the hero after being pushed a bit too far. 🌊🌊🏝🌊🌊

[@murakyo79]

Someone down there said the reason why Hopper is such a control freak and has a scar is because of a bird attack. A bird attack is also the way he dies at the end of the movie. Hopper dies as the way he lived, a "natural cycle" by a predator stronger than himself: Birds eating bugs to live. The reason why he dies is because he acted like a villain, obviously. But it made me think if the reason why Hopper got attacked the first time was because he tried to save someone, whether that be his own brother or someone else. He always acted like a leader to his colony after all. It would be quite poetic if Hopper started going bad by doing something good that almost cost him his own life. At the same time, the reason he would be saved was because of the nobility of his action. Or maybe I'm just overthinking, but I thought it would be cool.

[@nachongo722]

Bruh to this day when flick told him "and you know it, don't you?" It still gives shivers to my spine. The relizarion, the delivery, is such an intense moment.

[@queenratiganthefirst5442]

3:29 When you remember that Maleficent's goon is voiced by the same guy who voiced Fidget from The Great Mouse Detective. Meaning that actor has voiced TWO stupid Disney henchmen.

[@pugtie4695]

He must have really loved his mother in order to keep his vow to not kill his brother.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Very True.

[@alexanderjackson9239]

I guess even Hopper has a soft spot

[@yourresume373]

Dimentio's theme song really adds to the vibe, plus it fits with the kind of villain Hopper is.

[@Inderastein]

Shen and Hopper had the same thing going on actually, and a few notes in history. Shen from Kung Fu Panda, thinking he can control everything, lost himself in the illusion of control, thinking he can rule over a large civilization using only his cannons Hopper too had the same thing, but rather relies on his slaves, the thing they lacked is technology that Shen had over the civilizations in order to rule just by their numbers Both fell due to their weaknesses of the fragility of control. This too happened in history giving with 2 more The French and The Philippines The French in 1750+ where Louis XVI was thinking he can suppress the entire nation with prolonged high taxes, and force the lower class under his thumb along with the Queen, this lead to them beheaded and Napoleon's rise. The Philippines in the 1980+ where their dictator fell from grace, oppressing it's nation, administering torture to it's people like it's not his, and forcing his soldiers to aim at the civilians, 2 Millions of civilians that were against him on the roads with the threat of having the Americans intervene on them if they revolt, that did not deter them as they did revolt along with the people, making Bug's life much more relatable to the almost every Filipino that knew the tale, however in this story due to modern politics the son of the dictator rose up, with 3/5ths of the population supporting him(surprisingly), so just think of it as the Ants wanting the grasshoppers back again. This tale repeats several times in history, especially China, South America, Rome's Era, Africa, Middle East, South East Asia, The British Empire, The Indians, Colonial Empires, Italy in WWII, Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria-Hungary, Soviet Union/Russia/Russian Empire(Obviously), and the German Empire post WWI The only one that does not relate much is Canada as they literally were made independent in the most unexpected manner, U.S.A. once had their independence as a revolt on them, but for Canada, it's the opposite, nothing at all. God this movie can relate to almost every nation

[@dndgeek4112]

Oh man. You must be quite a history buff

[@sahilhossain8204]

Very accurate description there bud 😎👌

[@iceluvndiva21]

Still remember how scared I was of him. But as an adult? I appreciate how excellently written he was. I mean he's absolutely ruthless in the seed scene. The problem is he doesn't go through with his physical threats outside that.

[@lilbill7385]

He’s voiced by real life villain, Kevin Spacey.

[@taqresu5865]

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is the seed scene because it perfectly encapsulates everything you need to know about Hopper and the themes of the movie. And it makes it interesting that as the villain, he knows full well what hi as downfall will be in an almost Macbeth-like way. By trying to fight fate, he ultimately guarantees his downfall. And ironically enough, animating a crowd of ants was one of Pixars biggest challenges making this movie.

[@Bustermachine]

Similarly, this is why 'warrior' cultures have largely fallen out of favor and dictatorships kind of suck at warfare. Warrior cultures can't sustain the social complexity to compete against professional soldiery, or even conscripts if the society those recruits come from is remotely functional. And dictators maintain their power by violence and force of arms and can never trust those stronger or more inteligent than themselves. Thus crippling their own armies with 'coup proofing'.

[@darthparallax5207]

Extremely false. The stupid oppressors are still in charge because they certainly do have stupidity but their strength is very real. The money moved around in the world until the bullies got omnipotence. It is bad but our real world is definitely run by Hoppers. Hopper is scary. The ants beat him but the grasshoppers never could. He was smarter than all the grasshoppers so he had what he needed. In the real world, people like Flik are brave and maybe noble, but stupid. They are people like Mao and Osama bin Laden. They stand up to status quo but it does not make things better. The inventors are never the same people as the political dissenters because inventers want to make money so they need status quo. Bug's Life is a fantasy about what if it had all gone how people wished, not what actually happened. It's a good world that gives us relief from our inferior one. The story works because they are ants. If you'd rather be a colony ant than a free minded grasshopper you get a worse life. Pixar is wierd because they are the only people I allow should keep making their Communist propaganda. It's.....different. I think they understand Doom is inevitable, like Wall-E. The people still need panem et circensis

[@TheAlgorath]

This is a non sequitur - there are warrior cultures today- they're simply not in the fore front. Tgat said there isn't an actual warrior culture in the movie. It's literally a point in the review.

[@pyropulseIXXI]

This is a shallow analysis. The US is a military outlier and automatically makes dictator armors 'obsolete.' They likely are fine if a regional conflict broke out and the US magically decided to not get involved. Also, this has nothing to do with warrior cultures falling out of favor. Warrior cultures weren't ruled by dictators; they were genuinely superior fighters, and a warrior culture collapsed the Roman empire. They routinely fielded far less troops yet were far more successful per engagement. Warrior cultures don't exist because the society they came from evolved; virtually all European nations were warrior cultures until recently, and they are the most powerful nations on Earth and the creators of the modern world

[@LucasSantos-ss6ou]

@@pyropulseIXXI Good. No more warrior culture bullshit today

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

stalin got into his head that doctors tried to poison leading politicians. so once he finally had a fit and keeled over, all the competent doctors were in prison.

[@kailet1997]

This dude made me cry when I was little. Super menacing villain, incredibly done by Pixar.

[@montanajackson3713]

When I was a kid, every time I watched this movie, I would always cover my eyes and ears whenever the grasshoppers were on screen. Sometimes I would end up crying and begging my parents to turn the TV off! Even to this day, they still scare me! Especially thumper, his screeches and Hawk-like cries send a chill down my spine. 😰

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Listen to me: Hopper is the best Disney villain out of all the Disney villains and possibly one of the most scariest villains in any movie. Syndrome was the saving Grace of The Incredibles for me but this particular villain rocked my childhood. One of my favorite scenes out of any animated movie is when Flik stands up to him and then goes... "And you know that don't you?" And I mean one of the greatest animated scenes of all time right up there with you are who you choose to be and the opening of up

[@marywallace3620]

Ngl, I love A Bug's Life. It's been like over twenty years since I last saw A Bug's Life, probably because A Bug's Life isn't show on Disney or any other channels like let's say The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, or even Wall-E, or Cars. But I rewatched A Bug's Life a months ago and I gotta say, it still holds up and you're absolutely right, Hopper is extremely underrated as a villain, he deserves more recognition! Too bad Disney is all about milking their cash cows instead of breathing life back into some old properties (esp old Pixar Properties).

[@The1uptriforce]

I always had a deep rooted fear of grasshoppers even before this film whoever decided to make one a bad guy must've had the same fears.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Well, I hope this movie has given you the courage to stand in the face of a grasshopper and say "you're not as powerful as you think". Thanks for watching.

[@TrinityCore60]

Grasshoppers specifically? Oddly specific. As far as I know, their one of the less threatening insects. It doesn’t help that they lose HARD to things like Ants.

[@adammartinez8061]

Like Sheev Palpatine from Star Wars said “The Only thing he was afraid of was……loosing his power, which eventually of course he did”

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Ah, a great quote from a great movie (which I may or may not have a video about in the works). Thanks for watching.

[@ShadowDeist]

all who gain power are afraid to lose it

[@LordTyph]

I think one thing that's made clear is that while the big advantage the ants have is greater numbers, the grasshoppers do have physical advantages in terms of flight and strength, at least enough to be useful. One-on-one, the ants aren't going to beat the grasshoppers. Hopper knows, however, that the moment numbers come into the picture, the physical advantages fade away because there's simply too many. He can intimidate them because he or his grunts can beat up one or two ants easily to make an example of them. In a _controlled_ scenario. When that control's lost... well, as he so puts it, 'there goes our way of life'.

[@KirbyUber]

It's a really good point actually, I'd forgotten how intimidating Hopper was. That feeling of lording it over the ants, the threat of Thumper, was so real and the fact he gets his foot on our hero's head! Like you kinda get scared he's gonna step down and just... squish. His presence and menace really make the film better IMO. He's not some crazy powerful cosmic entity, he just has power enough to beat up an ant as an example, and the cleverness and charisma to control his gang and intimidate everyone else. He doesn't trade on strength, he trades on threats.

[@authorlacey]

Kind of off topic, but the blooper reel at the end during the credits really gives Hopper more personality and charm.

[@uglybetty8747]

Fr lmao

[@Reaper0123]

Wonderful analysis. I also saw Hopper as a bully of sort. Comparable to say a biker-gang BOSS harassing a small town for things, which feels kinda fitting with the sounds they make in the movie while in flight, small spikes on his shoulders and legs, taking over a "motel", etc...

[@DreAmeoba1]

Hopper is a good representation of corrupt power at its most basic, obsessed with control, insecure thus sadistic, constantly maintaining rigid oppression thru fear, & lives in continuous secret terror, of those it oppresses…. (This is probably my favorite Pixar film)….

[@valiensr1037]

Well, as the villain of a Seven Samurai homage, he’s more interesting than most similar villains. Usually the story of this model focuses on the heroes, so I’m happy they decide to put focus on Hopper.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

Yeah me too. Thanks for watching.

[@CheshireCat-cm1si]

Dude, I've watched this movie so many times and I just realized. From the moment Molt told him about the idea, he had no intention of staying at the mosquito place. When he acted so happy to hear the idea and announced that they were staying, he was acting. That's why he kept talking as he casually made his way to the bar, and baited the three dissenters into having a conversation. He then killed them and reinstated the fear into his men. He never agreed with the idea. He saw a potential threat to his power. And he snuffed it out. Also, I totally agree, the Zurg reveal almost ruined the movie for me. I love the movie up until the reveal. I REALLY WANTED IT TO BE AN ALIEN!

[@ashleightompkins3200]

It's interesting how Hopper's downfall comes in the same way as his voice actor's eventual fall did. The masses turned on him after one person stood up. Too bad we can't feed Kevin Spacey to a bird

[@domicraft6341]

2:58 THRACIA 776 MUSIC?!! Holy War, I'd never expected that in such a Video.

[@dolphinpower1107]

You know I was never really a bugs life fan but I always loved Hopper, for the reasons you so elegantly laid out.

[@arnoldgreen4278]

Its funny how he never actually disciplines them through force (aside from the end) because he knows the Ants would rise up. He only ever uses *threats* of force. Side note, completely agree. Pixar needs to bring back those amazing villains. Personal fav is Syndrome or A.U.T.O Great video by the way!

[@ethanfinn9064]

Just rewatched this movie yesterday, and I forgot how truly great it is. Hopper’s power struggle reminds me of something President Snow says in the first Hunger Hames film: “Hope. It is the only thing stronger than fear.” This is a great depiction of Hopper and how he tries to control the ant colony. Fear is very fragile, because as soon as one person is no longer afraid, it has a cascading effect on everyone else, and just like that, his intimidation tactics aren’t enough to squelch the hope and unity of the rest of the colony

[@kilroy987]

Some people have power because no one thinks anyone else will help anyone stand up to them. When sometimes, all everyone else needs is a demonstration. But that doesn't always work, either.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

The hardest part is actually convincing people that the power of the enemy IS an illusion. Thanks for watching.

[@isaiahadams1208]

Speaking of Pixar villains, Sid from Toy Story is also another one people easily think of when it comes to Pixar villains, including me. Especially considering that Toy Story 1 is the very first Pixar film

[@darkreflection9087]

1:47 at least he kept his promise to his mother

[@exyoutubexl2805]

I enjoy this movie and hopper as a character mostly from his design and actions alone completely mirrors the people irl the kind of a person hopper really is that what makes him amazing when can we have Characters nowadays I really missed characters like hopper I really wanted them back

[@DBM78]

The way Hopper creates his illusion of power is just like how the Skeksis did in Dark crystal age of resistance.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

I really should watch that series, but unfortunately I don't currently have Netflix, so it'll have to wait. Thanks for watching.

[@andrewmunro6106]

Not gonna lie Looking back hoppers death in the film was both terrifying yet also satisfying.

[@tonyparra8459]

Agreed, with the grasshoppers fleeing it wasn't easy to get rid of Hopper like that so Flik went with his last shot on getting rid of Hopper for good. This is a satisfying PIXAR death, next being Syndrome for getting superheroes killed and also Lotso who didn't die but taken, that one is satisfying too now Sunnyside Day Care is no longer a prison.

[@cattysplat]

Will never understand why people forget about Bugs Life, it was so great for an early CGI film. I think the crappy Antz film released near the same time didn't help it. It also didn't suffer the really weird claylike humans of Toy Story.

[@uglybetty8747]

Exactly it rarely gets mentioned anywhere like tf it’s sad rlly

[@Sephiroth36977]

1:38 ngl, as a kid I memorized Hopper's entire rant. One of my favorite scenes in the movie, i knew it was good writing and good voice acting.

[@monsieurgentil2989]

Hopper is without a doubt the best aspect of A Bug’s Life.

[@mudshrooze]

There was a time period in my childhood where I would watch this movie like twice a week. It's in my top 10 Pixar films

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

It's definitely still one of Pixar's better movies. Thanks for watching.

[@matiasbalaci]

It's only my opinion but a Bug's life is a underated masterpiece

[@uglybetty8747]

It is definitely underrated masterpiece sadly

[@strongrex2615]

I love finding videos like this. Your analysis of Hopper was so well thought out, and it’s just one more reason why I consider A Bug’s Life to be one of the most grossly underrated movies I’ve ever seen.

[@michaelgardner7545]

Hopper definitely is a underrated Pixar villain

[@agentbullwinkle991]

I got kind of desperate a few months back, trying to look up an explanation of Hopper as a villain. Thank you for this.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

You're very welcome.

[@SuperFitzieZX]

The Thracia music kicking in when the fog of war grasshopper appear was a great touch

[@maurycyoseka1057]

0:50 - "It's true what they say that fear is a strong motivator." - Mr. Grasping

[@alphabros5226]

This video helped my mood lighten after a rough day. You gained my subscription!

[@mr.sir.]

He is the embodiment of modern big businessman and politics

[@206Zelda]

Hopper is a villain that schemes based upon dependency and the lack of courage and insight off his prey. He convinces the ants that they NEED his protection and NEED to rely on him, despite being isolated on an island with no threats, all the while taking a generous portion of what they earn and work for because he's 'entitled to compensation for defending the ants' from 'unknown threats'. There are a lot of parallels you can make today on Hopper's example alone, and the ones I'm thinking of would claim A Bug's Life 'didn't age well'. Oh it did.

[@LokiScarletWasHere]

It's been so long I completely forgot about A Bug's Life. But this summary of Hopper has the whole movie playing in my head now. I don't even have photographic memory. But I loved this movie THAT MUCH when I was little, that I could forget completely about it, and only need a reminder.

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

It's just one of those movies that really sticks with you, thanks for watching.

[@TheEternalSamurai]

Dang, that was a really good analysis. Definitely a villain worth remembering

[@colemanbrenner6555]

In the beggining where you mentioned Pixar's great villains, I would say Anton Ego is also one of the greats as well!

[@Rockotarthepurplehatguy]

He's great, but I don't really consider him a villain, since he is just doing his job and he fully supports Remy in the end. Thanks for watching.

[@jamesjammydodger320]

The only Pixar villain voiced by a real-life bad guy

[@Kawaiithegachagirl]

Facts

[@uglybetty8747]

Fr 💀

[@Kronut99]

Fax. you cool

[@triceratops3]

Seeing this video in my recommended made me actually open Disney+ and watch A Bugs Life for the first time, and I'm glad it did. I'm surprised this movie isn't talked about more.

[@Imsorrywat]

Congrats, you’ve got me back into Pixar.