Finding Nemo Fish Tank Scene Secrets: Writer Reveals All

Pixar films are renowned for their incredible detail, born from years of meticulous writing and rewriting, often evolving further once voice artists join the project. David Reynolds, co-writer of the beloved classic Finding Nemo, shared fascinating insider insights during a Page To Screen session at the London Screenwriters’ Festival. He provided commentary over a screening, revealing the creative sparks and decisions behind some of the film’s most iconic moments, including the memorable Finding Nemo Fish Tank Scene.

Setting the Stage: Marlin’s Motivation and Early Encounters

The film’s emotional core starts right at the beginning. Reynolds recounted a key change to the opening scene where Marlin shows his wife Coral their new home. Originally, Coral was excited and Marlin nervous. “I said, what if we flip it? So that Marlin proudly says, ‘Did I find you a house or did I find you a house?'” Reynolds explained. This crucial switch makes Marlin implicitly responsible when the barracuda attacks. “That’s why he’s so nervous [for the rest of the film],” Reynolds noted.

Marlin the clownfish showing his wife Coral their new sea anemone home on the reef

Casting Marlin was also pivotal. William H. Macy initially voiced the character, but while funny, it didn’t quite click. Albert Brooks then came in and improvised hilariously. The team tasked Reynolds with rewriting every line to suit Brooks’s style. However, a critical decision was made early on: after the traumatic opening, Marlin couldn’t be the funny one. “His son has been kidnapped, and I said you can’t stop and tell a joke,” Reynolds stated, shaping Marlin’s anxious, determined persona throughout his journey.

Marlin the clownfish looking nervous in front of other fish parents on the reef

The inciting incident – Nemo’s capture – stemmed from director Andrew Stanton’s own parenting anxieties. “He said, ‘I loved him so much I didn’t want to be a kid, I wrapped him in bubble-wrap,'” Reynolds shared. Nemo yelling “I hate you” just before being taken adds significant emotional weight, a line directly addressed upon their reunion. Interestingly, Reynolds observed different audience reactions: boys often doubted Marlin’s success, while girls believed the dad would find a way.

Nemo the clownfish defiantly swimming towards a boat near the reef drop-off

Journey Through the Ocean: Obstacles and Allies

Marlin and Dory’s perilous journey introduces numerous memorable characters and challenges. Bruce the shark, leader of a fish-eaters support group, provides both tension and comedy. His name is a nod to film history, specifically the nickname for the mechanical shark used in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, reflecting the Pixar team’s movie-buff nature.

Marlin and Dory looking scared inside the mouth of Bruce the shark

The relentless series of obstacles, like getting trapped in a submarine and losing the crucial diver’s mask into a dark chasm, were intentionally designed to test Marlin’s resolve. “We just kept pushing the story, one impossible obstacle after another,” Reynolds said. “Any one of those problems should have stopped him, but he’s looking for his son, so he just carries on.”

Marlin and Dory swimming anxiously inside a dark, sunken submarine

Along the way, they encounter a helpful school of fish, voiced by Pixar’s “good luck charm,” John Ratzenberger. According to Reynolds, executive John Lasseter is superstitious and insists on including Ratzenberger in every Pixar film.

Marlin and Dory looking up at a large school of fish forming an arrow shape

The cool, surfer-dude sea turtle Crush, who helps Marlin and Dory navigate the East Australian Current, was voiced by director Andrew Stanton himself. Originally, Sean Penn was considered, channeling his Fast Times at Ridgemont High character, but ultimately, Stanton’s performance was preferred (and presumably more budget-friendly).

Marlin and Dory riding on the back of Crush the sea turtle in the East Australian Current

Inside the Tank: The Famous Finding Nemo Fish Tank Scene

One of the most beloved sequences is the Finding Nemo Fish Tank Scene, where Nemo finds himself imprisoned in a dentist’s office aquarium alongside the “Tank Gang.” This setting itself reflects director Andrew Stanton’s childhood memories of wondering what fish did in tanks. While detailing the writing process, Reynolds shared a personal anecdote related to this scene – a prank orchestrated by the Pixar team. “They secretly recorded this bit, about a kid in a dentist’s chair, where the dentist goes, ‘Well well, if it isn’t little Davey Reynolds,'” he recalled. “I was sitting in the premiere, and when that comes up I go ‘Whaaaat?!’ And they all turn round and go ‘Gotcha!'” This fun fact adds a layer of personal connection for the co-writer to this specific, iconic part of Nemo’s journey.

Nemo looking out from inside the dentist's fish tank at the dentist chair

The Emotional Climax and Visual Magic

The film’s emotional payoff hinges on reunion, particularly when Dory, despite her short-term memory loss, finally recognizes Nemo. Reynolds described sneaking into a theater to gauge the audience’s reaction to Dory’s delighted “Really?” upon hearing Nemo’s name, followed immediately by “that’s such a nice name,” having already forgotten their quest. “Could we pull this joke off again? The audience loved it,” he remembered with relief.

Dory the blue tang fish looking happy swimming next to Nemo

Even the film’s visual artistry involved careful calibration. At one point, the animation team created underwater environments so realistic they resembled a nature documentary. Reynolds mentioned they had to intentionally “mess it up a bit,” ensuring the world felt stylized enough to accommodate cartoon fish, achieving the perfect blend of breathtaking beauty and character-focused storytelling for the happy ending.

Marlin and Nemo swimming together happily near their anemone home

A Deep Dive into Creation

David Reynolds’ commentary underscores the immense thought, iteration, and personal touches poured into Finding Nemo. From flipping character motivations to casting choices influencing the script, and even inside jokes landing in the final cut within scenes like the unforgettable finding nemo fish tank scene, every element was carefully crafted. These insights reveal the collaborative and often surprising journey behind creating an animated masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.