Whether it was the mouse removing the thorn from the lion's paw or the Good Samaritan helping the Jew, finding help where you least expect it has been a major theme in all literature. In the film Finding Nemo, written and directed by Andrew Stanton, a desperate father traveling in search of his stolen son realizes how important this unexpected assistance can be. With the use of the technique of formalist criticism, evidence to support this theme can be found in abundance throughout the film in the interactions between Marlin and the other main characters. There are many ways to analyze film, but using formal criticism brings out unique aspects that are not always found with other methods of analysis. Bedford literature describes formal criticism as follows: an approach to literature that focuses on the formal elements of a work, such as language, structure, and tone. Formalist critics offer in-depth examinations of the relationship between form and meaning in a work, emphasizing the subtle complexity in how a work is organized. Formalists pay particular attention to diction, irony, paradox, metaphor, and symbol, as well as broader elements such as plot, characterization, theme, and narrative technique. (Bedford 2181) What this essentially means when applied to text is that it focuses only on the key elements that make up the story and does not use external sources or examples to support the idea. In the case of this thesis it means that all evidence of unexpected sources of help should be found within the text itself and supported throughout the entire story. To accurately apply criticism it is best to understand the exposition of the story and then move forward from there. The beginning... middle of the paper... she has been the victim throughout the plot and has always been counted among the other fish due to her disability, she is the one who saves everyone. In conclusion, Marlin's quest is rewarded and he is reunited with his son. Through the help of unlikely sources like a whale, a turtle and a pelican, Marlin regains what he holds most precious in the world. These characters played key roles in Marlin's journey, but it's clear that Dory was the most critical to the pending success of Marlin's pursuit. This fish that forgets what it's doing every five minutes and finds camaraderie in sharks, whales and jellyfish is Marlin's most significant source of help. The interactions between Marlin and Dory are emblematic of finding help where you least expect it. Works Cited Meyer, Michael. The Bedord Introduction to Literature. New York: Bedford, 2008. Print.