Louis LaRue: The Parisian mime from Cars 2
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625 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)
Summary
- Introduction
- Who is Louis LaRue?
- Automotive design and inspiration
- The Parisian scene in Cars 2
- The name Louis LaRue
- Derivative products
- Summary table
- FAQ
Introduction
In Cars 2 (2011), Pixar enriches its international settings with numerous supporting characters designed to reinforce the cultural identity of each location visited. Among them is Louis LaRue , a minor character seen during the film's Paris sequence . Staying with the theme of European cities, also discover London police officer Doug Speedcheck .
Who is Louis LaRue?
Louis LaRue is a vehicle featured in scenes set in Paris . He is portrayed as a street mime , identifiable by visual staging and elements directly inspired by the imagery of Parisian mimes . For fan merchandise, explore the Cars t-shirt collection.
Automotive design and inspiration
Louis LaRue is generally referenced as a Citroën 2CV6 , an iconic model of the French automobile .
- a white front end and black/white stripes on the doors,
- a dark rear section with blue rear wings ,
- a stylized black roof reminiscent of a beret,
- a suggested “makeup” around the windshield (visual effect),
- a pink daisy attached to the antenna.
These aesthetic choices immediately identify its artistic function and Parisian roots . In the same vein of formal and cultural homage, take a look at Sir Harley Gassup .
The Parisian scene in Cars 2
The Parisian sequence serves primarily as a visual interlude : the film traverses Paris and its tourist tropes , with a gallery of stereotypical extras . Louis LaRue acts as a "living set," contributing to the artistic atmosphere associated with the capital. To complete your fan corner, consider Cars mugs .
The name Louis LaRue
The name Louis LaRue is intentionally French- sounding. Some sources also point to a linguistic nod to the word "rue" (street) , consistent with the idea of a street artist . No single, official meaning is confirmed on screen. In the same vein of inside jokes, check out the tribute extra, Shawn Krash .
Derivative products
Louis LaRue was indeed the subject of a die-cast figure produced by Mattel . He is notably featured in a series called Paris Tour , often referred to as a dedicated collection , with a numbering system such as "#6 of 7" depending on the assortment. For a decorative touch at home, check out our Cars duvet covers .
Summary table
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Louis LaRue |
| Movie | Cars 2 (2011) |
| Place | Paris (Palais de Chaillot) |
| Role | Street mime / extra |
| Inspired model | Citroën 2CV6 |
| Dialogue | None |
| Derivative products | Die-cast Mattel (Paris Tour series) |
FAQ
- Does Louis LaRue speak in Cars 2? No, he has no dialogue .
- Is he important to the plot? No, he's just an ambient background character .
- Is it inspired by a real artist? The film doesn't specify.
- Why is he easily identifiable? Thanks to his visual codes of Parisian mime.
- Is there an official figurine? Yes, a die-cast Mattel one from the Paris Tour series.