Sunday, April 23, 2017
Disney Recap
I have learned a lot over the course of this semester. I've read many critiques of Walt, and his corporate machine, and I have also come to respect all that they've accomplished. I can't say I have a polarized opinion leaning either way. Like most things in life I find myself understanding both sides to the story, and appreciating points from both the lovers and the critics. I think it's clear that Disney is one of the most successful companies of our era, and I can imagine their growth and influence will only continue to spread. Overall I have learned
1. Animation
Animation is the key to their success, because it is timeless. Characters are able to be recreated effortlessly, and unlike real time movies, there is no expiration date on actors. Disney has the opportunity to come out with sequels for anything, and the earning potential is very high. As times change, and socially accepted standards change it is possible for Disney films to easily adapt. Creation is boundless, and there truly is nothing Disney cannot do.
2. Disney and race
After reading through many critiques of early, and even present day Disney films, it is evident that Disney has many racial tendencies. I can understand this to an extent. The 1940s were a different time, and no this does not make these discriminatory narratives acceptable, but I think it's fair to say that certain things were more socially accepted than others. After all, Disney is a business, and they aim to please the masses. What I am not understanding of is the continued racial discrimination that plagues Disney movies today. Although not as obvious as the "Jim Crow" in Dumbo, recent releases feature just as socially damaging depictions of minorities.
3. Slimy or Smart??
Disney has a way of making bad headlines go away quickly. Remember that little boy who was killed in a Disney lagoon by an alligator? no? Right, because it didn't headline. In fact, do you remember the last negative thing that was said about Disney in the news? Because I don't. So, shoutout to that PR team, because they keep the Disney's reputation squeaky clean. After all, it is the Happiest Place on Earth. What could ever go wrong?
4. Sexism
Disney is notoriously sexist. Whether it's a Disney Princesses constant need for saving, or their lack of screen time in films it cannot be ignored that women are seen as a burden, and more often than not the very reason there's a problem at all. Disney has made some progressive changes with new films like Frozen, but there is still a long way to go. Similar to the racial discussion, the world was so very different 50 years ago. I can sympathize with many of the early films lack of strong, independent women, but at this point it's just sad. I want girls to grow up thinking they can be the hero, or the problem solver in life, not the burden.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Magical Disney
I feel like it's very easy to criticize companies like Disney. I mean, we always seem to resent the winners, and the bottom line is, Disney is a winner. They're good at what they do, and not many companies can even hope to compare. I've decided since i've spent a lot of my time on this forum dissing Disney, I would share a few of the things I love about Disney.
1. The Lion King
THE best, most influential movie of my childhood. I remember when my mom bought a new car and it had a tv in the back. Game changer. And it didn't matter how long the car ride was going to be. We could be driving to the supermarket and we would throw a movie in and watch as much as we possibly could. The movie of choice: The Lion King. I think by the time I was 12 I could quote the entire movie. I'm not sure what we found so enticing... Maybe the soundtrack, or the characters (baby Lions are SO FREAKING CUTE). I mean just look at them.
2. Disney World
I don't care what anyone says, this place is MAGICAL. I remember visiting for the first time when I was 6 with my grandparents and older cousin, and I have distinct memories of this trip. It's kinda crazy when you think about it... I mean, that's 13 years ago, and it was the best vacation i've ever been on. I still have the autograph booklet where I got Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Minnie's signature. It sounds silly now, but I treasured that booklet. I think my mom still has it. They really do put their customers first, and happiness is at the forefront of their mission statement. Plus, have you seen the fireworks?! That alone is enough for me.
3. The beginning
A couple months ago I watched a film on Netflix called "Walt before Disney". I had never really considered a life without Disney, because it goes back to when my grandparents were children, which is hard for me to wrap my head around, but nonetheless, the movie was really good. It brought the tough beginnings of Disney into a new light for me. It gave me a newfound respect for Walt Disney, and the people who worked out of a 1 room office for years without getting paid. It was a beautiful, inspirational story, and if you have the chance I recommend you going to check it out next time you have a couple hours to watch.
So, there it is. 3 things I thoroughly love, respect, and enjoy about Disney.
I hope you enjoy.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
Beauty and the Billion
Beauty and the Beast is nearing the 1 billion mark at the box office, and is currently sitting near the top as the 29th most grossing movie ever ($984 million). I have yet to see Beauty and the Beast, so my hopes are that when I do i'm that billion-breaking ticket.
This isn't the first live action Disney film that has done killed it at the box office. The Jungle Book and Maleficent both did exceedingly well, grossing $967 and $759 million respectively. Due to this success, Disney is currently working on a remake of Dumbo and Mulan, with hopes of doing equally as well. After the past success, It is safe to bet that the future for Disney live action remakes is bright. I'm excited to see what changes they end up making to their timeless tales. After hearing about the progressive push in Beauty and the Beast i'm sure there will be many more changes to come.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Frozen Character Analysis
Frozen follows the story of Anna and her quest to find her sister, and break the deep winter spell that haunts the kingdom. Anna calls on the help of Kristoff, and his side kick reindeer to embark on this journey.
Anna
Anna is the younger sister of the two, and her upbeat and optimistic personality makes her a well liked character. Anna doesn't understand why her sister is locked away, because her memory has been wiped clean by magical trolls, so when the kingdom comes under ice, Anna takes matters into her own hands, and embarks on a journey to save her family and kingdom.
Kristoff
Kristoff is a mountaineer who accompanies Anna on her quest to get rid of the permanent winter. He is an explorer at heart, and often adventures in the woods, which is what makes him such a good companion on the journey with Anna. Kristoff has a reindeer best friend who accompanies him everywhere he goes. He is sort of a loner in a sense, and spends most, if not all of his time with Sven, his reindeer. He isn't used to being surrounded by people, and that shines through his personality. Despite this social awkwardness, he is a loving guy, and soon makes Anna fall for him.
Elsa
Elsa lives most of her life suppressing her powers, and hiding away from her family after almost killing her sister. She lives her life scared, afraid of what her powers might do. She is very much misunderstood, and isolated throughout the majority of the film.
Sven
Kristoff's loyal sidekick and business partner. Sven is very similar to a pet dog, and would do anything for Kristoff. While he doesn't speak english, he and Kristoff have a very clear understanding of each other and don't require dialect to communicate.
I took a frozen quiz to determine which character I was, and here are my results...
I was really hoping for Elsa on this one, but I'll take it. I see a fair resemblance, so can I really complain?
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