1941 Directed by Ben Sharpsteen, Norman Ferguson …
Dumbo is a baby elephant born with oversized ears and a supreme lack of confidence. But thanks to his even more diminutive buddy -- Timothy the Mouse -- the pint-sized pachyderm learns to surmount all obstacles.
It is easy to see why Dumbo is a favourite amongst Pixar’s brain trust as it features all the hallmarks that would characterise the studio’s own films - great characters and a story full of warmth and a lot of heart. Much like the movie’s titular character, Dumbo, was the little film that achieved big things and was ultimately responsible for saving Disney studios. Although rightly considered classics today, both Pinocchio and Fantasia, were expensive flops for Disney upon release. Dumbo was produced, perhaps cynically, as a cheaper B-picture (in many ways it was almost an extended Silly Symphonies film) in order to make some money for the cash strapped company. And it did, in fact it was the first…
This was my first watch since my childhood years and I didn't recall it being so short and silent. There are very few dialogues and much is said through the animation alone. I was surprised that I actually remembered most of the scenes in this film. The animation is simple compared to today's standards and the message is sweet. Like most of Disney's early films, it is very emotional and full of tender moments, but it also includes some strange and disturbing scenes, like when Dumbo was having psychedelic illusions. I don't consider this among Disney's best early works, but it still ha an emotional impact on me during my childhood years. It was worth my time.
A young boy, freakish in appearance, is ostracized by his community and separated from his imprisoned mother. Finding solace in substance abuse, he descends into a fantasy world. Convinced he can fly, he takes a leap. Quickly images flash through his mind: success, fame, acclaim, riches. Reunited with his mother he finds true happiness. He doesn't wake from this delusion when he hits the ground.
Review In A Nutshell:
After Disney’s experiment, Fantasia, they find themselves back in their regular storytelling, following suit of Pinocchio; a tale of a special elephant and his emotional and social struggles in the circus. This was a film that left me distant in my first viewing as then there was nothing about it that felt outstanding, especially when compared to the company’s renaissance, a moment in animated cinema that left a large mark on me. Ever since I started to deeply explore the expansive land of cinema, with each passing film I learn something, which ultimately would benefit during upcoming films and potential revisits. My perspective is always changing, especially through retrospect, therefore it is hard for me to…
Dear Disney people,
When I grow up I want my own flying elephant.
Dumbo is cute and funny and has bigger ears than my dad.
I really, really like him.
Hugs and kisses,
Bo
(Dirk is my dad, he made me watch this)
Film #4 of my 100 Day Movie Marathon
letterboxd.com/martinjacob49/list/100-day-disney-movie-marathon/
What initially was just a simple, cheap, short, and ineffective release made simply to recover the financial losses of Fantasia ended up being something different entirely. Though not as artistically pleasing as Disney's previous three releases, Dumbo was still able to succeed as a heartwarming film about acceptance and finding one's unique talents, and was executed much strongly than the Elmer Elephant short I watched earlier.
Anyway, we all this story. Dumbo the elephant, delivered by Pooh the stork, is loved tremendously by his mother Mrs. Jumbo but bullied by the others because of his abnormally large ears. After an incident where his mother trying to protect her son leads so…
The catalyst to Dumbo solving all his problems was getting so shitfaced he woke up the next day blacked out in a tree. Just like real life.
I have very vague memories of watching Dumbo with my family as a very young child. I don't remember anything about the actual story at all other than Dumbo being able to fly. It's a cute story, and has a short run time making is quick and enjoyable watch.
Disney Marathon #4
If only Disney weren't so short on cash when making this it would be literally perfect
At 63 minutes, Disney's classic 'Dumbo' is about as brisk and uncomplicated as films come. Characters are introduced, a very simple character conflict is established, and then everything is wrapped up beautifully in the last 10 minutes.
But where the movie lacks in complex storytelling its benefits in spades by a parade of tiny details and touches that make every scene a joy to watch. Whether its the use of silhouettes for human dialogue scenes or the little vignettes of other mother/child pairs, everything is presented with care and could put a smile on even the most cold-hearted viewer.
"Here is a baby with eyes of blue, straight from heaven, right to you. Or - straight from heaven up above, here is a baby for you to love"
Inventive set pieces, well-told, resonant story, concise if fuzzy. Highlights clearly musical numbers, dazzling visuals of Pink Elephants.
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A list of Edgar Wright's favorite 1000 Movies per his list on Mubi on July 27th, 2016.
twitter.com/edgarwright/status/758339515421433856 mubi.com/lists/edgar-wrights-favorite-movies
