Through this course, I have learned a lot about Disney that I never knew before. By starting the course with reading Giroux, we were instantly introduced to some of the criticisms of Disney and why the company is known to be so controversial. Through this course, I think I have constructed one main belief about Disney and its critics and that is that Disney should not be expected to have moral obligations when truly they are a company whose goal is to make money. However, this course has also enlightened me on the major moral flaws that do occur within Disney. So, while we should not necessarily expect Disney to have a high moral standard, we may still criticize how disappointing some of Disney's choices are.
Many of these flaws come from representing race, culture, and gender in Disney. When analyzing the villains, it is important to recognize when these villains have transgender or racial qualities. What I mean by this is that by creating villains who have different races than the characters or more confusing gender identities, viewers are taught that these kind of people are the evil ones in this world. Personally, I think this is the biggest problem with Disney, but a close second comes from how women are represented as girls just wanting to find love. This is changing, as Elsa, Anna, Merida, and Moana, some of our third wave Disney princesses do not end up in love or choosing between men. That being said, the princesses in the older movies rely on men to save them or end up with them in the end. Clearly, us women know we do not need that in our lives, but that is why this is all changing so I give Disney props for that.
Villains have changed drastically overtime as well, however it is still common that we have female villains. The male villain made an appearance in The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mulan era, but now we are back to mothers as villains such as in Tangled and Brave. Maybe in the new movie Moana, the villain will be drastically different.
This course has also helped me develop my writing. Through writing essays focusing on the purpose of an introduction, conclusion, and how to structure a body paragraph, I feel that my writing has improved and become more organized in my head. Similarly, the way we structure how we incorporate quotes into our essays gives me confidence in how I was originally taught to write and in my past writing.
Overall, I would recommend this class to a friend, but definitely warn them that just because it is a Disney class does not mean the class is easy, as their are challenging assignments and a lot of push.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Villains and Heroes
The artist who's work is shown below merges the faces of villains and main characters in Disney films. My favorite one is definitely Simba and Scar! Check it out online here!
Friday, November 18, 2016
Wreck-it-Ralph Live Film Response
I had no idea what to expect for this film. My initial judgements were completely wrong. I expected it to be a childish movie about video games, however it surprised me instead. Here are some main things that I picked up on throughout the movie.
The first line of the movie is "My name's Ralph, and I'm a bad guy." What does it say about villainy if the first person introduced is the bad guy, and the first thing he says identifies himself as this. Obviously, he is very self aware, but this makes sense because video games run on the thought that there is a bad and a good guy. He also acknowledges that bad guys never get the medal. By this, I think it's saying that Ralph never gets the recognition he deserves for being such a crucial part of the game. In fact, Ralph really does want to be a good guy, but he just cannot escape his fate. As someone in the bad guys anonymous group says, "We can't change who we are."
In contrast, the "good guys" in the movie are partying and living the life in a penthouse. They show wealth and laughter while Ralph is sad and living in a dump. This is a actually very different from what we observe in other movies. It seems that in other movies the villains are bad because it helps them live a more lavish life, however this is not the case for Ralph. Also, the good guys do not think that Ralph can fit in with their good guy group. In fact, they do not even give him a chance. By excluding him, aren't the "good guys" actually the villains?
Once Ralph leaves to go win a medal somehow, the game is shut down and the good guys realize that they actually do need him. He was undervalued. The same is for the girl with the glitch in the Sugarland game. The people in the game will not allow her to be like them, although that is all she wants (similar to Ralph). However, at the end of the movie, her peers realize how valuable she actually is to the game and to the program. Eventually, this is the fate for Ralph as well.
To me, it is interesting that the bad guys are the ones who are accepting. They are the ones who are forming groups to help each other accept who they are, whereas the good guys are exclusive and boast about themselves.
When the glitch girl gave Ralph her homemade medal declaring him a hero, I cried. I also cried when he sacrifices himself for her. I'm clearly a crier, but there is something about him finally getting recognition for the person that he wants to be that was so redemptive. He learns to live his life with the same job as before, but with a different outlook. Also, he is now accepted. This movie sheds light on the importance of acceptance in this world.
On a last side note, this movie is almost funnier for older kids than younger kids. There are so many play on words included in the movie that I even found myself laughing out loud during it. This is similar to Pixar movies, so I wonder what that says about Disney's new section.
The first line of the movie is "My name's Ralph, and I'm a bad guy." What does it say about villainy if the first person introduced is the bad guy, and the first thing he says identifies himself as this. Obviously, he is very self aware, but this makes sense because video games run on the thought that there is a bad and a good guy. He also acknowledges that bad guys never get the medal. By this, I think it's saying that Ralph never gets the recognition he deserves for being such a crucial part of the game. In fact, Ralph really does want to be a good guy, but he just cannot escape his fate. As someone in the bad guys anonymous group says, "We can't change who we are."
In contrast, the "good guys" in the movie are partying and living the life in a penthouse. They show wealth and laughter while Ralph is sad and living in a dump. This is a actually very different from what we observe in other movies. It seems that in other movies the villains are bad because it helps them live a more lavish life, however this is not the case for Ralph. Also, the good guys do not think that Ralph can fit in with their good guy group. In fact, they do not even give him a chance. By excluding him, aren't the "good guys" actually the villains?
Once Ralph leaves to go win a medal somehow, the game is shut down and the good guys realize that they actually do need him. He was undervalued. The same is for the girl with the glitch in the Sugarland game. The people in the game will not allow her to be like them, although that is all she wants (similar to Ralph). However, at the end of the movie, her peers realize how valuable she actually is to the game and to the program. Eventually, this is the fate for Ralph as well.
To me, it is interesting that the bad guys are the ones who are accepting. They are the ones who are forming groups to help each other accept who they are, whereas the good guys are exclusive and boast about themselves.
When the glitch girl gave Ralph her homemade medal declaring him a hero, I cried. I also cried when he sacrifices himself for her. I'm clearly a crier, but there is something about him finally getting recognition for the person that he wants to be that was so redemptive. He learns to live his life with the same job as before, but with a different outlook. Also, he is now accepted. This movie sheds light on the importance of acceptance in this world.
On a last side note, this movie is almost funnier for older kids than younger kids. There are so many play on words included in the movie that I even found myself laughing out loud during it. This is similar to Pixar movies, so I wonder what that says about Disney's new section.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Beauty and the Beast Update
The new trailer is out! Here is the link! Not going to lie, a few tears were shed. So much nostalgia.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Reading Response- Davis
Davis does a very good job of examining Tarzan's purpose as a character as well as Clayton's villainy. In the chapter "Evil Villains," Davis explicitly states her goal and purpose: "This chapter, therefore, seeks to examine those male human characters in Disney's animated feature films whose job it is to goad the other characters to bravery, as well as being the characters who, in most cases, must make the ultimate sacrifice in order for the story to be satisfying for the audience." She goes on to describe six basic types of male villains, and how some villains can fit in multiple categories. When referring to Clayton, Davis explains how he represents "colonial entitlement and destruction of the landscape." This would be her "M," or main idea, in the meal plan associated with this part of the essay. She then delivers the "E," evidence, in which she describes in depth how Clayton is first introduced so inhumanly. The author judges Clayton's character for having such a careless attitude for the jungle and being such a stereotype for violence and destructiveness. His ignorance to the importance of the jungle is appalling but also the reason why he is this type of villain. Davis then explains how "Clayton takes something of a backseat" in the second half of the film. Clayton becomes manipulative and tries to control situations in a very sly way, by convincing Tarzan to show Jane the gorillas. Davis makes a distinct comparison between Tarzan and Clayton when she gives evidence of the scene where Tarzan chooses not to kill Clayton because they are completely different types of people. She notes that in fact, Tarzan and Clayton are polar opposites. Later on in her analysis, Davis explains that Tarzan rejects the culture of the white people by staying with his family, whereas Clayton embraces this stereotypical culture. This makes me wonder what Disney was trying to suggest about these people in general.
Clayton's fate also says a lot about himself as a villain. Davis describes the scene: "Clayton becomes caught up in the vines high up in the trees, and though Tarzan tries to save him, Clayton is so intent on killing Tarzan that he falls and is hanged." Because Clayton's only goal was to harm, he is unable to see that he is in danger himself. This brings us back to the idiot villain that she describes at the beginning of this chapter. However, I do not think that Clayton is a total idiot, as he does do a good job of manipulating Tarzan and Jane. As Davis puts it: "Clayton is polished, poised, and able to charm those around him, and does this in order to conceal his true nature and intentions." Clearly, this works, as it takes Tarzan too long to figure out Clayton's plan and act against it.
In her other chapter, one point that really stood out to me was a comparison with Pocahontas. At the end of both movies, the significant other is forced to choose between staying in a new environment or returning home. In Pocahontas, the man decides he needs to go home, whereas in Tarzan, the woman chooses to leave her home to be with the love of her life. Are men not expected to make these sacrifices?
Clayton's fate also says a lot about himself as a villain. Davis describes the scene: "Clayton becomes caught up in the vines high up in the trees, and though Tarzan tries to save him, Clayton is so intent on killing Tarzan that he falls and is hanged." Because Clayton's only goal was to harm, he is unable to see that he is in danger himself. This brings us back to the idiot villain that she describes at the beginning of this chapter. However, I do not think that Clayton is a total idiot, as he does do a good job of manipulating Tarzan and Jane. As Davis puts it: "Clayton is polished, poised, and able to charm those around him, and does this in order to conceal his true nature and intentions." Clearly, this works, as it takes Tarzan too long to figure out Clayton's plan and act against it.
In her other chapter, one point that really stood out to me was a comparison with Pocahontas. At the end of both movies, the significant other is forced to choose between staying in a new environment or returning home. In Pocahontas, the man decides he needs to go home, whereas in Tarzan, the woman chooses to leave her home to be with the love of her life. Are men not expected to make these sacrifices?
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
The Frozen Obsession
Within the last couple years, Frozen has taken over children's lives. From hours of watching to dressing up like the two, not one, princesses in the movie, kids are simply obsessed. The movie itself raked in 1.276 billion dollars and that does not even account for all of the money it made through consumer products. This will be an analysis about what about the movie made it so popular.
My experience with Frozen:
This movie came out when I was in high school and even high school kids were obsessed. I remember hearing the songs or people singing them in the hallways and being so confused about why this movie would appeal to high schoolers. Then, I watched it and I loved it. The message about the importance of family and the twist in the plot keeps the movie exciting but still meaningful. Since, I have seen the movie five times (of course I had to show my family and every little kid I babysit wanted to watch). Truly, it never gets old, and I am not the only teenager who feels this way. Some are even channeling their look alike qualities for a part time job:
So why was this movie so popular?
This article from Time Magazine describes the science behind why the movie is so popular. First, the author suggests that little kids can relate to Elsa's impulsiveness. Elsa cannot control her powers and often young children are unable to think through their actions. Secondly, the imagination that children have aligns with that of the world Elsa creates through her powers. She creates a castle out of ice and Anna has a fun loving snowman sidekick--every little kids dream. Thirdly, the importance of family really resonates with young kids because they are still strongly attached to those people in their family. I feel that this is the same reason why I care so much, because I am so close with my family. Lastly, the author credits the sing along aspect of the movie to its popularity. Every song in the movie is catchy and allows for fun duets and dances. Personally, I think it also adds to the cuteness.
In a different article, the author adds additional reasons as to why this movie broke records. The author claims that the movie is a throwback. I am not sure that I agree with this, as the argument is that it is like Cinderella and Snow White. These movies have a more traditional storyline, which is incredibly different from how Frozen has two princesses and an unexpected villain. The inclusion of Olaf was praised again for his lightheartedness and humor he adds to the movie. Other additions were about how the movie relates to real life and the feminist movement. The girls save each other, which is a huge step in a Disney movie (however I am watching the election, and clearly America is okay with regressing fifty years).
A film critic wrote a post about how Frozen apparently ruined his life as a parent. I never really understood why this movie could be so annoying, but he describes his children as having a vocabulary of twenty words, two of which are "Elsa" and "Anna." He talks about how his house was being taken over by Frozen coloring books, storybooks, dolls, stickers, games, puzzles, costumes, and nightgowns. How crazy is that? The author says that because of this movie, he is out nearly $1000 dollars trying to please his children with consumer products. What does this say about kids in our society and how do we change their already set mindset of consumerism?
Giroux would suggest that this is the problem with Disney as a whole, not just movies like this. Disney creates these movies to appeal to children so that they can make money in a market of toys, games, accessories, etc. I personally do not think that children consumerism is Disney's fault, as they are a country and are responsible for making money, not educating children morally. That job should be for the parents. However, it is not uncommon that parents also blame Disney for their problems, much like the author of the piece about how Frozen is ruining his life. For example, when 101 Dalmatians came out, many children wanted a dalmatian for Christmas. Many parents were naive and fulfilled their children's wish by getting them a dog, only to take it back. Shelters were flooded with dogs and people tried to blame Disney for this issue, rather than taking responsibility as a parent. I struggle with many of the people who criticize Disney and hope that people open their eyes.
Giroux would suggest that this is the problem with Disney as a whole, not just movies like this. Disney creates these movies to appeal to children so that they can make money in a market of toys, games, accessories, etc. I personally do not think that children consumerism is Disney's fault, as they are a country and are responsible for making money, not educating children morally. That job should be for the parents. However, it is not uncommon that parents also blame Disney for their problems, much like the author of the piece about how Frozen is ruining his life. For example, when 101 Dalmatians came out, many children wanted a dalmatian for Christmas. Many parents were naive and fulfilled their children's wish by getting them a dog, only to take it back. Shelters were flooded with dogs and people tried to blame Disney for this issue, rather than taking responsibility as a parent. I struggle with many of the people who criticize Disney and hope that people open their eyes.
Walle Film Live Blog
Opening of the movie shows destruction everywhere. We can assume it was due to human effects on Earth but that is never explicitly stated.
The goal of the robots: "We'll clean up the mess when you're away." Takes the responsibility for how the Earth turned out and displaces it by giving humans a way out of their mess.
See ads promoting space living, in which it is relaxing and safer.
WALL-E enjoys watching the love videos, which humanizes him. While he is a robot he is able to feel these emotions which relates him to a human. If humans could have a bad effect on the earth like they did, does that mean WALL-E is able to impact the world as well or is he simply there to pick up trash?
His main purpose is to pick up trash, but he keeps some things. It is interesting to me that he keeps all of the non luxurious things as he throws the ring and does not care about the car keys.
Suddenly, a robotic spaceship programs another robot on Earth and leaves her there. EVE is introduced as a more updated version of WALL-E.
He truly acts like a human around her, as he gets all nervous around her and is silly. He tries to impress her but constantly embarrasses himself, a typical beginning to any movie love story.
The two characters are truly complete opposites. EVE is new, destructive, strong, sassy, whereas WALL-E is old, dirty, constructive, and soft.
Finally, WALL-E and EVE connect.
What is different about this movie in regards to gender is that WALL-E is hoping for EVE to love her, and actually follows her, instead of waiting. He goes with her to space, and the spaceship has to get through a layer of junk in the atmosphere, further showing the destruction on this planet.
The first time I tried to watch this movie I fell asleep. The beginning is incredibly slow. However, this time I stayed awake to see what happens when they go to space and I am so glad. The way humans are portrayed in this movie is unbelievable and I kind of love it. Humans are shown just sitting in chair zooming around and only looking at screens. They look at the screens and and talk to other people sitting in other chairs-possibly even right next to them. They are presented as so lazy and so oblivious that it is almost sad. One woman looks away from her screen and says "I didn't know we had a pool." This seems just like a continuation of their behavior on Earth, where you could argue humans are too caught up in technology and too lazy to do anything to actually save the planet.
The last random thing I will mention is that it is clever that WALL-E makes the same noise as a Mac when it is turned on. What does this suggest about Apple?
The goal of the robots: "We'll clean up the mess when you're away." Takes the responsibility for how the Earth turned out and displaces it by giving humans a way out of their mess.
See ads promoting space living, in which it is relaxing and safer.
WALL-E enjoys watching the love videos, which humanizes him. While he is a robot he is able to feel these emotions which relates him to a human. If humans could have a bad effect on the earth like they did, does that mean WALL-E is able to impact the world as well or is he simply there to pick up trash?
His main purpose is to pick up trash, but he keeps some things. It is interesting to me that he keeps all of the non luxurious things as he throws the ring and does not care about the car keys.
Suddenly, a robotic spaceship programs another robot on Earth and leaves her there. EVE is introduced as a more updated version of WALL-E.
He truly acts like a human around her, as he gets all nervous around her and is silly. He tries to impress her but constantly embarrasses himself, a typical beginning to any movie love story.
The two characters are truly complete opposites. EVE is new, destructive, strong, sassy, whereas WALL-E is old, dirty, constructive, and soft.
Finally, WALL-E and EVE connect.
What is different about this movie in regards to gender is that WALL-E is hoping for EVE to love her, and actually follows her, instead of waiting. He goes with her to space, and the spaceship has to get through a layer of junk in the atmosphere, further showing the destruction on this planet.
The first time I tried to watch this movie I fell asleep. The beginning is incredibly slow. However, this time I stayed awake to see what happens when they go to space and I am so glad. The way humans are portrayed in this movie is unbelievable and I kind of love it. Humans are shown just sitting in chair zooming around and only looking at screens. They look at the screens and and talk to other people sitting in other chairs-possibly even right next to them. They are presented as so lazy and so oblivious that it is almost sad. One woman looks away from her screen and says "I didn't know we had a pool." This seems just like a continuation of their behavior on Earth, where you could argue humans are too caught up in technology and too lazy to do anything to actually save the planet.
The last random thing I will mention is that it is clever that WALL-E makes the same noise as a Mac when it is turned on. What does this suggest about Apple?
Tarzan Film Live Blog
Aw! I love the parallelism between the monkey family and human family. The switching from one to another presents similarities and differences between the two species at the beginning.
Look how happy the baby is to be with the monkey! The baby is instantly calmed and falls asleep so easily.
It's amazing how the monkey goes straight into mother mode and protects the baby as much as she can from the tiger. So far I am loving this.
Really shows the problem with otherness in Disney movies. Because Tarzan is different from the monkeys, they aren't okay with the idea of keeping him. They make it known that "it's not our kind" and that he just does not fit in. It is not really a matter of danger at all, considering his family is dead and he is just a baby.
Typical Disney movie in that it relies on a patriarchy. Kerchak is the main leader and must approve everything. The mother has to wait for husband's approval to keep the boy, rather than just deciding for herself. Suggest that women are not strong enough to make their own decisions.
All of the Phil Collins songs are wonderful, especially "You'll Be in My Heart." How cute, because it connects to how the mother shows Tarzan that their hearts are the same.
The germaphobe elephant is cracking me up, what a good little sidekick.
Funny how quick everyone is to turn on someone different. Tarzan makes one mistake with his friend but he is the only one blamed: "He will never be one of us."
Good example of having a mentor within the family. Do other Disney movies have this?
The first time we officially see Tarzan's "noise" is when he kills the tiger. This means a lot because he is getting revenge for his parents, yet he does not know this.
Here comes the true evil: Humans. Clayton is shown cutting down trees and shooting things. He seems nasty compared to the other two, Jane and her dad who have British accents and are presented in a more classy way.
Of course Tarzan saves Jane, the typical boy saves girl storyline *eye roll*.
When they first meet he creepily invades her personal space. This is almost uncomfortable to watch even though they are animated characters! But, he finds out that they are the same kind.
Humans once again shown as evil as they take over the jungle with tents, clocks, a typewriter, etc.
Dad and Clayton do not believe Jane and simply call it a "Girly Fantasy" instead of reality.
Once again bringing up the otherness, the humans say "let's make him more like us." People like people who are like them. They say "you belong with us" to lure Tarzan in and eliminate that otherness.
Humans strike again as he gets tricked onto getting on the boat by Clayton.
Finally! Kerchak opens up and says "family belongs to you--take care of them, my son." Tarzan is finally accepted into the other group.
This was my first time watching Tarzan and it was so good! Might be my favorite new Disney movie. I loved how it surrounded family and also how humans are negatively impacting our world.
Look how happy the baby is to be with the monkey! The baby is instantly calmed and falls asleep so easily.
It's amazing how the monkey goes straight into mother mode and protects the baby as much as she can from the tiger. So far I am loving this.
Really shows the problem with otherness in Disney movies. Because Tarzan is different from the monkeys, they aren't okay with the idea of keeping him. They make it known that "it's not our kind" and that he just does not fit in. It is not really a matter of danger at all, considering his family is dead and he is just a baby.
Typical Disney movie in that it relies on a patriarchy. Kerchak is the main leader and must approve everything. The mother has to wait for husband's approval to keep the boy, rather than just deciding for herself. Suggest that women are not strong enough to make their own decisions.
All of the Phil Collins songs are wonderful, especially "You'll Be in My Heart." How cute, because it connects to how the mother shows Tarzan that their hearts are the same.
The germaphobe elephant is cracking me up, what a good little sidekick.
Funny how quick everyone is to turn on someone different. Tarzan makes one mistake with his friend but he is the only one blamed: "He will never be one of us."
Good example of having a mentor within the family. Do other Disney movies have this?
The first time we officially see Tarzan's "noise" is when he kills the tiger. This means a lot because he is getting revenge for his parents, yet he does not know this.
Here comes the true evil: Humans. Clayton is shown cutting down trees and shooting things. He seems nasty compared to the other two, Jane and her dad who have British accents and are presented in a more classy way.
Of course Tarzan saves Jane, the typical boy saves girl storyline *eye roll*.
When they first meet he creepily invades her personal space. This is almost uncomfortable to watch even though they are animated characters! But, he finds out that they are the same kind.
Humans once again shown as evil as they take over the jungle with tents, clocks, a typewriter, etc.
Dad and Clayton do not believe Jane and simply call it a "Girly Fantasy" instead of reality.
Once again bringing up the otherness, the humans say "let's make him more like us." People like people who are like them. They say "you belong with us" to lure Tarzan in and eliminate that otherness.
Humans strike again as he gets tricked onto getting on the boat by Clayton.
Finally! Kerchak opens up and says "family belongs to you--take care of them, my son." Tarzan is finally accepted into the other group.
This was my first time watching Tarzan and it was so good! Might be my favorite new Disney movie. I loved how it surrounded family and also how humans are negatively impacting our world.
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