The woman writer and the fairy tale king

Garrick 2021-11-30 08:01:28

Remember Aunt Mary Poppins who came with the wind with an umbrella in one hand and a suitcase in the other? She did not jump into our lives from the window as easily as in the story. In fact, it took Walt Disney twenty years to persuade the original author, Miss PL Travers, to agree to put it on the screen. Each word must be reviewed and approved by her. Like "Hitchcock" at the end of 2012, "The Big Dreamer" is also a movie about film, telling the behind-the-scenes story of the film "Happy Man".

"The Big Dreamer" adopts a two-line narrative. The film regularly alternates between Marlborough, Australia in 1906 and London and Los Angeles in the 1960s. Memories of childhood, confrontation of reality, in order to prevent her book from turning into another "big silly cartoon" of Disney Kingdom, female writer PL Travers came to Los Angeles from London alone, and worked with the screenwriter and composer in the Disney office. The team even fought against Walt Disney himself. Every line and every detail must be compared. He is to fulfill the promise to his daughter, and she is to protect her family-like characters and stories, and then to protect the father who is still alive in her heart. Finally, Walt Disney got a clue from the difference between his original name and his pen name. He also flew to London alone, opened his heart in Travers' apartment, and exchanged his childhood for her childhood.

How much does it take to love a person so that you can use his name as your surname? Ms. Travers finally used her creation to redeem her dearest father. I think this is the only privilege that the writer has. As long as you are still at the end of my pen, you and I will not be farewell.

Like the "Happy Man World" that year, "Big Dreamer" is also produced by Disney, which naturally inevitably carries a strong Disney-style brand promotion. Director John Lee Hancock also continued his approach in "Blind Spot", cleaning up the true story, putting on bright powder and sending it to the screen, leaving a happy ending of "Tomorrow will be better". The most glamorous performance was Emma Thompson's performance, which played a arrogant, kind, intelligent and fragile British single female writer. Many of her small movements are very subtle, contemptuously curling her mouth, holding her arms noncommittal, secretly tapping on her toes when she is happy, angrily picking up Donald Duck and Goofy Dog into the closet, and burying her head in the giant Mickey Mouse when she suffers from insomnia. Inside the doll. I can't think of anyone who can be as unbearable as her, and at the same time particularly affectionate? The picky queen PL Travers created by Emma Thompson just balances the almost overflowing sweet joy of the whole movie. Milk tea without tea flavor is nothing more than a cup of butter and sugar water. In Disney movies, it is often those less Disney elements that make the most memorable.

"Big Dreamer" was released on festivals at the end of 2013. What surprised me was that many elderly audiences also staggered in. These old audiences did not look like regulars in the cinema now, but they must have been "Happy in the World" back then. "Fans. Although the current cartoons are discussing how to break through the traditional Disney model, as the movie progresses, the nice episodes are repeated again and again, and I can't help but see the grandpa and grandma on the left and right humming lightly following the rhythm. Thinking of Disney's goodness, it has indeed soothed the hearts of young people with truth, kindness and beauty. Although today’s film technology is already at the level of "Pacific Rim" and "Gravity", half a century ago, "Happy Man World" used live performances combined with animation effects, plus more than a dozen popular episodes from the Sherman brothers. It is indeed a groundbreaking success. ("Big Dreamer" is also dedicated to the composer Robert Sherman who died in early 2013. His brother Richard Sherman served as a consultant for the film.) Not to mention the professional standards of the Hollywood studios in the 1960s and the respect for copyright. It's touching.

At the end of the film, Ms. Travers, who did not receive the invitation letter, decided to go to Hollywood alone, and walked into the Chinese Grand Theater with Mickey Mouse to watch the premiere of "Happy in the World". During the movie, she frequently wiped her tears, as if deeply moved. According to records, Ms. Travers did cry at the premiere that year. Critics argued that it was precisely because of the anger at the movie. The cast and crew of the movie "Happy in the World" participated.) Moved or disappointed, besides PL Travers, who else knows? In a blink of an eye, "Happy in the World" will be released on the 50th anniversary Blu-ray Disc. Maybe at that time, she just remembered the first few years of the 20th century. The loose noon breeze in Marlborough, Australia, the hens in the yard flapped their wings and jumped over a small ditch, and the young father rode his horse against the light. Come.

(Already published in "Southern Capital Entertainment Weekly", print media do not transfer)

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Extended Reading
  • Geo 2022-04-24 07:01:06

    The well-established movie screen composition is exquisite and beautiful. The parallel narrative seems to be more and more popular, but nothing new

  • Ima 2021-11-30 08:01:28

    Uh, the "pure love made for nothing" for the film industry? It feels that the story and character are relatively old-fashioned, plus Colin Farrell, who makes a minute-to-minute play? ! . . . But in the end, after the movie is full of joy, it is indeed very sensational. Disney's movies, especially musicals, are very infectious. Emma Thompson is really a hardcore actor...

Saving Mr. Banks quotes

  • P.L. Travers: Why did you have to make him so cruel? He was not a monster!

    Don DaGradi: Who are we talking about? I'm confused.

    P.L. Travers: You all have children, yes? And do those children make letters for you? Do they write letters? Do they make you drawings? And would you tear up those gifts in front of them? It's a dreadful thing to do. I don't understand. Why must Father tear up the advertisement his children have made and throw it in the fireplace? Why won't he mend their kite? Why have you made him so unspeakably awful? "In glorious Technicolor"? "For all the world to see"? If you claim to make them live, why can't he... they live well? I can't bear it. Please don't. Please don't. I feel like I let him down again.

  • Walt Disney: I think life disappoints you, Ms. Travers. I think it's done that a lot. And maybe Mary Poppins is the only person in your life who hasn't.

    P.L. Travers: Mary Poppins isn't real.

    Walt Disney: That's not true. She was as real as can be to my daughters, and to thousands of other children - adults too. She's been a nighttime comfort to a heck of a lot of people.

    P.L. Travers: Then where is she when I need her? I open the door for Mary Poppins, and who should be standing there but Walt Disney!