Viewed in
2014
Formats
Movie theater.
Premise
Emma Thompson stars as Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers, reluctantly working with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) to adapt her cherished book into a movie.
Loved
Nostalgic vibe from the music.
Liked
Some amusing moments during the creative process, Paul Giamatti.
Disliked
Plethora of flashbacks, unlikeable characters.
Thoughts
Yes, this was a Disney movie about the making of a Disney movie. But I couldn't help but fall under the magic of memory lane.
I've worked on the Disney studio lot, and it was fascinating to see how little it had changed since the 1960's. Much could be said of the Disneyland scenes. Meanwhile, one couldn't help but get goosebumps hearing familiar melodies from the Julie Andrews masterpiece throughout the movie. Travers breaking down her emotional walls during "Let's Go Fly a Kite" was simply amazing.
While it kept toggling between serious and funny, I did laugh at quite a few funny tug-of-wars between Travers, the Sherman Brothers, and Disney. Meanwhile, Giamatti was very likeable as her chauffeur and a surprisingly sweet subplot.
My problems stem from Thompson's character coming off as very unlikeable, especially during the whole second act. I understand she was protective of her works, but the movie portrayed that very poorly. Add the way too many flashbacks, the lazy coughing blood scene (aka the "air duct" of cinematic dying), and you end with with minimal payoff in the end.
There was definitely a certain level of discomfort with how it treated Travers. You could really make the case that it was exploitive, painting her as an unlikable, bitter obstacle (Grantland's Wesley Morris called it "effectively a sort of character assassination"), while in real-life the Disney studio profited greatly from adapting her work in a way she didn't like. If true, then this film was a posthumous slap in the face.
I love the Mary Poppins film. But I hesitate to recommend Saving Mr. Banks as a behind-the-curtains companion piece. It had its moments, but the poor writing, unlikable portrayal of Travers, and uneasiness baggage of exploitation really dampened any goodwill the film makers intended.
