Jim On Film
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The Fox and the Hound (1981)--All pet lovers can relate to the heart-wrenching scene where the Widow Tweed must drive Todd to the game preserve. Not only is her own heart crushing under the distress of what she must do--abandon Todd in a game preserve for his own safety--but Todd is completely unaware of the tragedy about to befall him. As the Widow sings about the difficulty of saying good-bye, Todd innocently frolics in the car. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet feels for the Widow as she must leave Todd behind, and the look of pain and confusion in Todd’s eyes make it no easier for her or for us.
The Lion King (1994)--The loss of a parent comes into play again in The Lion King. This time, however, the death is witnessed by the child. The horror is so brilliantly depicted on Simba’s face as Mufasa plunges to his gruesome death. Once the stampede clears, Simba is left alone to plead for his father to wake up, longingly brushing against his lifeless form. As the dust desolves, Scar appears, laying blame on Simba who, in his innocence and terror, believes that he is single-handedly to blame for his father’s death. To murder his father is cruel, to emotionally damage Simba forever is unspeakable.
Pocahontas (1995)--Despite the deep-rooted fear sewn into their hearts, Pocahontas and John Smith find true love based on who people are and not what they are. Despite unimaginable circumstances, they find the courage to love and accept each other even when pressures demand otherwise. When they are torn apart, Pocahontas makes the ultimate sacrifice, putting her own well-being on the line to make a stand for peace and for John Smith. When John is shot as a result of this fear-driven and pointless hate, it makes the parting of the lovers even more tragic. These two soul mates are forever parted because of the hate their love helped end. As Pocahontas runs to watch John Smith’s ship go into the distance, she can do nothing but watch her love disappear into the horizon forever and wave good-bye.
Lilo and Stitch (2002)--Stitch is a horrid little fellow. He says the unspeakable in alien, takes advantage of little Lilo, and thoughtlessly destroys work from her blue period. In fact, by the time he makes his big character change, it’s almost too late. Almost. As he pages through the picture book, he stumbles upon himself--an ugly duckling who cannot find his family. Confused as to what a family is and what love means, Stitch crawls outside in hopes of stumbling onto a family like the duckling. Alone and confused, he looks hopelessly into the night, crying out into the air, "I’m lost." His cry is so desperate, and his need is so basic, we can’t help but feel for the little destruction machine.
Treasure Planet (2002)--Jim Hawkins begins Treasure Planet like every other chip-on-the-shoulder teen in the movies--sulky, full of attitude, and unable to make good choices. However, as the story progresses, we learn than Jim is more than cliché; he’s not only a realistic character, he is a real one. We learn, from his mother, that he showed great genius as a child, but when his father left, he became a different child altogether, and she is at a loss for what to do. Ask any middle school or high school teacher how real that is. What makes this so strong is what happens during the song I’m Still Here, in which we are shown glimpses of Jim’s past. In one of those flashbacks, Jim wakes up to the sight of his father leaving his mother and him. With desperation, he runs fiercely after his father, longingly reaching out for him as he leaves for the final time. The image of young Jim reaching out for the love he will never know is powerful. Not only this, but this need for love from a father figure plays out in Jim’s relationship with Silver. Later in the film, when Jim is at the lowest of all points, he reaches out for Silver. Silver has the knowledge that can end Jim’s despair, but as a result of his own conflicted heart, he cannot tell him. Silver manages to bandage Jim’s own hurts but only leaves his own wounds open.
Disney has created so many memorable moments that reach out to the audience in so many ways--terror, excitement, adventure, elation, humor, and many others. It is truly a testament to the ingenious artists who have worked at the studio since the earliest days to now that the same scenes that made a grandmother wipe away her tears in 1942 are still selling tissues today.
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-- Jim Miles
Jim On Film is published every other Thursday.
The opinions expressed by our guest columnists, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future of Disneyland and the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted December 12, 2002
Copyright Jim Miles. Licensed to LaughingPlace.com.