Dumbo

DisneyPrincess · 09-11-2009, 09:28 PM

On the most emotional song thread "Baby Mine" came up for a lot of people so I thought it would be nice to discuss Dumbo and HOW SAD IT IS!!! Gawd, how much Dumbo's mother longs for a baby and when she finally gets one and this song is played its a real heartbreaker. And it all happens in the setting of the other animals being so cruel to her when they get theirs and she doesn't.

Then when she tries to protect her baby from terrible ridicule she ends up tragically imprisoned in a cage and mother and baby are separated. When Dumbo is finally able to see her all they can do is nuzzle trunks and you don't see Dumbo's mother's face I don't think, but you see a tear roll down her trunk to him. It just doesn't get harder than that. Frankly I don't know how you're supposed to scoop yourself up off the ground after that scene!

Anyone else want to weigh in on this one?

Piglet · 09-12-2009, 08:54 AM

Well, I agree Dumbo has it's sad moments, but Baby Mine is a very loving song. Sure it makes me tear up every time I hear it, but that's because it's such a special song. I think the plot of Dumbo reflects real life. If you were the mother of a child with a disability/disfigurement, you would do everything in your power to not only protect him/her, but also to help them use their special talents to be as successful as he/she could. At the end of Dumbo, his huge ears--which originally were considered a liability by the other elephants--helped Dumbo do something great! Then everyone respected him. I think the movie is a good lesson in life =)

Wedbliss · 09-12-2009, 12:19 PM

The emotion of sadness played a huge part in the stories Walt presented in his animated features. Snow White in a glass coffin, Pinocchio laying face down in a pool of water, Bambi losing his mother, Cinderella being an orphan and virtual slave in her own home, etc. The sadness was always followed by the character overcoming the adversity they faced....the happy ending, if you please.

Along with the incredible artistry of these films, it is the pathos of these situations which makes these films timeless. The sadness is painful but necessary for the characters to evolve and triumph in the end. The pathos also is the main reason why the classic Disney features are appealing to people of all ages and backrounds and are not just childish cartoons as some people might make them out to be.

DisneyPrincess · 09-13-2009, 07:47 PM

no need to defend the film, I just think it is a sad one, not a bad one.

Wedbliss · 09-14-2009, 12:06 PM

Oh, I wasn't defending the film and I think I know exactly what you were saying. I agree with you. I was only pointing out that sadness it an essentail part of the Disney style of storytelling. Maybe that's an obvious observation to make, but that's all I was saying.

TuesdayBear · 09-17-2009, 07:15 PM

Dumbo is very hard for me to watch. As a child, I felt so bad for Dumbo as he visits his mother. Now that I'm a mom, that scene is so painful that I have to leave the room.

The emotions that Disney movies evoke are a large part of why the company was so successful, I feel. Sure, the amazing animation and innovative ideas are essential to a quality performance. But the emotions that these movies touch leave an indelible impression.

And Wedbliss, I so agree that the emotional aspects are what allow the characters to evolve. You take Grumpy the Dwarf, for example. When the dwarves are mourning Snow White, it's his grief that is felt the most because he's the one who was so stodgy throughout the movie. That sequence of his changing facial expressions in his grief gets me every time. For me, taking an audience member on such an emotional ride is pure magic.

DisneyPrincess · 09-18-2009, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuesdayBear

Dumbo is very hard for me to watch. As a child, I felt so bad for Dumbo as he visits his mother. Now that I'm a mom, that scene is so painful that I have to leave the room.

The emotions that Disney movies evoke are a large part of why the company was so successful, I feel. Sure, the amazing animation and innovative ideas are essential to a quality performance. But the emotions that these movies touch leave an indelible impression.

And Wedbliss, I so agree that the emotional aspects are what allow the characters to evolve. You take Grumpy the Dwarf, for example. When the dwarves are mourning Snow White, it's his grief that is felt the most because he's the one who was so stodgy throughout the movie. That sequence of his changing facial expressions in his grief gets me every time. For me, taking an audience member on such an emotional ride is pure magic.

It affects me that much too. I started the thread as I was just wondering if anyone else found it so sad. I was surprised that Baby Mine came up for so many people as their most emotional song from a Disney movie. It made me realize I'm not the only one so affected by this film. I've always thought it was a wierd quirk of mine to find Dumbo so incredibly sad. Of course it works out in the end but wow what a sad journey. I can only rarely watch it! I didn't mean to imply they went overboard or it wasn't a good film. Everyone has their own threshold or experiences that make them more or less affected by a story. Just wondered if anyone else had the same reaction. Being a mom definitely puts a punch in it!

Oddly, and I don't think he fully explained why, but in a book on filmmaking David Mamet said Dumbo is the most perfect picture ever made! I wish he went into more detail.

TuesdayBear · 09-19-2009, 08:55 PM

Wow! That's interesting that Mamet said that. I'll have to scout around and see if I can get some more insight on why.

I'm actually relieved to read your posts, because I thought I was the only one who had difficulties watching Dumbo. I used to love "Baby Mine" as a song. It's so beautiful, and it was one of my favorites. But since I've suffered pregnancy loss, I absolutely cannot stand to listen to it. And "Baby Mine" coupled with the "jail" scene is just too much for me to take. I honestly leave the room when my children are watching it.

You know, Mamet is so well known for the power of his works. Perhaps it is this very issue that he is referring to? It certainly says a lot about the artistry of a movie for it to evoke this sort of emotion.

Executioner · 09-20-2009, 08:01 AM

I can see why David Mamet said that about Dumbo. The movie not only being the shortest of Disney's movies, it really takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that is just so natural. The events might as well be real or have happened to a real person or animal. That is why it drives straight into the hearts. Plus the lead role never says one word, which helps lend to your feelings towards him. His actions speak louder than words.

I would say that Dumbo is truly the most heartfelt movie Disney ever made. Outside of Old Yeller of course. LOL

Wedbliss · 09-20-2009, 11:28 AM

^Old Yeller is a movie that I have trouble watching. Dumbo does break my heart, but it has a different and more resolved happy ending than Old Yeller. The last 20 minutes or so of Old Yeller just tear me up. I can only bear to watch that film every 5 years or so because it's just so sad. It's a great film, but it completely breaks my heart every time.

I think Dumbo is a favorite of many people in the the film industry. I remember John Lasseter saying that it was his favorite movie also.

DisneyPrincess · 09-21-2009, 03:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuesdayBear

...I'm actually relieved to read your posts, because I thought I was the only one who had difficulties watching Dumbo. I used to love "Baby Mine" as a song. It's so beautiful, and it was one of my favorites. But since I've suffered pregnancy loss, I absolutely cannot stand to listen to it. And "Baby Mine" coupled with the "jail" scene is just too much for me to take. I honestly leave the room when my children are watching it...

Phew! I'm relieved too! Same cause. I can hardly think about it w/out crying! I can't think of another film that brought that out so much for me and I'm quite a film buff.

DisneyPrincess · 09-21-2009, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Executioner

I can see why David Mamet said that about Dumbo. The movie not only being the shortest of Disney's movies, it really takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that is just so natural. The events might as well be real or have happened to a real person or animal. That is why it drives straight into the hearts. Plus the lead role never says one word, which helps lend to your feelings towards him. His actions speak louder than words.

I would say that Dumbo is truly the most heartfelt movie Disney ever made. Outside of Old Yeller of course. LOL

Completely agreed and well said. I don't think I ever noticed that Dumbo never says a word. He has the most perfect look of pure innocence. And you know I think you're right, I cannot think of a more heartfelt Disney film.

DisneyPrincess · 09-21-2009, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wedbliss

^Old Yeller is a movie that I have trouble watching. Dumbo does break my heart, but it has a different and more resolved happy ending than Old Yeller. The last 20 minutes or so of Old Yeller just tear me up. I can only bear to watch that film every 5 years or so because it's just so sad. It's a great film, but it completely breaks my heart every time.

I think Dumbo is a favorite of many people in the the film industry. I remember John Lasseter saying that it was his favorite movie also.

Personally, I will never watch Old Yeller. I can't do that sort of movie. A friend witnessed me watching The Yearling for the first time, a remake, when I was in my 30's (!) and warned me off Old Yeller! I actually didn't know how The Yearling ended and went straight down the garden path!

09-11-2009, 09:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
DisneyPrincess People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 45	Dumbo - sad, sad movie On the most emotional song thread "Baby Mine" came up for a lot of people so I thought it would be nice to discuss Dumbo and HOW SAD IT IS!!! Gawd, how much Dumbo's mother longs for a baby and when she finally gets one and this song is played its a real heartbreaker. And it all happens in the setting of the other animals being so cruel to her when they get theirs and she doesn't. Then when she tries to protect her baby from terrible ridicule she ends up tragically imprisoned in a cage and mother and baby are separated. When Dumbo is finally able to see her all they can do is nuzzle trunks and you don't see Dumbo's mother's face I don't think, but you see a tear roll down her trunk to him. It just doesn't get harder than that. Frankly I don't know how you're supposed to scoop yourself up off the ground after that scene! Anyone else want to weigh in on this one? __________________ "This is MY dream! "- Mickey in Fantasmic, mad about the mouse:-)
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09-12-2009, 08:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
Piglet People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Lake Stevens, WA Posts: 1,422 Images: 8	Well, I agree Dumbo has it's sad moments, but Baby Mine is a very loving song. Sure it makes me tear up every time I hear it, but that's because it's such a special song. I think the plot of Dumbo reflects real life. If you were the mother of a child with a disability/disfigurement, you would do everything in your power to not only protect him/her, but also to help them use their special talents to be as successful as he/she could. At the end of Dumbo, his huge ears--which originally were considered a liability by the other elephants--helped Dumbo do something great! Then everyone respected him. I think the movie is a good lesson in life =) __________________ <-- My kids with Piglet at Disneyland, taken 6/05. A big thank-you to Kit Cloudkicker for the awesome sig he designed for me!!
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09-12-2009, 12:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
Wedbliss People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 799	The emotion of sadness played a huge part in the stories Walt presented in his animated features. Snow White in a glass coffin, Pinocchio laying face down in a pool of water, Bambi losing his mother, Cinderella being an orphan and virtual slave in her own home, etc. The sadness was always followed by the character overcoming the adversity they faced....the happy ending, if you please. Along with the incredible artistry of these films, it is the pathos of these situations which makes these films timeless. The sadness is painful but necessary for the characters to evolve and triumph in the end. The pathos also is the main reason why the classic Disney features are appealing to people of all ages and backrounds and are not just childish cartoons as some people might make them out to be. __________________ My Countdown Counting down to: Holiday Trip to Walt Disney World 21 days 12 hours 10 minutes
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09-13-2009, 07:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
DisneyPrincess People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 45	no need to defend the film, I just think it is a sad one, not a bad one. __________________ "This is MY dream! "- Mickey in Fantasmic, mad about the mouse:-)
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09-14-2009, 12:06 PM	#5 (permalink)
Wedbliss People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 799	Oh, I wasn't defending the film and I think I know exactly what you were saying. I agree with you. I was only pointing out that sadness it an essentail part of the Disney style of storytelling. Maybe that's an obvious observation to make, but that's all I was saying. __________________ My Countdown Counting down to: Holiday Trip to Walt Disney World 21 days 12 hours 10 minutes
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09-17-2009, 07:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
TuesdayBear People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: High Desert, Southern CA Posts: 168	Dumbo is very hard for me to watch. As a child, I felt so bad for Dumbo as he visits his mother. Now that I'm a mom, that scene is so painful that I have to leave the room. The emotions that Disney movies evoke are a large part of why the company was so successful, I feel. Sure, the amazing animation and innovative ideas are essential to a quality performance. But the emotions that these movies touch leave an indelible impression. And Wedbliss, I so agree that the emotional aspects are what allow the characters to evolve. You take Grumpy the Dwarf, for example. When the dwarves are mourning Snow White, it's his grief that is felt the most because he's the one who was so stodgy throughout the movie. That sequence of his changing facial expressions in his grief gets me every time. For me, taking an audience member on such an emotional ride is pure magic. __________________ Come join us! (You must be 18 years of age or older)
	Did you find this post helpful? Yes \| No

09-19-2009, 08:55 PM	#8 (permalink)
TuesdayBear People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: High Desert, Southern CA Posts: 168	Wow! That's interesting that Mamet said that. I'll have to scout around and see if I can get some more insight on why. I'm actually relieved to read your posts, because I thought I was the only one who had difficulties watching Dumbo. I used to love "Baby Mine" as a song. It's so beautiful, and it was one of my favorites. But since I've suffered pregnancy loss, I absolutely cannot stand to listen to it. And "Baby Mine" coupled with the "jail" scene is just too much for me to take. I honestly leave the room when my children are watching it. You know, Mamet is so well known for the power of his works. Perhaps it is this very issue that he is referring to? It certainly says a lot about the artistry of a movie for it to evoke this sort of emotion. __________________ Come join us! (You must be 18 years of age or older)
	Did you find this post helpful? Yes \| No

09-20-2009, 08:01 AM	#9 (permalink)
Executioner The name says it all People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Between this world and the next. Posts: 2,196 Images: 70	I can see why David Mamet said that about Dumbo. The movie not only being the shortest of Disney's movies, it really takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that is just so natural. The events might as well be real or have happened to a real person or animal. That is why it drives straight into the hearts. Plus the lead role never says one word, which helps lend to your feelings towards him. His actions speak louder than words. I would say that Dumbo is truly the most heartfelt movie Disney ever made. Outside of Old Yeller of course. LOL __________________ A Different Kind Of Company A Different Kind Of Executioner
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09-20-2009, 11:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
Wedbliss People who found this post helpful: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 799	^Old Yeller is a movie that I have trouble watching. Dumbo does break my heart, but it has a different and more resolved happy ending than Old Yeller. The last 20 minutes or so of Old Yeller just tear me up. I can only bear to watch that film every 5 years or so because it's just so sad. It's a great film, but it completely breaks my heart every time. I think Dumbo is a favorite of many people in the the film industry. I remember John Lasseter saying that it was his favorite movie also. __________________ My Countdown Counting down to: Holiday Trip to Walt Disney World 21 days 12 hours 10 minutes
	Did you find this post helpful? Yes \| No

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