REVIEW: SAVING MR. BANKS

For many decades, Walt Disney Pictures has produced many quality feature films. As most of you may know, the company is the brainchild of an American named Walt Disney, whose enthusiasm in cartoons, animation, and theme parks has spawned many happy moments for children and adults worldwide. Disney expanded from animated feature films to live action musicals, and has produced many classics. Among the classics was a musical film called MaryPoppins (1964). Mary Poppins was adapted from a series of British children’s novels written by P.L.Travers in the 1930s. The struggle and hardship of bringing book to screen forms the central story of the movie in this review. I have watched Mary Poppins (which starred Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke) when I was a little kid and I found to be an extraordinary film. The catchphrases and songs from the film are still remembered by till today.

The title of the film is called Saving Mr. Banks. The film is directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, The Rookie). The film stars Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Paul Giamatti, Colin Farrell, Jason Schwartzman, B.J. Novak, Bradley Whitford, and Ruth Wilson. It is written by Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith. The title seems a little odd in relation to Mary Poppins but if I tell you how both movie titles are connected, it will be a spoiler! Saving Mr. Banks is inspired by a true story (though I feel some creative freedom were allowed) of the people involve in making Mary Poppins. The film was released in the United States in late December but only recently reached Malaysian cinemas.

Will a movie within a movie be interesting to watch? Do read on…

P.L.Travers (Emma Thompson) and Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) at Disneyland

SYNOPSIS:

For so many years, London-based author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) refuses to have her beloved novel Mary Poppins become a film adaptation. Eventually, she accepts an offer from Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) when she realizes her financial status was not too bright. Disney, who has been pursuing her to sell the film rights to her book, invites her to come Los Angeles to discuss and sign an agreement. Travers is really very protective of her writings and insist on creative control while writing the film’s script. As she journeys through the writing process, we discover what, why, and who really inspired the written words of the Mary Poppins novels.

Emma Thompson as P.L.Travers, the heart and soul of the film

SCRIPT:

Well-balanced and emotionally engaging. There is a very good balance between drama and comedy. It doesn’t get too overly dramatic nor does it get too comedic. The dialogue had sharpness and wit which made the film exciting throughout. Major portions of the main plot is told through many flashbacks. However, this did not disrupt the flow of the film as the flashbacks seems to blend naturally into the entire film. This is impressive!

Tom Hanks as Walt Disney in his office

ACTING:

The core characters played by Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, and Colin Farrell outshone the entire cast of the film. Thompson’s performance was strong and we do feel sympathetic towards her character. Tom Hanks as Walt Disney was more a supporting role but he managed to give a decent performance. I have to give particular praise to Colin Farrell. Farrell’s role as the father to P.L. Travers was minimal in the film yet his performance was memorable. I was hoping for more Paul Giamatti in the film because I think he is a good actor.

Annie Rose Buckley portrays a young P.L.Travers in flashbacks. Seen here with Colin Farrell who plays her dad

FILMING:

For a film that is set in the 1960s, I think the production did an excellent job in recreating the set designs and costume from the era. Since the film is distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, it would be easier to have access to any historical pieces. The filmmakers maximized this well. Echoing what I said in the SCRIPT section above, the flashbacks were woven in almost seamlessly into the movie and this has to be credited to the editor and director for a job well done.

Director John Lee Hancock briefing Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson during filming.

PACING:

Not too slow and not too fast either. Moderate and does not feel draggy.

TONE (MOOD):

A journey of self discovery with many reminiscences of the past and how it has shaped the future of an individual.

B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzmann as the Sherman Brothers who composed songs for the Mary Poppins film

DOWNSIDE:

The storyline can feel depressing at times.

If you are not a fan of the world of Disney, this might not be for you.

UPSIDE:

Fans of Mary Poppins novels and the film will love this because of its multiple trivia references.

A very good underlying theme of the bond among members in a family.

Emma Thompson as P.L.Travers in a scene with her driver played by Paul Giamatti

OVERALL:

I liked this film. The subject matter is reasonably light and not too heavy on the thinking. Recommended.

RATING:

8 out 10.