This article about the biography, Walt Disney: The Triumph of American Imagination detailed the ups and downs of the life of the creator of the Disney empire. It shows the life and times of Disney and what drove him to design such euphoric societies and how he kept the financial struggles under thumb. Truly the audience for this article is so large that it encompasses nearly everyone alive within the realms of modern day civilization. “It is hard to think of anyone who will read this book who has not been touched by the Disney magic, from baby boomers who remember their Davy Crockett hats to teenagers brought up on digital storytelling.” (Millard, 2007, p. 895) Anyone who can comprehend the Disney dream is welcomed to walk through Disney’s life.
The article in question shows several aspects that the Disney biography addresses. Building the empire, the origins of Walt Disney and his making animation into an art form are the basis of the reading. The book is based around these three concepts and helps the reader to gain a visualization of the true inception of Disney.
Walt Disney attempts to discuss the early struggle of the Disney empire. With complex financial dealing that almost drove the early company to bankruptcy, the reader is dealt a classic plot. Of course, as we all know and in keeping with the Disney happy-ending theme, with hard work and community spirit its survival made it one of the most durable and recognizable brands in the world. (Millard, 2007) Additionally, Disney’s obsession with the direction of the Disney empire and his productions is discussed in depth.
The history of Walt Disney’s life and his beginnings are a very compelling tale. “This was a formative time for young Walt and Gabler shows how a few years in Marceline, Missouri framed the ideal of small town America in Disney’s mind: secure, orderly, supportive, and comfortable.” (Millard, 2007, p. 896) He began to fixate on this utopia myth and propel it into his animation and productions as an adult. Recreating such peacefulness is what Walt strove for in his work, whether it be production or theme park.
The documentation of the golden age of Disney, the 1930’s, with the induction of animation as an art form, is some of the most informatory. Rudimentary cartoons, like Steamboat Willie (1928) were given the special brand of Disney magic and turned into shows like Fantasia (1940) with its intense display of artistry. (Millard, 2007) While his art captured the world’s attention, it consumed Walt and left what many describe as “chilly, remote and an often lonely figure.” (Millard, 2007, p. 896)
The style of the article is a bit unorganized yet it manages to tell the story. The main ideas are represented but are unorganized and hard to locate amongst the debris of concepts and supporting ideas. Paragraphs are not structured to showcase main ideas and make them stand out. The text was not difficult to read but it left one guessing what was to be learned from the book.
In an effort to break down the conclusions and key ideas in the article, I will discuss what I learned about the article and the ideas that stuck with me. The building of such an international empire has always fascinated me, but the reading helped me to see the hard work and dedication to a vision that this took. The affect that Walt’s animation had on the art industry and his dedication to the beautification of the projects will be remembered as well.
Despite all of this dedication, hard work and perseverance, this one lone, sad observation remains, Disney appears to have given his life in exchange for the art. Portrayed as a cruel, lonely and harsh man, Walt seems to have turned out to be the exact opposite of every idealic character that he ever created.
We will not soon forget the culmination and life’s work of Walt Disney. It is immortalized in the television screens and vacation pictures of entire generation now and to come. The truth behind the happiness is viewed in Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. The building of the empire, Walt’s beginnings and the creation of an art form all accumulate to help the reader envision the life and times of Walt Disney.
Bibliography
Andre Millard. (2007). Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. The Journal of Popular Culture, 40(5), 895-896.
The article in question shows several aspects that the Disney biography addresses. Building the empire, the origins of Walt Disney and his making animation into an art form are the basis of the reading. The book is based around these three concepts and helps the reader to gain a visualization of the true inception of Disney.
Walt Disney attempts to discuss the early struggle of the Disney empire. With complex financial dealing that almost drove the early company to bankruptcy, the reader is dealt a classic plot. Of course, as we all know and in keeping with the Disney happy-ending theme, with hard work and community spirit its survival made it one of the most durable and recognizable brands in the world. (Millard, 2007) Additionally, Disney’s obsession with the direction of the Disney empire and his productions is discussed in depth.
The history of Walt Disney’s life and his beginnings are a very compelling tale. “This was a formative time for young Walt and Gabler shows how a few years in Marceline, Missouri framed the ideal of small town America in Disney’s mind: secure, orderly, supportive, and comfortable.” (Millard, 2007, p. 896) He began to fixate on this utopia myth and propel it into his animation and productions as an adult. Recreating such peacefulness is what Walt strove for in his work, whether it be production or theme park.
The documentation of the golden age of Disney, the 1930’s, with the induction of animation as an art form, is some of the most informatory. Rudimentary cartoons, like Steamboat Willie (1928) were given the special brand of Disney magic and turned into shows like Fantasia (1940) with its intense display of artistry. (Millard, 2007) While his art captured the world’s attention, it consumed Walt and left what many describe as “chilly, remote and an often lonely figure.” (Millard, 2007, p. 896)
The style of the article is a bit unorganized yet it manages to tell the story. The main ideas are represented but are unorganized and hard to locate amongst the debris of concepts and supporting ideas. Paragraphs are not structured to showcase main ideas and make them stand out. The text was not difficult to read but it left one guessing what was to be learned from the book.
In an effort to break down the conclusions and key ideas in the article, I will discuss what I learned about the article and the ideas that stuck with me. The building of such an international empire has always fascinated me, but the reading helped me to see the hard work and dedication to a vision that this took. The affect that Walt’s animation had on the art industry and his dedication to the beautification of the projects will be remembered as well.
Despite all of this dedication, hard work and perseverance, this one lone, sad observation remains, Disney appears to have given his life in exchange for the art. Portrayed as a cruel, lonely and harsh man, Walt seems to have turned out to be the exact opposite of every idealic character that he ever created.
We will not soon forget the culmination and life’s work of Walt Disney. It is immortalized in the television screens and vacation pictures of entire generation now and to come. The truth behind the happiness is viewed in Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. The building of the empire, Walt’s beginnings and the creation of an art form all accumulate to help the reader envision the life and times of Walt Disney.
Bibliography
Andre Millard. (2007). Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. The Journal of Popular Culture, 40(5), 895-896.
I think this was a very good analysis. Disney is a very popular man and his stores, cartoons and movies are very well known. His imagination and ambition have to a large benefit to us and our children because we all are familiar with disney products or productions.
ReplyDeleteKeah, this was a good post and analysis because I never really knew much about Walt Disney. I went there for the first time last year, and I was amazed at the scenery. I never realized that he built this empire by reading, so that was very interesting in my opinion to find that out. With the way the economy is now, I'm sure alot of business owners can relate to Walt Disney in regards to him almost having to file for bankruptcy. This story should give them hope to keep going to build an empire like he did.
ReplyDeleteKeah, this was a good post and analysis because I never really knew much about Walt Disney. I went there for the first time last year, and I was amazed at the scenery. I never realized that he built this empire by reading, so that was very interesting in my opinion to find that out. With the way the economy is now, I'm sure alot of business owners can relate to Walt Disney in regards to him almost having to file for bankruptcy. This story should give them hope to keep going to build an empire like he did.
ReplyDeleteKeah, this was a great post. I had been to Disney when I was in high school and absolutely loved it. I always said that I would like to return with my children but that never did happen. The Disney movies are very much a part of everyone's childhood. I never realized all that went into the business as a whole. I only hope that Disney is here for future generations.
ReplyDeleteYour article review was very well written. Walt Disney and the films of his company are viewed as iconic American culture. The films that he produced were fantastic. I had a chance to listen to the Julie Andrews autobiography in which she narrated and she talks about getting the role of Mary Poppins. She speaks very fondly of Walt. With him picking Julie Andrews, he made her a star. I personally still love watching cartoons, and the classics will never lose their appeal. Every little girl wants to be a princess and every little boy wants to be a hero.
ReplyDeleteDear Keah,
ReplyDeleteI used to live in Florida for six years from 1992 to 1998. I had friends who worked at Disney and it is an extraordinary place in terms of all the systems Walt Disney built to make it what it is today. The actual walkways to the Magic Kingdom were elevated so employee service corridors could be built.
The underground facilities hid all the power, water, communications and emergency facilities so guest would fee like they were living in a world that was not like the outside world.
Walt Disney was a genius in many people views and I agree. Did you know that he looked at West Virginia and Ohio at one time but passed it up for the year round weather climate. Walt was so smart about purchasing the 50,000 acres of wetland and swamp, that by the time the business world knew what was going on it was too late to cash in. Walt hired straw men or attorney's to purchase large tract of swamp land from farmers so that no one knew who was buying the land.
I really enjoyed my time a Disney as do millions of people do per year