tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post7688952591904874444..comments2024-03-24T16:25:05.751-04:00Comments on Mayerson on Animation: Walt & El GrupoMark Mayersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00065971589878678848noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-53791710234338252672010-12-15T14:49:14.543-05:002010-12-15T14:49:14.543-05:00It's an obscure branch of Disney history cente...It's an obscure branch of Disney history centered around films largely forgotten by the general public. Who would even bother trying to entertain the masses with such a subject? And how many 'compelling' experiences do you have when you go to see a documentary at an indie film center or art house any way? I saw it in Buffalo last year (with J.B. in attendance) and those I talked to afterwards (non-cartoon buffs) thoroughly enjoyed it. That's certainly more than I can say about the "Three Caballeros" screening.<br /><br />I actually agree with David that I'd have liked to see more about the fighting of Nazi influence, but within the context of the artists' experiences, one of the main points of the film, the trip really wasn't about denouncing Hitler to them, so it's understandable.<br /><br /><i>The fact that their actions had implications for our industry and the thousands of artists they employed makes it interesting drama... for me, at least.</i><br /><br />Cramming more about the strike to instill 'drama' into "El Grupo" (I think that's what you're alluding to here) would be depriving the issue of the respect it deserves. It needs a film all by itself to do it justice. Actually, a film on the strike, and the effect it had on the industry, sounds like a great project for you, David - you'd probably be one of the best candidates for the job.Thadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04443425643665474645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-16597658026725726072010-12-13T10:20:15.322-05:002010-12-13T10:20:15.322-05:00The fact that their actions had implications for o...The fact that their actions had implications for our industry and the thousands of artists they employed makes it interesting drama... for me, at least.David B. Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12611160893518781463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-33909991693915741402010-12-13T09:39:04.061-05:002010-12-13T09:39:04.061-05:00I found the drama of Waking Sleeping Beauty to be ...I found the drama of Waking Sleeping Beauty to be bogus. A group of highly paid, powerful executives were fighting to take credit for work that none of them actually did. It's the drama of spoiled children fighting over a toy.<br /><br />Walt & El Grupo may have less drama and no discernible arc, but it shows artists actively engaging with fellow artists, their audience and different cultures. It strikes me as far more admirable, if less dramatic.Mark Mayersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00065971589878678848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-6283688933769733352010-12-13T09:00:04.790-05:002010-12-13T09:00:04.790-05:00I thought this film was fine, but my perspective i...I thought this film was fine, but my perspective is balanced by the fact I saw the movie in the theatre with two non-animation people who, without having particular interest in the subject, had a restless experience sitting through the film. I suspect that wouldn't happen with Waking Sleeping Beauty because of the sheer drama on the screen. <br /><br />I found a lot missing in "Walt & El Grupo," in that as a document of a politically motivated trip, it largely ignored the impact of Walt's visit in fighting Nazi influence in South America. Maybe that can't be calculated, but the film didn't even try. <br /><br />Awesome that the film focused on the artists and their art, showing lots of great artwork, but, the artists didn't have an arc to follow in this story. No drama, except for being along on a trip. The ultimate feeling for me was like spending hours having tea with one of these artist's children and looking at their scrap book as they read their parents letters aloud. Does that make for a compelling film experience? <br /><br />I'm still glad I saw it, and as per Michael's advice, I'd like to check out the book.David B. Levyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12611160893518781463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-37958008021942067872010-12-12T23:11:16.253-05:002010-12-12T23:11:16.253-05:00It's an excellent documentary, as you say. How...It's an excellent documentary, as you say. However, the book by J.B. Kaufman, <b>South of the Border With Disney: Walt Disney and the Good Neighbor Program, 1941-1948</b>, is significantly more informative and interesting (as one might expect from a book and the fine author.)Michael Spornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02018522723674960270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-78061268446698395552010-12-12T18:01:33.823-05:002010-12-12T18:01:33.823-05:00I can't wait to see this one!!!I can't wait to see this one!!!Eric Noblehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05872046921674512158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-85469174215105106492010-12-12T17:31:21.204-05:002010-12-12T17:31:21.204-05:00I would love to know the anecdotes when they staye...I would love to know the anecdotes when they stayed in Argentina because it's not well covered here. Also, very interesting the relationship created with local artist Molina Campos.Luis María Benítezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06833355341151452054noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-4070039764598111662010-12-12T17:03:07.331-05:002010-12-12T17:03:07.331-05:00Ah yes, the propaganda years!Ah yes, the propaganda years!Steven Hartleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13825398324719609394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27501132.post-12677975881084934722010-12-12T17:00:22.525-05:002010-12-12T17:00:22.525-05:00I was fortunate enough to attend the Canadian prem...I was fortunate enough to attend the Canadian premiere of this and chat with Ted afterward. It's a fantastic film, and he's currently at work on another documentary. It is better than Waking Sleeping Beauty, but only if you're not a complete fanboy.Danielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379387828450465575noreply@blogger.com