Disney – This name stands not only for a company that has had global reach from its early days, but also for a successful aesthetic programme and ideological positions that have had great commercial success but at the same time have been frequently criticised. Straddling traditionalism and modernism, Disney productions have proven adaptable to social discourses and technical and media developments throughout its history. This volume brings together scholars from several European countries to explore various dimensions that constitute ‘Disney.’ In line with current media and cultural studies research, the chapters deal with human-human and human-animal relations, gender and diversity, iconic characters and narratives, Disney’s contribution to cultural and visual heritage, and transmedial and transfictional spaces of experience and practices of participation associated with Disney story worlds.
Author(s): Ute Dettmar, Ingrid Tomkowiak
Series: Studien zu Kinder- und Jugendliteratur und -medien, 9
Publisher: J.B. Metzler
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 247
City: Berlin
Preface
Contents
Editors and Contributors
Human-Human and Human-Animal Relations
Happy Pictures?
Abstract
Before the Show
Ring Free! Dumbo (1941)
Jumbo Junior: Child/Animal/Disabled Person
At the End: A Beginning? Dumbo (2019)
References
Animal Bodies, Human Voices, and the Big Entanglement
Abstract
The Disneynature Concept
Steve’s Romantic Moment and Disneynature’s Epistemological Anthropomorphising
A Double Sense of Wonder: Nature’s Beauty and Media Technology
Assembling Science Fabulation through Animal Agency
References
Gender and Diversity
Curtailment in Mermaid Lore
Abstract
Tails in Tales
Mirror Worlds in Andersen’s Fairy Tale
Adapting The Little Mermaid to Animation
Queering the Mermaid
References
“Be a Man”
Abstract
Disney and the Gendered Body
Mulan’s Body—a Story of Transformation
Of Captains and Recruits—Strict Hierarchies of Masculinity
Shan Yu—the Beast in Man
Shan Yu—the Epitome of Masculinity
Conclusion—Enemies or Allies
References
Walking the Line
Abstract
Aladdin (1992): A ‘Pseudo Feminist’ and ‘Patriarchal’ Tale
Key Theoretical Concepts: Orientations, the Family Line and Gendering
Curtailment of Female Agency and Voice
Curtailment of Female Motility
Gendered Orientations
Aladdin (2019): An Ambivalent Tale
Nuances in Female Voice and Motility
Male Silencing and Female Voice
Female Substance versus Andronormativity
Conclusion: From Antifeminist to ‘Postfeminist’
References
Screening Blackness
Abstract
Conditions of Recognition: Minority Subjects between Power and Visibility
(Post-)Racial Stereotypes in The Princess and the Frog: Blackness between Inclusion and Erasure
Fan Activism against Ralph Breaks the Internet: Mediating between Viewer and Corporate Interests
White Fragility Facing The Little Mermaid: Viewer Reactions between Nostalgia and Normative Whiteness
Cultures of Participation—and Transformation?
References
From E.T.A. Hoffmann to Disney
Abstract
Fairy-tale Variations
Dance of Symbols: E.T.A. Hoffmann’s Fairy Tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King and Its Popularisation
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
References
Aspects of Cultural Heritage
Walt O’Disney and the Little People
Abstract
Introduction
Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)
A Film for Irish America
Staging (and Selling) Irishness in the Paratexts
Irishness in Darby O’Gill and the Little People
Reception of Darby O’Gill
Reception in the USA
Reception in Ireland
Conclusion
References
From the Old World
Abstract
Introduction: Americanisation and ‘Disneyfication’
Fantasia: Story and Structure of a ‘Masterpiece’
Music for the Masses: Transformation of European Cultural Heritage in Fantasia
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Mickey Mousing an ‘Old Story’
The Pastoral Symphony: Classical Music and Hollywood ‘Centaurettes’
Conclusion: ‘Disneyfication’ of European Culture
References
Iconic Characters and Narratives
Music in Their Bones
Abstract
Seeing Skeletons
The Dead Must Dance. Skeletons in Animated Disney Films of the Early Sound Era
The Skeleton’s Dance Fatigue: The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Skeleton as Pop Star: Coco
Conclusion
References
“Taxing the Heart and Soul Out of the People”
Abstract
Prince John—A Dangerously Unstable Circus Master
Robin Hood—Force of Stability and Reproduction
Giving (Back) to the Poor/Robbed
A Conservative Fable—Walt Disney and the Robin Hood Myth
References
Jack Sparrow—the Ultimate Adventurer
Abstract
Adventure as a Combination of Change and Necessity
Activity and Passivity: The Seizure of Opportunity
Self-confidently Walking the Fine Line between Genius and Madness
Negotiating for Profit
Following His Own Rules
Full Circle
References
Immersive Experience, Reflexive Engagement
From Anaheim to Batuu
Abstract
Disney’s Star Wars
Building the Franchise
Fan Tourism and Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge
Conclusion
References
Consuming Disney
Abstract
Incorporating Corporate Identity
Cooking and Living in the Image of Disney
The Happiest Kitchen on Earth
Culinary Immersion—Journeying across Transmedial Borders
A Recipe for Disney Magic
References
The Social Aesthetics of Family Space
Abstract
Introduction
Framing the Topic
Critiquing Disney Main Streets and Liseberg Storgatan
The Ambiguity of Main Streets
Real Un-Real
Family Attraction
The Inconsistent Consistency
References
