Director: John Lee Hancock
Writer: Kelly Marcel, Sue Smith
Actors: Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks, Colin Farrell, Paul Giamatti
Runtime: 125 min
Rating: PG
Most filmgoers know the fictional tale of Mary Poppins, the singing nanny who arrives one day to help the Banks children and their parents realize what is truly important in life. However, many may not be aware of how this delightful family film came about, and the new movie Saving Mr. Banks seeks to tell that story. Directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Emma Thompson as author P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as none other than Walt Disney himself, this sweet and funny film with heart will entertain audiences both young and old, just like the classic that came before it.
When P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) wrote her beloved book Mary Poppins, she did not envision the story in nearly the same way that Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) did when he brought it to life on the silver screen. Saving Mr. Banks reveals the negotiations and compromises made on both ends, as well as the backstory behind the creation of these characters. As the film progresses, two stories are revealed: the often humourous tale of interaction between Disney and Travers as they seek to create and control a film, and the often tragic one of young Travers herself. Not only does an audience learn about the making of the film, but the emotions behind the creation of the original novel itself are also revealed as well.
Although it is fascinating to watch the talented Tom Hanks perform in a real-life role as iconic as Walt Disney, this film truly belongs to Emma Thompson. Her portrayal of the uncompromising author could easily have come off as cold and heartless; instead, Thompson crafts a layered and nuanced character about which an audience cannot help but want to learn more. She may be strong and immovable, but Travers is also highly vulnerable, and Thompson strikes a perfect balance as she portrays this eccentric yet captivating individual. Other stand-out performances include a small role by Paul Giamatti as Travers’ eager driver Ralph, a kind man determined to befriend his charge and through whom Travers herself reveals a soft side, and B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman as the humourous song writing team the Sherman Brothers, who appear perpetually to be on pins and needles as they present their now easily recognizable, catchy tunes for the curmudgeonly Travers to dismiss.
The light hearted moments that appear throughout the story of Travers and Disney stand in contrast to the darker tale of the author’s childhood. As the film progresses and the audience learns more about her early life, we slowly realize how the story of Mary Poppins came to be and why Travers clung so dearly to the rights of the film. If there was an aspect of the film that contained a flaw, however, it was these flashback scenes. The over-the-top filming techniques and melodramatic emotions seemed a bit out of place, as did hunky Colin Farrell as Travers’ struggling father. Just as Travers feared a “Disney” version of her story, here we are presented with just such a depiction of her childhood. This technique does provide contrast between the two lives, however, and many viewers will surely buy into the tragic story much deeper than I did.
Saving Mr. Banks reveals the backstories behind two versions of Mary Poppins: the film created by Disney, and the novel written by Travers. Both stories are wrought with emotion and will be sure to tug at the heartstrings, and although some may prefer more subtlety in the depiction of one, both will undoubtedly fascinate. A host of charming characters, and many delightful filmic references to the original, results in a film both informative and entertaining in its own right that is sure to please the whole family.
The Breakdown
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7/10
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8/10
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7/10
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7/10
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8/10