Welcome to WickedBinge.
Your home for great cinema and television.
Because we love your favorite movies and shows too.
The emotionally devastating Disney classic from our childhood is being remade into a
live action feature...
Um, I guess that isn't specific enough.
There were a lot of emotionally devastating Disney films from our childhood.
Honestly, Disney is pretty hardcore with the emotions.
But the film next in line for a remake is none other than Dumbo.
Dumbo is often considered one of the greatest movies from the original Walt Disney animation
era.
With Tim Burton in the director's chair, as well as a really emotional trailer, the Dumbo
remake has us all really excited.
But despite that, today we're going to take a look at some of the darker themes and history
that revolves around Dumbo and it's production.
Before we do, don't forget to subscribe and hit that notification bell so you get notifications
whenever we upload.
PETA The controversial animal rights group, PETA,
or the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was the first to bring up concern
over the messaging behind Dumbo's story.
In the 1941 classic, the ending involves Dumbo learning that his feather was never magical,
and that he is still able to fly without it.
He becomes a world sensation and is reunited with his mother for future performances.
But in today's era, now that animal performances have been put in the spotlight as unethical,
it begs the question of how Tim Burton will tackle the ending.
In 2015, shortly after the film's announcement, PETA Senior VP Lisa Lange wrote an open letter
to Burton saying "We're hopeful that in your adaptation of Dumbo, the young elephant and
his mother can have a truly happy ending by living out their lives at a sanctuary instead
of continuing to be imprisoned and abused in the entertainment industry."
Considering the original Dumbo already explored some rather dark and emotional subject matter,
it'll be interesting to see how the ending is written.
Especially considering Tim Burton's track-record when it comes to darker themes and storytelling.
Replacing Racist Characters The chorus of crows who help cheer Dumbo on
throughout the original movie has long been a subject of controversy.
Many film critics have pointed out that these characters were very obviously offensive stereotypes
from a more racist era in American history.
In fact, the leader of the choir was named Jim Crow.
Considering how iconic these characters were, it will be interesting to see how Burton chooses
to incorporate them using different, non-offensive voice-over.
Or if he decides to scrap them all together in an attempt to erase any connection to the
bigotry that existed in the original film.
Dark Subject Matter Disney has a history of some rather dark and
certainly emotional animated films.
Especially considering their audience has always been younger children.
This is in no way a criticism, as many believe the mature subject matter and the creative
ways in which Disney has tackled these tough themes is what has always made the studio
so amazing.
And not just recently, but since the beginning.
That said, Dumbo, like some of the other early Disney films like Bambi or the Renaissance-era
films like The Lion King, were never afraid to explore the theme of losing a parent (Be
it through death or just separation).
Going back to the subject of animal treatment, now that the public's acceptance of circuses
and animal performances has dropped tremendously in recent years, it will be a challenge to
balance such a sad environment with the fun of a Disney film.
With Danny DeVito playing the Ringmaster, we're hoping a bit of levity will be brought
to the story.
It will be interesting to see how the upcoming remake will choose to explore these themes.
Given the impact of the original, we're probably in for a real tear-jerker with Tim Burton
at the helm.
Remaking a Classic Criticism aside, Dumbo is often regarded as
one of the great Disney classics.
Like any other remake, it makes sense that there be some concern over whether the new
version will do the original justice.
However, Disney has a pretty impressive recent track record for remakes.
With the Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast being released to very positive reviews, we
anticipate great things with Dumbo.
Although Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland wasn't a remake of the 1951 Disney classic,
but a reimagining of the original story Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, he does have experience
with remakes.
Although his Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake was a film of mixed reviews.
That said, Tim Burton's filmography is quite impressive as a whole.
And the unique style he's known for may be the perfect fit for a classic like Dumbo.
But what do you think?
Are you excited for the Dumbo remake?
Do you think Burton was the right director for the job?
And what do you think about some of the darker things brought up in this video?
Please remember to like this video, subscribe and hit that notification bell so you get
updates whenever we upload.
But most importantly, stay wicked.