Dumbo Once Again Takes Flight

By Mary Thompson –

 

Perhaps Disney has learned its lesson in changing things up too much?

Just a few weeks ago speculation emerged that Dumbo would be the next Disney animated film to be brought to life as a live-action remake on the silver screen. Along with the glee and excitement to see the flying elephant come to life came disappointment and worry that what the audience may be getting is far from what they expect.

These dark feelings surrounding the beloved fairy tale are far from unfounded. On the contrary, it’s a disappointment most of us are sure to see. After all Disney live action remakes have a pretty bad track record when it comes to “sticking to the script.” At times these changes have gone past expected additions such as new songs. Some have gone far enough to completely alter the plot of the story completely as was the case with Maleficent.

I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the only one in the audience to ask what just happened at the end of that movie.

Could Dumbo be free of these twists to spice things up which ultimately backfire?

Tim Burton has caused audiences to let out a sigh of relief if the trailer is anything to go by. As far as anyone can see how he hasn’t distorted the classic tail. In fact, he has succeeded in enhancing it. I’m sure most will agree that the most thrilling part of the trailer which lasted just under a couple of minutes, was seeing Dumbo take flight.

We can also rest assured that this feature film will not be taking the same form of Tim Burton’s other products such as the Nightmare Before Christmas. You won’t find any clay animations here. The people are real and Dumbo was constructed to resemble a real elephant.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The song, “Baby Mine” which captured so many hearts and brought tears to everyone’s eyes is proudly showcased throughout the trailer.

Are we bound to see some talking elephants and Dumbo’s trusty companion Timothy Q. Mouse?

If Disney’s live-action production of the Jungle Book is anything to by, the answer would be a definite yes. In fact, judging by the original animated film it would be hard to tell the story without giving voices to Dumbo and Timothy. Not to mention, Mrs Jumbo Dumbo’s loving mother.

It would be difficult to play out the heartbreaking scene of Dumbo being separated from his mother without the aid of verbal communication. Surely, this new adaptation wouldn’t exclude that iconic scene the whole story is based on. The trailer in itself gives an indication that the scene did take place.

Can we positively say that this version of Dumbo will indeed stay true to the original?

Going by what we’ve seen so far there’s a good chance we could get lucky. However, if these predictions would go by Disney remakes past behaviour Dumbo could follow in the footsteps of those before it and win over part of the audience while the others are disappointed.

Upon taking a deeper look into the movies overall synopsis at first glance everything appears the same. Nevertheless, the cast seems to be composed of characters of actual people as opposed to the actual animals.

Speaking of the cast of characters it’s hard to ignore the big names attached to the project. From Colin Farrell to Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito just to name a few. The list just keeps getting better. Hopefully, these big names aren’t simply a way to lure audiences to a feature they would otherwise be disappointed in.

What can we hope to get from the magical tale of our favourite flying elephant come to life?

Something that’ll be loosely based on the Disney adaptation while closely resembling the original novel by Helen Aberson. There’s more than likely going to be the addition of new songs while keeping iconic ones and key scenes. Not to mention spectacular special effects.

Nonetheless, it does make me apprehensive to discover that no voice over actors and actresses have been cast for the characters of the animal kingdom. However, this is Tim Burton, so the best approach to take to this anticipated big screen experience is don’t knock it until you try it.

Who knows we may just be pleasantly surprised?

 

Mary Thompson