Having viewed several Oscar-winners that I deem rather underwhelming, I have decided to quite suddenly and unexpectedly cut short the Best Picture Tour and embark upon a Classic Disney Animation Tour. 101 Dalmatians was the first one I picked up, having chosen it over The Jungle Book and Peter Pan. I was in a British mood that day, I suppose. One thing I always enjoy about animation is the attention to detail that is required throughout. Animation is not cheap, so each and every scene must be planned out ahead of time. Much care and focus is put into what each frame needs to look like and how exactly it should play out, and I appreciate that level of attention to detail. But anyways, on with the review.
101 Dalmatians was first released in 1961, and was a first on many levels for the Disney animation crew. It was the first picture released in the sixties, the first picture released after the huge layoff, thanks to Sleeping Beauty’s flop at the box office, the first Disney animation to feature only one main song, and the first Disney animation set in modern times. It marked a change in direction for Disney animations, which up until this point, had largely focused on fantasy settings, romantic characters and magical elements. 101 Dalmatians was a huge departure from these Disney standards, both technologically and thematically, and apparently Mr. Disney himself was not happy about these changes. But regardless, the film was a huge success for Disney and the victory came right when they needed it, especially after the expensive disappointment in Sleeping Beauty.
Seeing 101 Dalmatians, for me, is almost like taking a vacation back to childhood. In many ways it is literally that very thing, but even beyond the childhood memories I have of the film, there is an intrinsic innocence, purity and simplicity to many Disney animations including this one. It’s not just a quality that makes it enjoyable for kids, but it’s also a quality that seems to sort of beckon the child out in us grown ups too. One of the things I believe lends the film a feel of timelessness is that the focus is not on the story but on the storytelling. The delivery of the story is what makes it compelling, not necessarily the story itself (even though the story is pretty decent). The essential character that drives the movie on is found in Cruella De Vil. Her flamboyant attitude and ruthless demeanor are what propel Pongo and Perdita to endlessly search for their lost puppies and what keeps the audience interested in the puppies’ fate. She is simultaneously repulsive and attractive, which is what makes her so amusing and interesting, in my opinion.
The animation is incredibly amazing, especially when the viewer understands how much thought and effort goes into each and every frame of animation. Scenes that stick out in particular are the one where Roger flips his pipe during the birthing scene, one where Roly slides down Pongo’s back (the folding skin is amazing) and anytime Cruella’s car makes an appearance. The lead animators had been working at Disney studios for 30 plus years by the time this film was in development and their experience is evident. Emotions ring undeniably clear on each character’s face; the motion is smooth and organic; the characters are endearing and timeless. Another thing I appreciated was the change in artistic style for Disney’s animation. 101 Dalmatians’ modern art style (particularly in the backgrounds) was a radical departure for Disney movies and a risk that paid off in spades. It must have been fresh at the time, and even today it looks edgy and funky with a little splash of European flair.
Overall, 101 Dalmatians proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience on several different levels. It’s a classic example of quality over quantity (ironic in a film titled “101 Dalmatians isn’t it?) and a film with heart instead of frills. Quite outstanding, even 48 years after release.
9/10
101 Dalmatians
Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman
Produced by Walt Disney
Written by Bill Peet (novel by Dodi Smith)
Featuring voice talents of Rod Taylor, Cate Bauer, Betty Lou Gerson, Ben Wright, Lisa Davis, Martha Wentworth
