Saving Mr Banks (2013) review - Movie Thoughts (Chapter 50) ☂

 Hello everyone,

Today we come to the end of what has been a gigantically ambitious and very rewarding writing/film project. By this point, I am definitely feeling exhausted and a little burnt out so I decided that 50 was a nice and neat place to park this train. It's sort of fitting that the final film was one of the first ones that went on the list for this project in the first place. Back in 2013, I was very excited about this film coming out; it's classic Disney material, Emma Thompson, Tom Hanks - what's not to love? But oddly that excitement fizzled out for some reason and I ended up missing it. 7 years later, it's finally time for me to dive into this and fulfil that initial excitement....

(**disclaimer: the following thoughts are 100% my opinion, you do not have to agree with them - film is inherently subjective and everyone's perspective is valid! Also, there are probably spoilers in the following, read at your own risk. Now onto some thoughts....**)


Source: IMDB


A mature and moving look behind the curtain into the woman who created one of the most iconic characters of all time, John Lee Hancock’s Saving Mr. Banks seamlessly interwove storylines to illustrate an introspective and articulate narrative full of humility and heartache. Cash-strapped author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson) travels to the sunny streets of Los Angeles to meet the famed Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) as he attempts to adapt her ‘Mary Poppins’ stories for the cinema. However, she doesn’t approve of the methods or musical direction taken by composers Richard & Roger Sherman (Jason Schwartzman & B.J. Novak). A Mary Poppins film that isn’t actually about Poppins but the enigma of a woman who dreamt her up, there were plenty of dark and heartbreaking moments that led up to a satisfying payoff and a greater significance to the impact of Poppins for generations to come.

Hancock’s direction was measured, fluid, dynamic and had an energy despite dark and deep emotional exploration. Akin to a diary entry, perfectly emotional and packaged like a story to cherish, it lacked a lot of the shiny pizzazz in favour of much more rewarding dramatic excellence. Screenwriters Kelly Marcel and Sue Smith crafted a phenomenal, simple, eloquent and textured piece of work thematically rich in heartwarming highs and devastating lows. Often saying a lot with a little, the dialogue complimented the visual exposition beautifully. Film editor Mark Livolsi kept a cohesive connection between shots and sequences, weaving in parallel imagery with an artful and refined hand. Framing within the mirror opening/closing shots created a cocoon of beautiful gentleness and vulnerability imbued with optimism and strength. It probably conceded too much in search of gloss and emotional climax, but it did that as a nod to the power of the Mary Poppins books and then film for so many generations of kids and families. Through the poetic interweaving of two stories, young and old; both symbolic of new journeys in a strange new place, there was something profoundly rewarding from experiencing the film through two perspectives. Thomas Newman’s music had full, lush and sweeping interludes that tinkled in all the right places, with a hauntingly beautiful piano instrumental of ‘Chim Chim Cheree’ a gorgeous nod to the source material.

The ensemble cast did a fabulous job with their individual characterisation, but the heart and soul of the interweaving stories was between Thompson’s adult Travers and Hanks’ Disney, and the struggles of little Ginty (Annie Rose Buckley) growing up in rural Queensland amidst family heartache. Buckley’s sweetness and earnest innocence were backed up well by Colin Farrell and Ruth Wilson’s layered, intricate performances as Ginty’s parents. In the other timeline, Thompson and Hanks were both completely superb and played off each other well. Thompson nailed the physicality and turn of phrase that defined Travers’ presence. She was completely immersed in it and her 150% commitment made the film all the more compelling. At times, the lady was pedantic and tyrannical but her moments of vulnerability and growth were made even more special through Thompson’s skill and charisma. Conversely, Hanks was able to evoke both the ruthless businessman and kind familyman in Disney’s characterisation. Neither one was perfect, and exchanges like that in Disney’s office and Travers’ London living room highlighted the tension and deep emotions underneath the friction in a way that was so satisfying to watch.

Saving Mr. Banks had a gorgeous heart, a strong ensemble cast and creatives who weren’t afraid to tell this story without ringing out the flaws of its subjects. Mary Poppins always said a spoonful of sugar helped the medicine go down, yet this film’s emotional core and true impact came from the vulnerabilities and sad notes that were woven together to create a legend.

8.5/10, 4 STARS

Thanks for reading,

Love and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Emily ☂ 

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