Endocrine Abstracts

In this talk, which will include part my submission for a PhD in Film Studies in the University of London, I explore some of the reasons for the widespread and enduring popularity of Disney’s first feature-length animated films (Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942)). Despite their old fashioned style, the first two have recently been rereleased – in 70th anniversary editions in Blu-Ray format – for yet another generation to enjoy. The latter two are often shown on television.

I use psychoanalytical concepts developed by Melanie Klein to explore the content of the films and those of D W Winnicott to explore the visual fascination of the animated form Disney gave them. The models have been selected to provide a framework for exploring the spectator’s response to the films rather than to probe deeper understanding of their protagonists – i.e. no attempt is made to ‘psychoanalyse’ the characters in the film, rather their narrative and structure is explored in an attempt to better understand the basis for our enjoyment of them.

Using this approach, one can uncover the social, pedagogical and psychological messages that, while fully embodied in the films, are heavily camouflaged by their attractive animation, humour, and music. Notwithstanding their reactionary messages, which, for example, unswervingly privilege compliance to a patriarchal status quo, there are empirical data that attest to the fascination of these films for several generations of spectators. I argue that at least part of that fascination lies in the resonances the films set up in the unconscious minds of their viewers, both children and adults.

The talk will be illustrated by film clips and stills.