Dumbo
Starring: Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Michael Keaton
Directed by: Tim Burton
Rated: PG
You may be familiar with the story of Dumbo, the flying circus elephant, but you’ve never seen it quite like this! Disney has adapted the iconic animated film to live action just like they’ve done with Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, The Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast in recent years. Does it live up to the hype?
Dumbo is directed by Tim Burton who has been quite hit-or-miss lately. There are Tim Burton films that I love and some that I don’t like. Ironically, Burton’s recent live action Alice in Wonderland isn’t a film that I’ve ever liked. Thankfully, Dumbo incorporates the best aspects of the director’s unique style and cinematic vision. In many ways, Dumbo reminds me of my favorite Tim Burton film, Big Fish. Both involve a central circus storyline, both feature Danny DeVito as the ringleader, and both highlight the importance of family. They even look quite similar stylistically. Basically, if you liked Big Fish, there’s a good chance you’ll like Dumbo.
It’s clear that Burton loves to frame his films around society’s outsiders and Dumbo fits perfectly into that frame. He was cast out for the most unique thing about him.
Although Dumbo is not played by a real elephant, the visual effects team has done a magnificent job creating an elephant that brings real emotion to the screen. Every time Dumbo’s eyes look at the camera, the audience can feel what he’s feeling...whether it’s joy, sadness, or fear. Without speaking a word (or even being real) this CGI Dumbo shines as the true star of the film. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so emotional watching a CGI animal on screen. It just proves that visual effects continue to progress at an astounding level!
Of course, there are other actors supporting Dumbo in the film. In fact, there is quite an impressive cast. Grounding the film is Colin Farrell as Holt Farrier, a soldier who has just returned from the war to his two children. The family lives at the circus where Holt hopes to revive his equestrian act despite a war injury that may make it impossible. Colin Farrell succeeds in carrying the lead role. Throughout the movie, there are parallels drawn between Dumbo and Holt that are quite interesting.
Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins play Milley and Joe Farrier, Holt’s children. They help take care of Dumbo and teach him to fly. When much of the world turns their back on Dumbo because his ears are deemed “too big” the children have compassion on him.
Eva Green plays Colette, an aerialist who also has compassion on Dumbo when he needs it most. Her sequences involve impressive acrobatic tricks that are very cinematic.
Danny DeVito and Michael Keaton have the opportunity to get quite theatrical in their roles. DeVito portrays Max Medici, the leader of the Medici Brothers Circus. He’s a ringleader who wants the crowds to be entertained at all costs. Yet deep down, cares about the well-being of his troop.
On the other hand, Michael Keaton plays V.A. Vandemere, the owner of an amusement park called Dreamland. He’s flamboyant, greedy, and there seems to be something that you just can’t trust about him. Unfortunately, there’s no scene in this movie where Michael Keaton becomes Birdman or Batman and flies around with Dumbo. It would have been a golden opportunity, but it never happens. I just want to prepare everyone so you won’t get your hopes up.
Despite the lack of Birdman/Batman cameos, the cinematography and color scheme in Dumbo are beautiful. Each shot has something to be admired. The early scenes in the deep south have a natural yellow, sun-focused tint to them. (Symbolizing the simpler life) As the film progresses and the characters move north to the world of Dreamland, the colors become more rich, focusing in on a deep blue and red color scheme. (To symbolize a hectic world) All of the circus sequences are beautifully stylized and worth paying attention to closely!
Disney has done it again! Expertly updated to live action, Dumbo is a dazzling and meaningful film for the whole family. Get ready to be emotional about a CGI elephant!
My Rating: 8/10
*All images belong to Walt Disney Pictures