From the renowned studio that gifted the world Mary Poppins comes a compelling biopic, Saving Mr. Banks, which delves into the life of P.L. Travers, the author behind the beloved original novels. This film intricately portrays her tumultuous relationship with Walt Disney as he relentlessly pursues the film adaptation rights. Saving Mr. Banks masterfully blends wit and sentimentality to tell a story of creative conflict and personal history.
The Plot Unfolds: Travers vs. Disney
For two decades, Mrs. Pamela P.L. Travers, portrayed with remarkable nuance by Emma Thompson, stood firm against the advances of Walt Disney, embodied by Tom Hanks, and his corporation, denying them the film rights to her cherished book, Mary Poppins. However, by 1961, financial pressures led her to reluctantly agree to a two-week trip to Los Angeles. Her aim was to collaborate with Disney’s writing team and assess the possibility of a deal. Travers arrived with strict stipulations: no animation, no songs, and absolute final script approval. This set the stage for immediate clashes with the creative team and Walt Disney himself, a man driven by a promise to his daughters to bring Mary Poppins to the silver screen. The film expertly captures the initial friction and the unfolding negotiation process, highlighting the stark differences in their creative visions.
A Glimpse into the Past: Travers’s Childhood
Interwoven with the present-day narrative of Travers’s Hollywood experience are poignant flashbacks to her childhood in rural Australia. These segments introduce her father, played by Colin Farrell, a figure of warmth and imagination who nurtured his daughter’s creativity. However, he was also a man battling alcoholism and likely depression. These formative experiences profoundly shaped Travers and her literary creations. These glimpses into her past are crucial in understanding the depth of her protectiveness over Mary Poppins and, by extension, the character of Mr. Banks, which was deeply rooted in her personal history and feelings towards her father. The film subtly suggests that the fictional Mr. Banks is more than just a character; he is a reflection of her complex relationship with her father.
Performances and Characters: Bringing the Story to Life
Saving Mr. Banks boasts an exceptional ensemble cast that delivers powerful performances. Thompson shines as Travers, embodying a woman of unwavering principles, social awkwardness, and an indomitable British resolve. Her portrayal infuses deadpan humor with sharp wit, while also revealing the underlying vulnerability and emotional weight of a past that continues to haunt her. Hanks offers a charming and determined Walt Disney, while Farrell brings depth to the character of Travers’s father. The supporting cast, including Bradley Whittaker, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Giamatti, B.J. Novak, and Ruth Wilson, further enriches the film with well-defined and compelling characters, each contributing to the narrative tapestry.
Themes Explored: Writing, Adaptation, and Culture Clash
One of the central themes of Saving Mr. Banks is the intricate writing process, exploring both the intensely personal aspect of creation and the collaborative dynamics of film adaptation. The film underscores how writers often draw from their own lives and experiences, weaving them into their work, making the creation an extension of themselves. For Travers, letting go of Mary Poppins was particularly challenging because of her deep personal investment in the story and characters. Her books served as a form of wish fulfillment and a way to process her own life. The movie also delves into the complexities of adapting a literary work for the screen, showcasing the tensions that arise when different artistic visions collide.
Adding another layer to the narrative is the culture clash between the reserved and formal Travers, with her modest London lifestyle and rustic Australian roots, and the exuberant, overtly friendly, and glamorous American culture of 1960s Hollywood. This contrast is amplified by Disney’s relentless salesmanship and the abundance of sugary treats and lavish displays in Travers’s hotel room, creating moments of both humor and insightful commentary on cultural differences.
A Well-Crafted Film: Direction, Screenplay, and Sentiment
Saving Mr. Banks benefits from an excellent screenplay and solid direction, skillfully balancing comedic and dramatic elements. The film masterfully interweaves Travers’s present-day battles with Disney’s team and her formative childhood experiences. The transitions are seamless, allowing for elegant directorial touches, such as the memorable sequence where a song performance triggers a flashback for Travers. The narrative gradually unveils how Travers’s childhood and her father influenced her writing, shaping the themes and philosophies embedded in her books, particularly the theme of responsibility, stemming from her parents’ struggles. The film’s score by Thomas Newman enhances the emotional resonance, adding a layer of sentimentality that complements the story without becoming overly saccharine.
Conclusion
Saving Mr. Banks is a well-rounded and thoroughly enjoyable film. It is a safe cinematic experience that nonetheless delivers a pleasing and insightful story about creativity, adaptation, and personal history. It is particularly recommended for fans of Mary Poppins, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the journey of bringing this classic to the screen and the complex personality of the author, P.L. Travers, and her creation of the iconic Mr. Banks.
