“This Tarzan Reimagining Takes the Lead!
Emerging during the late 1990s, a pivotal phase known as Disney’s animated renaissance, Tarzan from Walt Disney Animation resonates as a cherished gem. This adaptation is celebrated for its captivating blend of hand-drawn and computer animation, coupled with Phil Collins’ iconic Academy Award-winning music. Directed by Kevin Lima (A Goofy Movie) and Chris Buck (Frozen), the 1999 movie simplifies Edgar Rice Burroughs’ jungle hero’s journey into a tale of love bridging “two worlds, one family.” Featuring Tony Goldwyn as the eponymous protagonist, supported by nineties luminaries like Rosie O’Donnell, Minnie Driver, and Wayne Knight, the film delves into Tarzan’s upbringing among apes and his pivotal connection with his human origins. What sets Disney’s version apart as the ultimate Tarzan adaptation is how it crafts the character of Tarzan both narratively and visually, standing tall against prior renditions.
Staying true to the Disney tradition, the film spawned a vibrant franchise, including sequels, a TV series, a brief Broadway musical, theme park attractions, and video games. Under Disney’s umbrella, Tarzan revitalized in the 21st century as a distinguished “Disney classic,” intertwining original literary elements with a contemporary twist. This version introduced many modern viewers to Burroughs’ “Tarzan of the Apes” series. Beyond its repackaged animated allure, the film’s triumph lies in its authentic adaptation of Burroughs’ work, delivering the most captivating portrayal of the ape-man on screen.
Why Disney’s ‘Tarzan’ Succeeds In previous 20th-century renditions, most notably Johnny Weissmuller’s portrayal in the ’30s and ’40s, Tarzan was predominantly portrayed as a naturalistic masculine spectacle, known for his daring exploits and romantic escapades with Hollywood starlets playing Jane. The appeal rested on his rugged physique and animalistic demeanor, which set him apart from modern society. Tarzan’s behavior positioned him as the “noble savage,” a stark contrast to civilized society. He symbolized a bridge between the primal and the civilized, often idealized for his exotic qualities.
The ’99 adaptation remarkably positions Tarzan as the central figure, focused on his relationships bridging nature and nurture. The film explores his internal struggle between the jungle and human worlds. From his early life learning to survive among the apes, to his first encounters with other humans, Tarzan’s narrative revolves around his journey to find his identity. Unlike past adaptations, where Tarzan represented an exotic spectacle, this animated film delves into his profound sense of isolation within both worlds. He is not just an outsider to human civilization; he grapples with not fully belonging to the ape family either.
Animating Tarzan’s Vitality on Screen Being the first animated adaptation of Burroughs’ work, Disney harnesses animation to bring Tarzan to life, showcasing him “as only ever imagined.” Unlike the live-action versions, Disney’s Tarzan embodies a physicality grounded in his jungle environment, reflecting his lifetime of adaptation and learning from nature. He seamlessly adopts traits from various animals for survival. Overseen by renowned Disney animator Glen Keane, Tarzan’s anatomically precise musculature enables him to exhibit animalistic fluidity and agility, unattainable for live-action actors. This rendition blends human and animal attributes into a harmonious animated portrayal.
A standout in the film is Tarzan’s traversal of the jungle canopy in ways achievable only through animation. Inspired by ’90s surfers and skateboarders like Tony Hawk, Tarzan moves dynamically, swinging, grinding, and gliding with unparalleled fluidity. The amalgamation of hand-drawn characters and computer-generated environments creates a multidimensional experience that elevates Tarzan’s feats.
Disney’s Tarzan not only marked the culmination of Disney’s animation renaissance but also ignited a franchise explosion. Beyond its commercial success, this adaptation captures the essence of the Burroughs legend. By delving into Tarzan’s character and embracing the animated medium, it crafts a compelling incarnation that resonates deeply with audiences, solidifying its place as an enduring treasure.”
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