Many consider Mary Poppins to be among the Walt Disney Company's greatest live-action films of all time; it has become so ingrained in our culture that a film about its production (Saving Mr. Banks) came out in 2013. Eleven years later, in honor of the film's 60th anniversary, came an actual documentary.
Not only does The Untold Story of Mary Poppins describe the production of the film, but it also gives some background on its source material. For instance, it explains the rise of British children's literature, including Mary Poppins, in the United States during the 1930s. There is also information about the life and personality of P. L. Travers, who long opposed Walt Disney turning her books into a movie.
As with any documentary, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins mixes video clips, pictures, voiceovers, and interview clips. Alongside those of P. L. Travers, the pictures and clips of Julie Andrews performing as and reflecting on her iconic role as Mary Poppins are especially interesting.
The documentary, overall, emphasizes the significance of Mary Poppins in Walt Disney's career (it was his greatest hit since Snow White and the Seven Dwarves), film history, and general pop culture. Before watching, I already knew about the film's significance. Now I also know how Walt Disney did not feel as if his work was being taken seriously enough before Mary Poppins, making me appreciate it more.
Towards the end of the documentary is, suitably, information about the film's legacy, including a Broadway premiere and the release of Mary Poppins Returns in 2018. Clips of fans singing the songs from Mary Poppins appear as well.
For Disney fans, especially those of Mary Poppins, The Untold Story of Mary Poppins is a must-watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment