Saving Mr. Banks breaks new ground, as it is the first modern-day film to feature Walt Disney. Although much of the conversation surrounding the film before its release focused on Tom Hanks’ portrayal of the historical figure, the discussion has shifted to Emma Thompson’s great performance as P.L. Travers, the author of the “Mary Poppins” book series. Travers famously refused to allow Disney to adapt the Poppins character for the big screen, and Thompson captures her stubborn nature, which can be seen after the end of the film in actual taped conversations that are played over the end credits. In the video after the break, learn more about the relationship that Hanks, Thompson, and the rest of the creative team developed with the original Mary Poppins film, and how that influenced their work.
Disney has released a new video, via Variety, that features Hanks, Thompson, Jason Schwartzman (Richard Sherman), and director John Lee Hancock speaking about their experience watching Mary Poppins and what they believe made the film a unique piece of art. Watch the video in HD below:
I recently re-watched Mary Poppins after not having seen it since my childhood. I was immediately struck by the film’s gorgeous visuals and daring story elements. The film was not just unique for its mixing of live-action and animation – the fantastical story has scenes where the characters race with horses from a carousel and scale the rooftops of London, in between a nanny teaching children how to behave and clean up. The film is an unconventional blend by its nature that works brilliantly, which is why it is hailed as a crowning achievement for Walt Disney.
Saving Mr. Banks is now playing in theaters across the country.
