Deconstructing Disney
50 episodes - English - Latest episode: 25 days ago -Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. New episodes the first Tuesday of every month. @DeconDisney on social media.
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Episodes
Finding Nemo
April 02, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel dive into a discussion of Finding Nemo (2003), the box office splash that enthralled audiences and critics alike. This movie about fish offers a surprising amount to wade through in terms of environmentalism, gender politics, and ableism. Episode Bibliography Al-Jbouri, E., & Pomerantz, S. (2020). A new kind of monster, cowboy, and crusader? Gender hegemony and flows of masculinities in Pixar animated films. Boyhood Studies, 13(1), 43-63. doi: 10.3167/bhs....
Treasure Planet
March 05, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 96 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel explore Treasure Planet (2002), the biggest flop in Disney animation since The Black Cauldron. The hosts discuss what went wrong with this pet project of veteran directors Ron Clements and Jon Musker, beyond just the usual misogyny, that is. Episode Bibliography Aguilar, C. (2022, December 28). ‘Treasure Planet’ at 20: Disney’s failed space odyssey deserved to soar. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/28/movies/treasure-planet-disney.html ...
Lilo & Stitch
February 06, 2024 05:00 - 1 hour - 99.3 MBEpisode Summary Much like family dynamics and intergalactic diplomacy, Lilo & Stitch (2002) is a complicated movie. Erin and Rachel surf through the topics of Hawaiian culture and representation, colonialism, and Elvis. Episode Bibliography Bell, J. (2023, August 13). The Meaning Behind The Song: He Mele No Lilo by Disney. Old Time Music. Retrieved December 6, 2023, from https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-he-mele-no-lilo-by-disney/ Byrne, E. (2012). Forgetting Hawai’i:...
The Best Disney Song of All Time
December 05, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBErin and Rachel sing their way through a March madness-style bracket to determine the best Disney song of all time! Listen to the official playlist of songs in the bracket (all "Sweet 16" of them) on YouTube Music. Watch the Our Last Night cover of Surface Pressure on YouTube.
Monsters, Inc.
October 31, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 80 MBEpisode Summary Join Erin and Rachel on the Scare Floor for a discussion of Monsters, Inc. (2001). The impressive animation, clever world building, strong performances, and high joke density adequately compensate for some outdated fatphobic, classist, and misogynist beats. Under director Pete Docter, Pixar has officially hit their stride with this critically acclaimed box office smash. Episode Bibliography Al-Jbouri, E., & Pomerantz, S. (2020). A new kind of monster, cowboy, and crusader...
Atlantis: The Lost Empire
September 12, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBEpisode Summary Making sense of the plot of Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) proves almost as difficult as locating a lost civilization in the Atlantic Ocean. Erin and Rachel muddle through the complicated lore of this box office flop and manage to find some positive depictions of gender roles and racial diversity. Episode Bibliography apneax3n0n. (2015, May 9). Nadia vs Atlantis - The More You Know post. Imgur. Retrieved August 6, 2023, from https://imgur.com/gallery/ytmAW Atlantis: Th...
The Emperor's New Groove
August 08, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 91.9 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel try not to throw off the emperor’s groove with their critique of the cultural appropriation and homophobia in this cult classic from 2000. Ultimately, the memeable humor and nuanced portrayal of masculinity make The Emperor’s New Groove a palatable offering from a studio that was floundering post-Renaissance. Episode Bibliography Borthaiser, N. (2010). Brave New Americas: Historical re-interpretations in Disney's The Emperor's New Groove and DreamWorks' Th...
Dinosaur
June 06, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 65.3 MBEpisode Summary Disney animators combined computer generated animation with live action background scenery to create the visually stunning Dinosaur (2000). Unfortunately, the boring plot and lackluster characters leave Erin and Rachel wishing that these dinosaurs would hurry up and go extinct. Episode Bibliography Aguilar, C. (2020, May 26). Celebrating the risk-taking greatness of Disney’s Dinosaur, 20 years later. RogerEbert.com. Blankstein, A. (1998, February 28). Boom's Counterweig...
Toy Story 2
May 02, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBEpisode Summary Originally planned for a direct-to-video release, Toy Story 2 (1999) was deemed too good for the small screen and instead enjoyed a theatrical release that was met with rave reviews. The addition of a plucky heroine with a tragic backstory mitigates some of the toxic masculinity from the first installment, but ableism and fatphobia manage to sneak in. Episode Bibliography ABC News. (2000, October 24). Profane Toy Story 2 Recalled. ABC News. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from ...
Tarzan
March 21, 2023 04:00 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel swing to the end of the Disney Renaissance with their discussion of Tarzan (1999). The hosts fault the filmmakers for their choice of racist, misogynistic source material, but applaud the stunning visuals, quotable script, and catchy soundtrack. Episode Bibliography Abbott, J. (1999, June 7). A FRESH TARZAN. Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved February 12, 2023, from https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1999-06-08-9906070397-story.html Asclepi. (2012, June...
A Bug's Life
February 28, 2023 05:00 - 1 hour - 95 MBEpisode Summary Despite competing with a similar insect-themed offering from DreamWorks, Pixar’s sophomore feature film, A Bug’s Life (1998), earned positive reviews at the box office and solidified the reputation of the animation studio. Although misogyny, racism, and fatphobia are sprinkled throughout, Rachel eagerly celebrates this movie as a depiction of Marxist class revolution; Erin is less enthusiastic. Episode Bibliography Antz. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 2, 2023,...
Mulan
January 03, 2023 05:00 - 2 hours - 119 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel explore the mess of gender and culture in Mulan (1998), Disney’s adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend. The plucky heroine promotes the “Girl Power” feminism that has fueled the female protagonists of most Disney Renaissance films, but does so in a way that manages to completely misrepresent Chinese culture and values. Spoiler alert: Chinese audiences did not love this movie. Episode Bibliography Abbott, J. (1998, June 21). FLORIDA ANIMATION STUDIO COMES...
Hercules
November 01, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 96.2 MBEpisode Summary Unlike its eponymous protagonist, Hercules (1997) is more “zero” than “hero.” Erin and Rachel discuss the film’s rampant misogyny and obnoxious product placement. Compelling vocal performances and soaring musical numbers–the last of Alan Menken’s contributions during the Disney Renaissance–can’t rescue this box office disappointment from the River of Death. Much like Achilles, it just doesn’t go the distance. Episode Bibliography Callaway, T. (2012, August 1). Susan Egan:...
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
October 04, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 108 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel spend a lot of time wringing their hands over the mature themes in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Disney’s animated film about a bell ringer in medieval France. The film underperformed at the box office; apparently, a children’s movie about adult sexuality is a bell you can’t un-ring. The depictions of disability and race induce further cringing that the dazzling music and visuals can’t completely overcome. Join the party! Episode Bibliography Astier,...
Toy Story
September 06, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel travel to masculinity and beyond in their discussion of Toy Story (1995), the first feature-length entirely computer-animated film. After a thorough discussion of the history of Pixar and the technology of computer animation, the hosts delve into the world of boy toys and wrestle over the problematic representation of female and disabled characters. Content warning: Discussions of workplace harassment Episode Bibliography Acuna, K. (2014, September 23). J...
Pocahontas
July 04, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 89.2 MBEpisode Summary In pursuit of another Oscar-worthy animated feature, Disney chose a culturally significant protagonist and pumped up the romance for Pocahontas (1995). Unsurprisingly, good intentions didn’t prevent a group of white men from creating a hugely problematic film, rife with gross historical inaccuracies, racism, and misogyny! Pocahontas underperformed at the box office, and the only Oscar went to Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for best original song. Episode Bibliography Al...
The Lion King
June 07, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 89.6 MBEpisode Summary Another critical and commercial success of the Disney Renaissance, The Lion King (1994) was a beast at the box office and on home video. It was also the first animated Disney animated film set in Africa. Despite (relatively) diverse casting and the incorporation of authentic African music, there's still plenty of racism to discuss, with some homophobia and questionable political commentary thrown in! Episode Bibliography BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Disney settles Lion song...
Aladdin
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel travel to the (problematically) imaginary land of Agrabah to discuss Aladdin (1992), debating whether this film can overcome its staggering orientalism to be the diamond in the rough we’d all like it to be. Highlights include Robin Williams, Howard Ashman, and Ottoman Empire fashion. Episode Bibliography Addison, E. (1993). Saving other women from other men: Disney’s Aladdin. Camera Obscura: Feminism, Culture, and Media Studies, 11(31), 4–25. Aladdin. (n....
Beauty and the Beast
April 05, 2022 04:00 - 1 hour - 98.7 MBEpisode Summary A smashing success at the box office and awards shows, Beauty and the Beast (1991) confirmed that the Disney Renaissance had indeed arrived. Despite its technical and narrative achievements, this film garnered heavy criticism from the feminists it sought to appease with a spunky heroine. Erin and Rachel discuss how Belle and her suitors reinforce that gendered violence is a tale as old as time. Oh, and also, is everyone gay? Episode Bibliography An American Tail: Fievel G...
The Rescuers Down Under
February 01, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBEpisode Summary Travel to Australia with Erin and Rachel, where they’ll dissect The Rescuers Down Under (1990), a film full of native flora and fauna, but absolutely no native people. This box office flop was created using the Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), but it’s impressive animated sequences couldn’t redeem the irregular pacing and lackluster characters. Episode Bibliography Computer Animation Production System. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from http...
The Little Mermaid
January 04, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MBEpisode Summary Join Erin and Rachel under the sea for the first princess film in 30 years! The Little Mermaid (1989) marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of renewed investment in animation at the Disney Corporation. With musical numbers from Broadway dynamos Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the film smashed the box office, but did Princess Ariel smash the patriarchy? Episode Bibliography Andersen, H.C. (1836). The little mermaid. Retrieved December 21, 2021 from http://...
Oliver & Company
December 07, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBEpisode Summary Once upon a time in New York City, a movie about dogs brought up a lot of questions about class, race, and gender. Erin revisits one of her favorite childhood films in this episode about Oliver & Company (1988), while Rachel remains steadfast in her stance that the lone kitten is the only good part. Episode Bibliography Abramovitz, M., & Hopkins, T. (1983). Reaganomics and the welfare state. The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 10(4), 563-578. Bailey, B. (2017). G...
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
November 02, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBEpisode Summary Thanks to its impressive technological innovation and astounding attention to detail, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) achieved commercial and critical success under the Touchstone Pictures film label. Erin and Rachel debate whether the clever script and filmmaking can adequately compensate for offensive content. Importantly, they also consider whether Jessica Rabbit is actually bad, or just drawn that way. Episode Bibliography Arbeiter, M. (2018, June 21). 15 Things You Mi...
The Great Mouse Detective
October 05, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBEpisode Summary Amid mounting pressure from new leadership, Disney animators ushered in a new era with its first ever computer-generated image (CGI) sequence in The Great Mouse Detective (1986). Erin and Rachel discuss their attraction to Disney characters and their puzzlement with the lengthy cabaret sequence in this Sherlock Holmes-inspired adventure film. Episode Bibliography Black, R.S., & Pretes, L. (2007). Victims and victors: Representation of physical disability on the silver scre...
The Black Cauldron
June 22, 2021 14:35 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBEpisode Summary In an episode bubbling over with Disney history, Erin and Rachel dive into The Black Cauldron (1985), also known as, “the film that almost killed Disney animation.” Amid corporate restructuring, another animator’s strike, and increasing competition at the box office, The Black Cauldron totally flopped. Erin and Rachel liked this film about as much as 1985 audiences did, and not just because of the misogyny and white-washed cast. Even innovative animation technology couldn’t ...
The Fox and the Hound
June 08, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel unpack The Fox and the Hound (1981), the most expensive Disney animated film up to that point, due largely to conflict amongst the film makers. They discover that even a movie about the best of friends isn’t immune to racism in the form of Black stereotypes and underlying messages about segregation. Episode Bibliography Associated Press. (1977, July 19). A New Generation of Animators is Taking Over at Disney Studios. The Baltimore Sun, 20. Benson, S. (198...
MINI-EPISODE: Best Source Material for a New Disney Movie?
May 25, 2021 04:00 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBEpisode Summary In the third and final mini-episode (for now!), Erin and Rachel wrestle with the definition of "classic" literature and identify possible source material for the next great Disney animated film!
MINI-EPISODE: Best Characters?
May 11, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBEpisode Summary For their second mini-episode, Erin and Rachel each identify their picks for best villain, best love interest, and best animal sidekick from the films they've reviewed so far.
MINI-EPISODE: Best Idea for a Disney Park Attraction?
April 27, 2021 04:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBEpisode Summary In this first miniature (or Minnie Mouse?) episode, Erin and Rachel each pitch an idea for a new Disney Park attraction based on the films they've watched so far. Episode Bibliography Olson, J. (2021, April 1). For the first time, all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are led by women.10 Tampa Bay. https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/walt-disney-world-led-by-women/67-86180d33-8e6c-4502-87ee-d78c6e7d25de
The Rescuers
March 16, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBEpisode Summary In their deconstruction of The Rescuers (1977), Erin and Rachel discuss orphans, alligators, and confederate symbolism. This film seemingly represents the first attempts of the Walt Disney Animation Studios to represent racial diversity and gender equality in any intentional or meaningful way, but how successful are they? Episode Bibliography Caroll, T.W. (2019). Revisiting second wave histories: New chronologies, geographies, and appraisals. Journal of Women’s History, 31...
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
March 02, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBEpisode Summary Venture into the Hundred Acre Wood with Erin and Rachel as they discuss the The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, the 1977 feature-length film that compiled three previously-released featurettes about a willy nilly silly old bear. The conversation touches on issues of gender and racism, but Rachel’s biggest qualm with this movie is the fat shaming directed at our favorite tubby cubby. Episode Bibliography Dudley, S. (2016, August 1). The Many Adventures Of Winnie The P...
Robin Hood
February 16, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 85 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel travel to Sherwood Forest and discuss Robin Hood (1973), the first Disney film to feature a cast entirely composed of anthropomorphized animals! Although their qualms with the film include the limited agency of female characters and the derision of fat characters, they also enjoyed the exciting plot and folksy music. Episode Bibliography Asher-Perrin, E. (2018, April 18). The Robin Hood You Love is A Lie. Tor.com. Retrieved January 14, 2021, from https://w...
The AristoCats
February 02, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBEpisode Summary Released three years after Walt Disney’s death, the 1970 animated film The AristoCats (yes, the “C” is capitalized!) marked the beginning of a new era for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Join Erin and Rachel as they discuss the tough questions such as, does everybody want to be a cat? Episode Bibliography The Aristocats. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved December 22, 2020, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aristocats The Aristocats. (2008, January 11). Disney Archives. Re...
The Jungle Book
January 19, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 74.2 MBEpisode Summary Join Erin and Rachel as they journey to the jungles of India to discuss the 1967 classic, The Jungle Book. Based on the book by Rudyard Kipling, a champion of British Imperialism, the film demonstrates more implicit racism and sexism than colonialist themes. Episode Bibliography Biography.com Editors. (2019, October 21). Rudyard Kipling biography. Biography. https://www.biography.com/writer/rudyard-kipling Cash, D. (2013, October 7). How to adapt The Jungle Book (and not...
Mary Poppins
January 05, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss the classic hybrid film, Mary Poppins. Although Julie Andrews’ famous nanny may be “practically perfect in every way,” the co-hosts find plenty of flaws in the 1964 film’s messaging on family values, gender roles, and classism. Episode Bibliography Coate, M. (2014, August 27). Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious: Remembering “Mary Poppins” on its 50th anniversary. The Digital Bits. http://thedigitalbits.com/columns/history-legacy--showmanship/mary-p...
The Sword in the Stone
November 03, 2020 05:00 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBEpisode Summary Journey back to the Middle Ages for a discussion of The Sword in the Stone (1963), a film beset with sexism and classism befitting its medieval setting. The last fully animated film before Walt Disney’s death in 1966, this story of Arthurian legend leaves a lot to be desired in terms of plot and songwriting as well. Erin and Rachel try to make up for the latter with some singing of their own, and for that, they sincerely apologize. Episode Bibliography Griffin, M., Hardin...
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
October 20, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBEpisode Summary Like a Dalmatian’s coat is sprinkled with spots, Disney’s 1961 One Hundred and One Dalmatians has bits of sexism, racism, classism, and fatphobia sprinkled throughout. However, those questionable moments weren’t enough to sour Erin and Rachel on what is overall a heartwarming and visually interesting film. Oh, and did we mention how cute the puppies are? Episode Bibliography [Ciné-DOCS]. (2019, April 12). Sincerely Yours, Walt Disney (One Hundred and One Dalmatians Behind...
Sleeping Beauty
October 06, 2020 13:14 - 1 hour - 73.2 MBEpisode Summary Can a film with a female protagonist who sleeps more than anything else be considered “feminist”? Erin and Rachel wrestle with this question and more as they discuss Sleeping Beauty (1959), Disney’s third and final princess film until the Disney Renaissance thirty years later. Episode Bibliography Butler, L. (2014, November 6). How Sleeping Beauty is Accidentally the Most Feminist Animated Movie Disney Ever Made. Tor.com. https://www.tor.com/2014/11/06/how-sleeping-beauty...
Lady and the Tramp
September 22, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 86.3 MBEpisode Summary Join Erin and Rachel as they examine the surprising amount of ethnocentrism and classism imbued in the 1955 classic Lady and the Tramp. Walt Disney Studios did its part to promote the myth of the American melting pot while also cautioning audiences about the "yellow peril," memorably embodied by the infamous Siamese cats who disrupt Lady's idyllic Victorian home life. Episode Bibliography Akita, K., & Kenney, R. (2013). A “vexing implication”: Siamese cats and Orientalist...
Peter Pan
September 08, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel have A LOT of thoughts (just under two hours worth) about Peter Pan (1953), a film so full of racism and sexism, they’re left scratching their heads about why this Disney classic is so beloved. Join the hosts as they unpack all the different ways this movie is offensive toward indigenous people, women, and even people with disabilities! Episode Bibliography Boyd, J. (2015). An examination of Native Americans in film and rise of Native filmmakers. The Elon ...
Alice in Wonderland
August 25, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel don’t have time for nonsense, and neither did 1951 audiences when Alice in Wonderland flopped at the box office. Thankfully, marijuana-fueled college students in the 1960s had all the time in the world for a trip down the rabbit hole, thus solidifying a permanent place in popular culture for Alice in Wonderland, a film surprisingly devoid of racist or sexist content compared to its predecessors. Episode Bibliography Aikens, K. (2010). How wanderer Alice be...
Cinderella
August 11, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 95 MBEpisode Summary Disney’s Cinderella thrilled Erin and Rachel almost as much as it thrilled 1950 audiences, with “almost” being the operative word. The co-hosts revisit their favorite topics of gender roles and colonization, while also debating what, exactly, dreams are made of for the second Disney princess. Episode Bibliography Beauchamp, F. (2010). Asian origins of Cinderella: The Zhuang storyteller of Guangxi. Oral Tradition, 25(2), 447-496. Cinderella. (2020, June 20). In Wikipedia....
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (BONUS EPISODE)
August 04, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBEpisode Summary: In this bonus episode, Erin and Rachel unpack The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949), and debate which is the most frightening: the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow, Mr. Toad’s untreated mental illness, or the complete lack of female and BIPOC representation in this film. Episode Bibliography: Burton, N. (2012). A short history of bipolar disorder. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201206/short-history-bipolar...
Saludos Amigos & The Three Caballeros
July 28, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 75.5 MBEpisode Summary: As unofficial ambassador of Franklin Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor approach to foreign policy, Walt Disney traveled to South America on a so-called “goodwill tour,” the results of which were Saludos Amigos (1942) and The Three Caballeros (1944). Join Erin and Rachel for this special double episode as they unpack the political and cultural influence of these lesser known “package” films. Episode Bibliography: Adams, D. (2007). Saludos Amigos: Hollywood and FDR’s Good Neighb...
Bambi
July 14, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBEpisode Summary: Hear how “twitterpated” Erin and Rachel both are with Bambi (1942), the delightful classic that chronicles the lives of forest creatures with a heavy-handed conservationist agenda. Widely panned by critics following its initial release, this is the first time the grade Erin assigned on behalf of 1942 viewers is lower than the grade Rachel assigned based on a current day perspective! Episode Bibliography: Bálint, E. (2013). The representation of women in Walt Disney’s pro...
Dumbo
June 30, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel unpack Disney’s pachyderm-focused 1941 film, Dumbo. This beloved classic helped Walt Disney Studios recover financially from previous box office busts and an animator strike. Despite being the shortest Disney animated film at only 64 minutes, there’s no shortage of racism, sexism, or horrifying elephant-based hallucinations. Episode Bibliography Andrews, T. (2019, March 29). The original ‘Dumbo’ was decried as racist. Here’s how Tim Burton’s version addr...
Fantasia
June 16, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 90.3 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel review Disney’s Fantasia (1940) segment by segment and discuss the film’s repeated racist, female objectifying, and fatphobic imagery. But the music and unicorns are pretty! Maybe there’s a reason Disney likes to focus on Sorcerer Mickey when they talk about this film... Episode Bibliography Armstrong, S., Algar, J., Roberts, B., Satterfield, P., Sharpsteen, B., Hand, D.D., Luske, H., Handley, J., Beebe, F., Hee, T., Ferguson, N., & Jackson, W. (Directors)....
Pinocchio
June 02, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 79 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel offer a less favorable take on Disney’s Pinocchio (1940) than the 100% Rotten Tomato rating of this film might suggest. They discuss the historical context of WWII in which the film was released and consider how this relates to the film’s themes about morality and family relationships. Episode Bibliography Allan, R. (1999). Walt Disney and Europe: European Influences on the Animated Feature Films of Walt Disney. Indiana University Press. Barrier, M. (1999...
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
May 19, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 89.4 MBEpisode Summary Erin and Rachel discuss Disney's first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, snidely referred to by critics as "Disney's Folly" before its release and subsequent box office success in 1937. The hosts unpack the impact of this groundbreaking film on popular culture, including its sexist and ableist themes. Episode Bibliography Aloff, M. (2013). Disney’s Snow White at 75. Virginia Quarterly Review, 89(1), 238-244. England, D. E., Descartes, L.,...
Welcome to Deconstructing Disney
May 03, 2020 23:52 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBMeet Erin and Rachel, two life-long Disney fans who've decided to take on the Disney film catalog with a critical lens. In this introductory episode, they share some Disney memories, quiz each other on Disney trivia, and explain what "deconstructing" actually means. To all who come to this happy podcast, welcome!