When I was a child, I often would imagine what it would be like to grow up without a mother. It wasn’t because I wanted her to die or get hurt. I just struggled to understand the enormous finality of being dead and the inevitable pain that would surely follow. I needed to prepare myself and envision my life without my mom. I would imagine all sorts of fatal accidents happening to her while she was at work or out for the evening. When she came home, I was always relieved. Thank goodness this never happened until I was close to fifty. My mom died at 85. It would surely have changed the trajectory of my life if some tragedy had occurred sooner during those formative, foundational years.
I find it tragically ironic that my grandson has grown up since he was two without his mom. He has no recollection of her at all. I think about how different his life would have been had she survived cancer. I know she would be proud of him, but I also know my grandson’s paradigm would have been drastically changed. This is a given, since everything in this world creates its own energy and power to guide people in all directions. The imprint of a parent is mammoth. Their life experiences and emotions are innate and passed on to the next generation. This is how nature works. Had my daughter lived… what would my grandson be like today? By being labeled a child of profound trauma, how did this one cataclysmic loss change the universe? Not maturing with that softer, more feminine guidance around has to be evident every day. My grandson is terrific. He holds a unique perspective and outlook on life that comes from his dad. They both have good souls. They are incredibly close and care immensely about others. My grandson turns eighteen in a few days, and yet, over the last fifteen years, I still wonder what my daughter’s impact would be if she were alive and not another spirit roaming the universe.
Certain films deal with the trauma of a parent dying. I find these difficult to watch at times. I just don’t want to be reminded, but recently I put on my big girl pants again and decided to revisit a film that explores loss. It is a stunning, thoughtful look at nature and how we must all carry on even when faced with the unimaginable. A mother is shot trying to protect her child. He lives. She dies. And it is all meticulously drawn through beautiful animation and music. It is an enduring, magnificent piece of art produced in 1942 by Walt Disney Studios. It is the inspiring story of BAMBI.
BAMBI was not a financial hit until it was rereleased several years after its premiere. In the end, gross worldwide profits were close to $270 million while only costing $800,000. It picked up three Oscar nominations for sound, song, and score. Disney did not create another animated feature film until the 50s, after the release of BAMBI. It was a precarious time in the late 40s, following WWII.
There were sixteen writers and eight directors collaborating. They were under the same mindset, trying to cast young children for the voices of younger forest animals. Peter Behn was only six years old when he was cast as Thumper. The animators created Thumper’s characterization and movements based on this young child’s personality. The father, the Great Prince of the Forest, proved to be extremely difficult to draw. There were hundreds of photos, forest field trips, and a clay model to ensure the stance and antlers were drawn correctly.
Overall, in the entire film, only about 1000 words were spoken. The emotional roller coaster of thoughts, feelings, and story progression was told through classical music. It worked well. It isn’t always necessary to share events through a bunch of dialogue, especially when dealing with animals, weather, and terrain. Audiences were able to fill in the silences with moments from personal experiences. Many stunning visuals gave everyone permission to dream alongside all of the characters. It was apparent how important “the young prince” was to the herd. It was all brilliantly illustrated to show the friendship and love among the imaginary cast.
There were some stereotypes among the ensemble. Owls were wise and befuddled. Skunks were stinky whether audiences believed their aroma was flowerlike or not. The line “man is in the forest” was the perfect way to personify danger, and it was also used quite frequently as a warning whenever Disney himself walked through the studio. I was also very taken by the simplicity of the line “Your mother won’t be around anymore.” There seemed to be nothing more to add after that. It made me somberly realize they were speaking about death and grief within a millisecond. I believe nothing has changed all these years later. This was a missed opportunity, but again, it was over 80 years ago.
For me, BAMBI represented a true coming-of-age classic. It highlighted the “circle of life” and invited viewers to be part of a community rarely explored. It was elegantly and endearingly drawn. The honesty, the silliness, the joys, laughter, sadness, friendships, dangers, and love were fully realized in every frame. Audiences could see and feel the animators’ passion as they created a film with such universal appeal. It was a masterpiece that touched on tender topics of growing up and claiming your rightful place in this world. And it always makes me think about that kaleidoscope of life that can change with just one simple click or dial turn. Happy 18th…
BAMBI is available on Disney+.
