What might come as a surprise is that not all is is pixie dust and fairie tales in the house that Walt built. Dream On, Silly Dreamer tells the sordid tale of many real life animators, technical directors, painters, inkers and more that were trampled on and discarded by Goofy's enormous feet. Does Eisner look goofy to you?
The 40 minute film combines several interviews with ex-Disney feature animation employees with original animation to show the graceful rise and harsh fall for traditional cell drawn animation working at Disney's Burbank studios. From humble, but very happy trailer park beginnings, to the multimillion dollar digs with the Sorcerer's Pointed Hat, and finally scouring the want ads for work, the film is full of emotional moments for the audience and the on-screen interviewees. Fortunately, this wasn't an hour long session to trash 3D animation, which it could very well have turned into. Disney's recent decision to scrap traiditional 2D for the advanced computer rendered look hit hundreds hard as they closed multiple studios across the globe, putting many out of work and out of luck.
One ex-employee interviewed for the film had been there long enough to see each of the phases. Pre-Lion King, animators were churning out 12 hour days, happily whistling while they worked, proud of the accomplishments they were making, visible by the quality and heart that shone through in their work. In those days they were working in temporary buildings a few blocks from the Anaheim theme park and they loved it. They felt appreciated and though not paid well, they were treated with respect and dignity.
Then came Lion King. A true blockbuster movie that raked in the cash, hand over fist. Suddenly, the employees were receiving ungodly bonuses and more shwag than they could handle, attending parties and living as celebrities. They were moved to a bigger building, a pretty building that demanded attention, but the pride dwindled and the appreciation disappeared. They were worked harder to maintain the quality that Lion King and Beauty and the Beast performed. Executives were brought in to write stories that would sell toys. Department managers no longer managed and vice presidents popped up like weeds for every department. Animators were tasked with creating the straight to video sequels to their best movies. One Ex-mouse elated, "Imagine having the London Symphony Orchestra at your disposal and turning them into a boy band".
Eventually, despite the press release quotes and media promises, Disney has all but dumped their 2D department altogether, opting to focus on competing with Pixar in a market Pixar created. Where does that leave the old hats from Disney? Lucky for the original 9 old men, they weren't around to see the heartbreaking decisions. Some have gone on to other animation studios. Others are still looking.
As the tagline suggests, "not all fairie tales have happy endings". Dream On, Silly Dreamer doesn't have a happy ending, but it's a poignant story told with plenty of humor, especially among the animated sequence of a fictional animator's experience as he goes through the motions. It harkens back to the Goofy featurette's depicting him as an everyman, just trying to get by in a system always keeping him down.
I can't recommend this film enough. It's playing in very limited release in major cities, and typically for less than 8 bucks. If you've ever wanted to work in animation, ever loved and hated Disney at the same time or have any appreciation for the animation industry, please support these people. Check out their official homepage for showtimes and where it's playing. http://dreamonsillydreamer.com/
