Saving Mr Banks: The inspiring truth behind our beloved global nanny

Rating: 9/10 (22 December 2013)

Mary Poppins is indisputably a cinematic icon which has captivated the imagination, the childhood and hearts of millions of children worldwide. Saving Mr Banks now gives you a front row seat in an emotively gripping insight of the true story behind the genesis of such a global treasure.
The premise of the film is the strenuous attempt of Disney to acquire legal rights from P. L. Travers (the original author of the 1934 book) in order to produce the cinematic adaptation of her book. Travis, however, is resilient against such an acquisition due to her impression of what the book will become in the hands of the movie giant.
The emotive core of the film revolves around the hostile resistance of the unashamedly stubborn, British, attitude of Mrs Travers (Emma Thompson), juxtaposed to the unequivocal persistence and creative energy of the Disney team headed by Walt Disney himself (Tom Hanks). This relationship in turn relates to the childhood of Mrs Travers, specifically the relationship with her father.
The scripting was elegant throughout and short of a few stereotypically clichéd 'Disney moments' I felt the interplay created through the collision of characters lead to a compellingly complex, dynamic and in parts intentionally distressing dialogue progression. Indeed through this dialogue the audience find themselves unravelling the profound genius and cutting realities which dictated the life and writing of Mrs Travers, and the poetic decorum of Walt Disney.
Quality casting of the major characters helped construct the solid bedrock for the success of the film with both Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks portraying their characters masterfully with their effortless charm and charisma. The leading pair were unquestionably aided with strong performances from Colin Farrell, Ruth Wilson (the father and mother of the young Mrs Travers respectfully), B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman (the Sherman Brothers), to name but a few.
John Lee Hancock's directing skills were apparent with consistently well shot, beautiful scenes, authentic to the societal and architectural language of the times. I would have been intrigued to see more of the film studios and methods of film production, as Disney's work was revolutionary. However I accept this may have diverted from the main drive of the film which was emotional rather than educational.
In summary Saving Mr Banks is an all age appealing example of emotive expression through cinematic performance which carries an intrinsic energy created through the humble truth of the plot, blended with a consistent, subtle comedic edge interspersed throughout. It is Disney doing what Disney does best, instilling imagination into the minds of the audience, an art they seem to have perfected.