Fantasia is a 1940 American animated musical anthology film produced by Walt Disney. It is an experimental film that integrates eight classical musical compositions with artistically choreographed animation, covering various themes such as prehistoric times, the four seasons, nature, and classical mythology. The film is conducted by Leopold Stokowski and features a series of famous pieces of classical music interpreted in animation by Walt Disney's team of artists. It is considered a timeless masterpiece and an extravaganza of sight and sound, showcasing the music coming to life and the pictures bursting into song. The movie is known for its innovative ambition and has gained cult status over the years.
Plot
Fantasia (1940) is an animated musical anthology film produced by Walt Disney. The film is divided into eight segments, each synchronized to a different piece of classical music, ranging from Bach to Stravinsky. The segments depict various themes such as prehistoric times, the four seasons, nature, and classical mythology. Here is a brief overview of the segments:
- Toccata and Fugue in D Minor: The film begins with a young boy playing a pipe organ, introducing the concept of contrasting moods through music.
- The Nutcracker Suite: A Christmas-themed sequence featuring the famous dance of the sugarplum fairy.
- The Rite of Spring: A depiction of ancient Russia and the birth of spring, showcasing the power of nature.
- Dance of the Hours: A whimsical look at the passage of time and the changing seasons.
- Night on Bald Mountain: A darker, more dramatic piece inspired by the famous piano piece, featuring the ghost of a witch who once resided on Bald Mountain.
- Appalachian Spring: A depiction of life in the American South, showcasing the contrasts between city and country life.
- Sleeping Beauty: A fairy tale sequence set to the famous ballet.
- Tale of the Princess Kaguya: A Japanese-inspired story about a princess who must choose a husband from three suitors.
Trailer
Cast
- Walt Disney: Mickey Mouse (segment 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice') (voice)
- Deems Taylor: Narrator: Narrative Introductions
- Leopold Stokowski: Self-Conductor of The Philadelphia Orchestra
Director: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe, Norman Ferguson, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield
Writer: Joe Grant, Dick Huemer, Lee Blair, Elmer Plummer, Phil Dike, Sylvia Moberly-Holland, Norman Wright
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.8M
Distributor: Walt Disney
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 13, 1940
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Oct 5, 1990
Release Date (Streaming): May 5, 2017
Theme
The theme of Fantasia is the power of music and its ability to evoke emotions, as well as the imaginative nature of music and its potential to create a fantastical world.
Reception
Fantasia has been widely praised for its innovative and experimental approach to animation, combining music and visuals in a way that had not been seen before. It is considered a timeless masterpiece and has gained a cult status over the years.
Production Challenges
The film was a challenging project due to the ambitious nature of the film and the need to create a feature-length animated film. The film required the use of five million feet of film, which was a significant amount at the time.
Settings
The film features various settings, including prehistoric times, the four seasons, nature, and classical mythology, all brought to life through animation.
Visual Styles
Fantasia is known for its innovative visual style, which includes the use of abstract patterns, vibrant colors, and dynamic camera angles. The film also features a mix of traditional animation and more experimental techniques, such as the use of multi-plane camera techniques.
Techniques
The film utilizes various techniques, including the use of multi-plane camera techniques, which allowed for the creation of more realistic and dynamic images. Additionally, the film features a unique approach to animation, where the animators were inspired by the music and allowed to use their imagination to create the visuals.
Trivia
- The film was inspired by the classical tradition of a fantasia, which is a free-form piece of music that resembles improvisation.
- The film's conductor, Leopold Stokowski, suggested the term "Fantasia" for the film, as the imaginative nature of the project reminded him of a fantasia.
- Disney envisioned that the studio would "make a new version of Fantasia every year," keeping some of the segments for future releases.
Fun Facts
- The film is known for its innovative and experimental approach to animation, combining music and visuals in a way that had not been seen before.
- The film was the first Disney animated film to be released in stereoscopic sound.
- The film features a unique approach to animation, where the animators were inspired by the music and allowed to use their imagination to create the visuals.