DUMBO / CERT: PG / DIRECTOR: TIM BURTON / SCREENPLAY: EHREN KRUGER / STARRING: COLIN FARRELL, MICHAEL KEATON, DANNY DEVITO / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
As Disney continue apace to remake their back catalogue as live action films, in a move seen as cynical by some and positively glorious by others, we are blessed with Tim Burton’s re-imagining of a masterwork by the nine old men. As The Lion King passes the one billion mark, debate rages on as to whether we really need these new versions. The old vanguard tend to stand by the originals, where the ‘young’ folk are buoyed by not having to put up with boring old 2D animation. The argument is that these remakes are bringing classic stories to a new generation, but we wonder when it will stop; how long will it be before Casablanca is remade in full colour with a new song added for posterity’s sake? All that said, where does Burton’s remake of Dumbo sit in amongst all of this? Can it truly surpass the original? In a word, no.
A lot will ride on how the viewer feels about the Burton aesthetic, for this is full-tilt Burton in largesse, a film where the darks are on the verge of muddy, even on shiny Blu-ray. Indeed, the ‘dark’ permeates all parts of the story, making a classic animation – known for being bleak in parts – just, well, too bleak. Too bleak for an adult viewer and far too bleak for your little ones.
Colin Farrell plays a returning war veteran, lighter of limb and stripped of his ability to really communicate with his young family. For a film titled Dumbo, it really isn’t about our floppy-eared friend, but rather the travails of a father reconnecting with his children. This is where the film falls down. It’s a story worthy of being told, but not at the expense of sidelining your star attraction, and boy can the three family members talk.
On Dumbo himself, there is no doubt he is beautifully realised, but almost too much so. One of the (few) criticisms levelled at The Lion King is that the mouths of the photorealistic animals move chunkily – not a problem here, as Dumbo doesn’t speak as such. But he does fly, and a photorealistic flying elephant reminds the viewer of the impossible aerodynamics involved. It’s a small point, but it really does matter. That said, it’s impossible not to fall for his oversized puppy dog eyes and those ears that are, varyingly, wings, coat and cloak to the little chap.
Unsurprisingly, Keaton and DeVito steal the show, both chewing the scenery with delightful aplomb, and the score is as bombastic as you would expect.
As a remake, Dumbo falls a little flat. As a new movie, devoid of its predecessor, it could pass muster with a little more prudent editing and a script trim. Dumbo makes for reasonable Sunday afternoon viewing, but it’s not a patch on the original.
