From Mouse to Mermaid: The Politics of Film, Gender, and Culture

by Elizabeth Bell

Book Overview

From Mouse to Mermaid, an interdisciplinary collection of original essays, is the first comprehensive, critical treatment of Disney cinema. Addressing children's classics as well as the Disney affiliates' more recent attempts to capture adult audiences, the contributors respond to the Disney film legacy from feminist, marxist, poststructuralist, and cultural studies perspectives. The volume contemplates Disney's duality as an American icon...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0253209781
• ISBN13: 9780253209788
• Release Date: November 1995
• Publisher: Indiana University Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Accessible Critiques

Perhaps the most important contribution to Disney Studies this book offers is an accessibility that, at the same time, offers a serious reconsideration of Disney films. Disney, for these scholars, is not above serious consideration and critique. In considering Disney worthy of study, the authors pay Disney a sincere (if backhanded and misunderstood) compliment. Rather than dismissing Disney as "just for children," they collectively question Disney's products and examine their influence. In this collection of essays, the editors have managed to compile a broad range of materials that critique Disney in the spirit of critique, meaning a thoughtful and serious investigation. As the title suggests, much of the work here is interested in gender, but questions of race and ethnicity are also asked, as well as issues of power and identity. Although these are fairly heady topics, many of the essays are lively and engaging. For those just beginning to study Disney seriously, the works of Jack Zipes and Henry Giroux are recommended. For work on the animated films, the contributions of the editors (Bell, Haas, and Sells) are thought-provoking as well. All the essays, in fact, offer food for thought, whether one is in agreement with the authors or not.People who think, "But it's just a cartoon," may not enjoy this challenge to reconsider Disney's films for their cultural impact. Then again, these very same people might be the most rewarded by such a collection. It is recommended for educators wishing to introduce critical thinking into a college classroom using Disney films, scholars working in Disney Studies, and Disney enthusiasts keeping abreast on writings on Disney.

the not-so-wonderful world of disney book

Maybe it's about time to change your opinion about Uncle Walt and his gang. This book is a must have for those who consider the walt disney company is not more than just a merchant, selling his merchandises all over the world. And not all of his merchandises are free from hazardous ingredients that can give dangerous impact of the young ones. But the book, and find the sexist, racist and greedy uncle scrooge inside the walt disney company.

The history of one of America's best-loved success stories

To say that Walt Disney affected by upbringing is an understatement. I recalled fond memories as I reviewed the histories of such unforgetable characters as Mickey and Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Huey Dewey and Louie and yes, even the Beagle Boys and Uncle Scrooge. Disney's forays into classic fairy tales and stories , while whitewahsed to some extent, were always pure fun, with just the right touch of fear, sadness, and morality. I am glad to see that his lagacy is carried on and that we can expect even more of the tales we knew or some we didn't, to come to life in the classic Disney style of pure good taste, excelent production values and best of all, happy endings.