The Birth and Legacy of Bambi
In August 1942, a new kind of animated film premiered at Carthay Circle, marking a milestone for Disney. Bambi introduced a more mature, poignant storytelling approach to cinema, one that confronted themes of life and loss in a way rarely seen in children’s animation. The film’s quiet, heartbreaking moments—such as the death of a young deer’s mother—left an enduring impression that continues to move audiences eight decades later.
The moment of a mother’s death became a watershed in animation, signaling to audiences that children’s films could address darker, more consequential topics without sacrificing emotional depth. This frankness set a precedent for future works and sparked conversations about how to portray mortality on screen in a way that resonates with younger viewers.
Walt Disney defended the inclusion of death within his stories, arguing that truth holds value for children just as it does for adults. As recounted in the book The Walt Disney Archives, he stated, “I don’t think you need to clarify the truth for children, both in life and in movies.” His stance reflected a belief that honesty about life’s realities could deepen the emotional impact of a story.
The narrative follows a shy fawn as he grows up in a forest community. He learns crucial lessons from his mother and forms friendships with a cast of forest residents, including Tambour the rabbit, Flor the skunk, and Faline the deer. After a profound loss, Bambi must navigate a new ordinary careful balance between danger and hope, eventually reconciling with the world around him and discovering his own strength.
After the loss, Bambi takes refuge with his father, who becomes a guiding figure and, in time, the prince of his own realm. The deer matures into a steadfast young adult ready to face formidable challenges and pursue a life with Faline, even as the threat of human encroachment looms as a constant antagonist.
The project began when film producer Sidney Franklin acquired the rights to the novel Bambi, the Story of a Life in the Forest by Félix Salten. In 1933, Franklin discussed the possibility of an animated adaptation with Walt Disney, envisioning a cinematic interpretation of Salten’s work, which would eventually shape Disney’s approach to the film.
The creation of Bambi did not happen overnight. It emerged from a lengthy development process. Initial interviews occurred in 1933, a time when Disney had not yet embarked on animated features beyond Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. In April 1937, during the production of that first feature, Disney revisited the idea of Bambi, formally engaging Franklin to help adapt the screenplay and bring the story to life in animation.
This film would become Disney’s second feature, following Snow White. However, accurately animating animal movement posed significant challenges and extended the project by about five years. The studio’s artists studied animal behavior and movement, sometimes using real-life animals for reference to guide their drawings. In later years, animators would observe growth stages and natural motions to ensure authentic portrayal. Much of the atmosphere and character charm also benefited from the artistry of Chinese painter Tyus Wong, whose distinctive backgrounds contributed to the film’s iconic look.
Despite the considerable effort and substantial budgets poured into the project by Disney and his team, Bambi initially faced mixed reception. Critics noted the film’s stark realism and emotional intensity, arguing it might be unsuitable for very young children. Some observers felt the actions and expressions of the animal characters did not translate as convincingly as they did with human performers, leading to debate about the balance between realism and accessibility for younger audiences.
On the other hand, some viewers were captivated by the film’s lifelike performances and the accuracy with which the young creatures moved and behaved, a testament to the painstaking animation process. The film, released in the midst of World War II, faced commercial challenges at first. Yet, with time, it earned recognition for its artistry, earning nominations in 1943 for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Sound, Best Original Song for Love is a Song, and Best Original Musical Composition. After the war, Bambi returned to theaters in 1947, enjoying renewed success and continued appreciation from audiences and critics alike.
Today, Bambi is widely regarded as a classic, frequently listed among the greatest animated films in American cinema history. The American Film Institute places it among the top ten, ranking it just behind Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio. Disney’s ability to craft an unforgettable character and a film charged with emotion and nuance remains a hallmark of the studio’s enduring legacy. Bambi’s story extends beyond a deer roaming the woods with friends; it explores the essential themes of friendship, love, and courage in the face of life’s toughest moments.