Review of Pinocchio (1940) by Shawn C — 06 Feb 2016

While its focus on morality can be a bit overbearing at times (even before the puppet Pinocchio opens his mouth), Disney's Pinocchio remains one of the best the studio has done. Indeed, the main protagonist is a male, but there's a prominent and powerful female character (The Blue Fairy) throughout his entire narrative. However, any other women in Pinocchio are literal puppets that the character Stromboli owns or in the background lacking dialogue. Also, we have a couple scenes throughout Pinocchio that feature Jiminy Cricket checking them out too.

In terms of representation/diversity, it is a product of its time (1940), so don't expect much. Back-to-back mutes were portrayed: that would be Dopey and Gideon the Cat, respectively. Although the legendary Mel Blanc provided the the sounds of hiccups for Honest John's partner. Concerning Stromboli he seems to have an Italian accent, but his other characteristics seem more in line with Jewish stereotypes which could reflect Hollywood moguls. Because of what Walt Disney endured early in the industry, I expect this was likely the case regarding this villain. The large black pupil-less silent ape-like henchmen seen closing Pleasure Island's doors working for The Coachman frustrated me all those years ago and it still does today. I am guessing racism (African-Americans).

Did anyone else wonder how Jiminy Cricket survived being underwater? My theory is that since he has been dubbed the Blue Fairy as Pinocchio's conscience, he is intrinsically tied with the living wooden boy. As in, Pinocchio is somehow able to go the bottom of the sea and emerged wet but unscathed. Jiminy with his official conscience title essentially gains the benefits that Pinocchio has being a breathing marionette. This is what I personally implied from their connection.

Additionally, I thought Jiminy did a poor job as Pinocchio's appointed conscience and deserved nothing. He's an actor now, he won't need me anymore. That defeatist attitude coming from him upon watching one successful show of Pinocchio's seriously irritated me. Um, dude, The Blue Fairy, appointed you to be Pinocchio's conscience...That doesn't mean abandon him as he begins his career in showbiz. Later on, Jiminy is infuriated when Pinocchio calls that "hoodlum" Lampwick his best friend. Hey, to be fair Jiminy, you actually weren't around that much (not to mention late on your first day) and all of you've done is pretty much preach to Pinocchio. Tell me, what have y'all done that has made you "best friends" at this point, hm? I'm not saying Lampwick fits the bill either, obviously. On the other hand, through Lampwick, Pinocchio has fun. And if someone introduced that concept and I'd only been alive for a day, yeah, I might christen her/him/they my best friend at that moment too. Just saying.

All in all, despite being a financial loss when it hit theaters, Disney's Pinocchio is one of the greatest the studio has ever done in its long history. I didn't even talk in-depth about the memorable musical numbers nor mindblowing visual effects. A tale of simple morality packed with inventiveness, ambition, and emotion, Pinocchio has a earned a place on everyone's VHS/DVD/Bluray shelf.