Review of Pinocchio (1940) by Chrismizerak — 27 Jan 2020

The 1930’s and 1940’s were indeed the golden years of Walt Disney’s feature animation as his first five full-length animated features “Snow White”, “Pinocchio”, “Fantasia”, “Dumbo” and “Bambi” proved right out of the gate.

But its his 2nd full-length animated feature “Pinocchio” about the titular wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy that ranks as the finest accomplishment of said five. Believe me when I tell you that the previous statement says a lot.

What impresses me more than ever after multiple viewings is the way they handle the titular character. Pinocchio is a very likable lead with cheery optimism and a good, well-meaning heart. But in a clever move from a storytelling standpoint, he is very much a real kid.

Unlike for example the kids in “The Goonies” who piece together things most of their peers that age wouldn’t be able to, Pinocchio is very easily manipulated and confused by the adult world, much like a typical young kid will often be.

Pinocchio’s father Geppetto tells him to say hello to Figaro, Geppetto’s cat, and Pinocchio replies “hello to Figaro”, just as Geppetto literally said. When Jiminy Cricket tells him that the sinister fox he’s going to the theatre with is “temptation”, he replies “Oh, no, Jiminy.

That’s Mr. Honest John”. There’s a beautiful innocence and cluelessness to the character going on at the same time. This is also effectively demonstrated in the scene where he unknowingly tells a lie to the blue fairy.

Through the careful craft put into the storytelling, Pinocchio is never a rotten kid, but he has a lot to learn about the world he’s in. The film also knows how to teach valuable lessons in the veins of telling the truth, never smoking, or dodging school in ways that will stick in our consciousness.

The film goes to some dark territories, but they’re integrated seamlessly into the mix, just like everything else on offer here. As was the case with “Snow White” and later “Bambi”, this film boasts incredible animation and background work.

The attention to detail put into the many carvings within Geppetto’s workshop, from the faces on Geppetto’s bed and candle to the carved figures on the furniture, remain unsurpassed. The painstaking effort put into the visual details of the environments and the facial character expressions demonstrate why this film’s animation is unrivaled from anything that’s proceeded it since.

“When You Wish Upon a Star” is the anthem of the Walt Disney Company and one of the ten greatest songs ever written, both for good reason. The way the melodies and chorus hit the feels, that song alone is enough to call the music and soundtrack outstanding.

Great side characters interspersed throughout the experience, from Jiminy Cricket to Figaro and Cleo to Honest John to Stromboli. Everyone is memorable and leaves an impression. One of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements.