x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Deconstructing Disney

Rachel Casey, Erin Casey

Two life-long Disney fans take on the Disney film catalog, beginning with the animated features, and discuss with a critical lens. New episodes the first Tuesday of every month. @DeconDisney on social media.

tv & film film history

All Episodes

01:43:46

A Bug's Life

Deconstructing Disney ·

2023/02/28

Episode SummaryDespite competing with a similar insect-themed offering from DreamWorks, Pixar’s sophomore feature film, A Bug’s Life (1998), earned positive reviews at the box office and solidified the reputation of the animation studio. Although misogyny, racism, and fatphobia are sprinkled throughout, Rachel eagerly celebrates this movie as a depiction of Marxist class revolution; Erin is less enthusiastic. Episode BibliographyAntz. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 2, 2023, from

en

02:09:58

Mulan

Deconstructing Disney ·

2023/01/03

Episode SummaryErin and Rachel explore the mess of gender and culture in Mulan (1998), Disney’s adaptation of an ancient Chinese legend. The plucky heroine promotes the “Girl Power” feminism that has fueled the female protagonists of most Disney Renaissance films, but does so in a way that manages to completely misrepresent Chinese culture and values. Spoiler alert: Chinese audiences did not love this movie. Episode BibliographyAbbott, J. (1998, June 21). FLORIDA ANIMATION STUDIO COMES OF AGE WITH

en

01:45:04

Hercules

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/11/01

Episode SummaryUnlike its eponymous protagonist, Hercules (1997) is more “zero” than “hero.” Erin and Rachel discuss the film’s rampant misogyny and obnoxious product placement. Compelling vocal performances and soaring musical numbers–the last of Alan Menken’s contributions during the Disney Renaissance–can’t rescue this box office disappointment from the River of Death. Much like Achilles, it just doesn’t go the distance. Episode BibliographyCallaway, T. (2012, August 1). Susan Egan: Belle, Meg,

en

01:58:01

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/10/04

Episode SummaryErin and Rachel spend a lot of time wringing their hands over the mature themes in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), Disney’s animated film about a bell ringer in medieval France. The film underperformed at the box office; apparently, a children’s movie about adult sexuality is a bell you can’t un-ring. The depictions of disability and race induce further cringing that the dazzling music and visuals can’t completely overcome. Join the party! Episode BibliographyAstier, H. (2014,

en

01:46:50

Toy Story

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/09/06

Episode SummaryErin and Rachel travel to masculinity and beyond in their discussion of Toy Story (1995), the first feature-length entirely computer-animated film. After a thorough discussion of the history of Pixar and the technology of computer animation, the hosts delve into the world of boy toys and wrestle over the problematic representation of female and disabled characters. Content warning: Discussions of workplace harassmentEpisode BibliographyAcuna, K. (2014, September 23). Joss Whedon

en

01:37:25

Pocahontas

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/07/04

Episode SummaryIn pursuit of another Oscar-worthy animated feature, Disney chose a culturally significant protagonist and pumped up the romance for Pocahontas (1995). Unsurprisingly, good intentions didn’t prevent a group of white men from creating a hugely problematic film, rife with gross historical inaccuracies, racism, and misogyny! Pocahontas underperformed at the box office, and the only Oscar went to Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for best original song.Episode BibliographyAleiss, A

en

01:37:51

The Lion King

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/06/07

Episode SummaryAnother critical and commercial success of the Disney Renaissance, The Lion King (1994) was a beast at the box office and on home video. It was also the first animated Disney animated film set in Africa. Despite (relatively) diverse casting and the incorporation of authentic African music, there's still plenty of racism to discuss, with some homophobia and questionable political commentary thrown in! Episode BibliographyBBC NEWS | Entertainment | Disney settles Lion song dispute

en

01:32:31

Aladdin

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/05/03

Episode SummaryErin and Rachel travel to the (problematically) imaginary land of Agrabah to discuss Aladdin (1992), debating whether this film can overcome its staggering orientalism to be the diamond in the rough we’d all like it to be. Highlights include Robin Williams, Howard Ashman, and Ottoman Empire fashion. Episode BibliographyAddison, E. (1993). Saving other women from other men: Disney’s Aladdin. Camera Obscura: Feminism, Culture, and Media Studies, 11(31), 4–25.Aladdin. (n.d.). Wikipedia

en

01:47:50

Beauty and the Beast

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/04/05

Episode SummaryA smashing success at the box office and awards shows, Beauty and the Beast (1991) confirmed that the Disney Renaissance had indeed arrived. Despite its technical and narrative achievements, this film garnered heavy criticism from the feminists it sought to appease with a spunky heroine. Erin and Rachel discuss how Belle and her suitors reinforce that gendered violence is a tale as old as time. Oh, and also, is everyone gay?Episode BibliographyAn American Tail: Fievel Goes West.

en

01:01:52

The Rescuers Down Under

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/02/01

Episode SummaryTravel to Australia with Erin and Rachel, where they’ll dissect The Rescuers Down Under (1990), a film full of native flora and fauna, but absolutely no native people. This box office flop was created using the Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), but it’s impressive animated sequences couldn’t redeem the irregular pacing and lackluster characters. Episode BibliographyComputer Animation Production System. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved January 4, 2022, from

en

01:12:10

The Little Mermaid

Deconstructing Disney ·

2022/01/04

Episode SummaryJoin Erin and Rachel under the sea for the first princess film in 30 years! The Little Mermaid (1989) marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance, a period of renewed investment in animation at the Disney Corporation. With musical numbers from Broadway dynamos Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the film smashed the box office, but did Princess Ariel smash the patriarchy?Episode BibliographyAndersen, H.C. (1836). The little mermaid. Retrieved December 21, 2021 from

en

01:04:40

Oliver & Company

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/12/07

Episode SummaryOnce upon a time in New York City, a movie about dogs brought up a lot of questions about class, race, and gender. Erin revisits one of her favorite childhood films in this episode about Oliver & Company (1988), while Rachel remains steadfast in her stance that the lone kitten is the only good part. Episode BibliographyAbramovitz, M., & Hopkins, T. (1983). Reaganomics and the welfare state. The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 10(4), 563-578. Bailey, B. (2017). Greetings and

en

01:05:52

Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/11/02

Episode SummaryThanks to its impressive technological innovation and astounding attention to detail, Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) achieved commercial and critical success under the Touchstone Pictures film label. Erin and Rachel debate whether the clever script and filmmaking can adequately compensate for offensive content. Importantly, they also consider whether Jessica Rabbit is actually bad, or just drawn that way. Episode BibliographyArbeiter, M. (2018, June 21). 15 Things You Might Not Know

en

01:05:56

The Great Mouse Detective

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/10/05

Episode SummaryAmid mounting pressure from new leadership, Disney animators ushered in a new era with its first ever computer-generated image (CGI) sequence in The Great Mouse Detective (1986). Erin and Rachel discuss their attraction to Disney characters and their puzzlement with the lengthy cabaret sequence in this Sherlock Holmes-inspired adventure film.Episode BibliographyBlack, R.S., & Pretes, L. (2007). Victims and victors: Representation of physical disability on the silver screen. Research

en

01:25:34

The Black Cauldron

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/06/22

Episode SummaryIn an episode bubbling over with Disney history, Erin and Rachel dive into The Black Cauldron (1985), also known as, “the film that almost killed Disney animation.” Amid corporate restructuring, another animator’s strike, and increasing competition at the box office, The Black Cauldron totally flopped. Erin and Rachel liked this film about as much as 1985 audiences did, and not just because of the misogyny and white-washed cast. Even innovative animation technology couldn’t save the

en

01:09:24

The Fox and the Hound

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/06/08

Episode SummaryErin and Rachel unpack The Fox and the Hound (1981), the most expensive Disney animated film up to that point, due largely to conflict amongst the film makers. They discover that even a movie about the best of friends isn’t immune to racism in the form of Black stereotypes and underlying messages about segregation. Episode BibliographyAssociated Press. (1977, July 19). A New Generation of Animators is Taking Over at Disney Studios. The Baltimore Sun, 20.Benson, S. (1981, July 10)

en

00:19:02

MINI-EPISODE: Best Source Material for a New Disney...

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/05/25

Episode SummaryIn the third and final mini-episode (for now!), Erin and Rachel wrestle with the definition of "classic" literature and identify possible source material for the next great Disney animated film!

en

00:24:42

MINI-EPISODE: Best Characters?

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/05/11

Episode SummaryFor their second mini-episode, Erin and Rachel each identify their picks for best villain, best love interest, and best animal sidekick from the films they've reviewed so far.

en

00:17:29

MINI-EPISODE: Best Idea for a Disney Park Attraction?

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/04/27

Episode SummaryIn this first miniature (or Minnie Mouse?) episode, Erin and Rachel each pitch an idea for a new Disney Park attraction based on the films they've watched so far.Episode BibliographyOlson, J. (2021, April 1). For the first time, all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks are led by women.10 Tampa Bay. https://www.wtsp.com/article/entertainment/walt-disney-world-led-by-women/67-86180d33-8e6c-4502-87ee-d78c6e7d25de

en

01:28:47

The Rescuers

Deconstructing Disney ·

2021/03/16

Episode SummaryIn their deconstruction of The Rescuers (1977), Erin and Rachel discuss orphans, alligators, and confederate symbolism. This film seemingly represents the first attempts of the Walt Disney Animation Studios to represent racial diversity and gender equality in any intentional or meaningful way, but how successful are they?Episode BibliographyCaroll, T.W. (2019). Revisiting second wave histories: New chronologies, geographies, and appraisals. Journal of Women’s History, 31(3),

en

60 results

Similar Podcasts

BEHIND THE VELVET ROPE

David Yontef

Nerd Culture - A Gamekings Podcast

Blammo Media

UPodcast

UPodcast

The Writers Hangout

Sandy Adomaitis

The Sarah Fraser Show

Sarah Fraser