10 Huge Changes In The Live-Action Dumbo Remake

6. The Central Conflict Is Weirdly Anti-Disney

Dumbo Feather Eva Green
Disney

V.A. Vandemere's Dreamland mimics Disneyland in several ways. On top of the opening parade and larger-than-life attractions, Dreamland even contains an exhibit of scientific wonders not unlike the Innoventions hall once found in Tomorrowland.

Initially, this all feels like a nice tribute. However, the Disney connection becomes increasingly problematic as Vandemere's corporate villainy begins to surface.

First, if Dreamland is Disneyland, then who is Vandemere? His talk of innovation and magical possibilities certainly evokes the image of Walt Disney. He also seems to care about the joy of others, including children. When Vandemere presents the Farriers with their palatial new living quarters (including a library for Milly), Holt is blown away by the grand show of generosity. "Your family's mine," Vandemere politely responds.

This line takes on a darker tone once the true depth of Vandemere's greed is revealed. Perhaps unintentionally, the film presents a Disneyesque villain whose concern for others' happiness is merely a façade to justify his money-grubbing schemes. And it works, as evidenced by the adoration he receives. As he rides into Dreamland, numerous members of the 1919-era crowd raise their arms to wave at a diagonal, mimicking a salute that wouldn't become popular for a little over a decade after their time.

Dreamland itself presents further problems. The park's Nightmare Island is essentially an animal humiliation exhibit, and Vandemere treats Medici's human troupe with no more respect than the animals. If it's not problematic enough to have disrespected workers in a park resembling Disneyland - which had to increase pay last year in response to protests - there's also the matter of Vandemere's motivation. He primarily needs Dreamland to succeed so that he can work off a bad investment, not unlike Disney's use of Disneyland to offset losses from ESPN.

By contrasting the seediness of Dreamland with the wholesome camaraderie of Medici's circus troupe, the film sends the message that bigger and flashier don't always mean better. It's a strange message for Disney to send at all, but especially in the context of Dumbo - one of many in a slew of big and flashy live-action Disney remakes.

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Kieran enjoys overanalyzing and arguing about pop culture, believing that heated debates can (and should) be had in good fun. He currently lives in Fort Worth, TX, where he spends his time chatting with strangers on the bus and forcing them to look at pictures of his dog.