James and Thomas discuss an animated classic, Walt Disney's Fantasia (1940), with Oscar-nominated animator and director Timothy Reckart ("Head Over Heels", The Star). Included in the conversation are some remarks touching upon Fantasia 2000 (1999). Both films are available for streaming on Disney+.
Speaking about the film, Walt Disney said, “Fantasia is timeless. It may run ten, twenty, thirty years. Fantasia is an idea in itself. I can never build another. I can improve. I can elaborate. That is all."
In this episode we discuss Fantasia's timelessness, investigating its groundbreaking developments in animation and sound, and its thematic concerns of hierarchy and social organization, as well as its occasional imperfections and pandering. Tim Reckart also reflects on the strengths and weaknesses of animation: What does it offer that live action doesn't?
Next on Criteria: the fourth installment of Dekalog, the 10-part miniseries directed by Polish auteur Krzysztof Kieślowski.
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