If one was a betting individual, a wager should now be placed on Emma Thompson to win every award she is going to be nominated in. Her portrayal of P.L. Travers, the Mary Poppins author, in Saving Mr. Banks is likely to be one of the best performances you will see this year. From beginning to end, she exudes an eccentricity and pretentiousness that is a delight to watch. In a real showcase of acting, she manages to wear her heart firmly on her sleeve at the same time and her transformation from opening titles to end credits is magical...again in true Disney spirit.
Saving Mr. Banks tells the story of how Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) convinced P.L. Travers to sign over the rights to her creation, Mary Poppins. On Disney dime, Travers flies to California as Walt attempts to woo her into signing on the dotted line, all while Travers lists out demand after demand from script approval to her at times hilarious involvement with the Sherman brothers (B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman) , who are in charge of all the musical numbers.
While you might think the source material isn’t the greatest inspiration for a feature film, think again. And this is coming from someone who can’t stand Mary Poppins. Musicals never really did it for me, especially Mary….sorry, don’t forget the Poppins. Upon watching this, I’m inclined to now go and dig out my wifes copy, such an impact did this “untold” true story have on me.
Saving Mr. Banks is really a wonderful cinematic experience, with rock solid pacing with a story that is not only engaging, but humorous, touching and incredibly sweet. Hanks portrayal of Disney is convincing and he just personifies the vibe that Disney gave off. All you have to do is dig out some old footage of Walt and you’ll see exactly what I mean. Even physically, Hanks while not a complete doppleganger, has a pretty decent likeness to the Mouse creator.
As big as a personality Walt is, he cannot compare to Travers. Emma Thompson is nothing but phenomenal from beginning to end, as mentioned above and is simply mesmerizing in a career best performance. Supporting cast are also superb with Paul Giamatti providing plenty of laughs and moments that will have you reaching for the Kleenex. Speaking of laughs, B.J. Novak and Jason Schwartzman, will not only have you tapping your feet along to the many songs, but will have you in stitches every time they appear, especially Novak, as his relationship with Travers is strained to say the least. Colin Farrell is equally superb here, mastering an English accent and playing Travers father brilliantly. Its a touching performance from one of our own, which at times is incredibly powerful and may well reduce you into a blubbering mess. I smell awards for Mr. Farrell.
It really is hard to find fault with this movie, try as hard as I could. This is something, Disney himself would be incredibly proud of. With award worthy performances from the entire cast, and a superb story, Saving Mr. Banks is to be savoured time and time again. Brilliant!
By the way, if you're living in Cork, we have a preview screening in The Reel, Blackpool next week (Nov 26th) - Win tickets by clicking here
