Much has been written about Walt Disney’s life and work, but little attention has been paid to his impressive skills as a futurist. Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow is an informative and beautifully crafted new documentary that highlights Disney’s commitment to innovation, its breakthroughs in theaters and theme parks, and how its efforts ultimately impact fields as diverse as transportation and urban planning.
The movie is a love letter to Disney, even though it’s not directly endorsed or affiliated with the company. It worked quickly, dispelling much of the negative press and rumors that had built up over the years around his saga, including his allegedly domineering attitude and his views on women and minorities in the workplace. The review will bring together distinguished researchers and several artists who have worked closely with Disney throughout their burgeoning careers. They all testify to his charisma, approachability, leadership, inclusivity, creativity and vision.
From his creation of Mickey Mouse, to his total immersion in sound technology at the launch of Steamboat Willy’s, to his rise as a theme park pioneer, we learn about the journey Disney has taken to capture the imaginations of billions of people. Along the way he encounters countless challenges, setbacks, and cynicism, but that’s what happens when you make it your mission to explore the unknown.
Disney is sometimes motivated by a strong sense of social responsibility. With EPCOT, he set out to celebrate tomorrow’s technology and create an environment where families can share engaging experiences in comfort. The dream project, which began at the drawing board stage during his lifetime but was not completed until after his death, arose out of his response to rapidly deteriorating urban life in neighborhoods across the United States.
The total amount of Disney’s legacy is enormous. He is a giant in the entertainment industry and an unrivaled icon in the world. The Great and Beautiful Tomorrow is an ambitious portrait from birth to death that does an admirable job of revealing the highlights of his career and the many little-known anecdotes and adventures along the way.
Directed by: Christian Moran
