(no subject)

[pauraque_bk]

So we've been working through the catalogue of classic kid-appropriate movies, and today was Mary Poppins, which I hadn't watched since I was little. It's always interesting the things you notice with grown-up eyes. This is basically the Harry Potter set up -- father figure is mean and doesn't understand, then we find out magic is real.

But Harry's story is the more realistic one. Vernon never lightens up, and Harry learns that if you're different, you need to choose your own family and don't look back. This is a reality many of us can relate to.

By contrast, Mary Poppins is utter fantasy, because dad actually sees the light. A lot of kids have wished for that, but you're more likely to fly away with an umbrella than to ever see it happen.

This entry was originally posted at http://pauraque.dreamwidth.org/23281.html. Comment here or there.

Comments

[ragdoll.livejournal.com]

Aw, I absolutely adore Mary Poppins. And while I see what you saying, I would argue long and hard that Mr Banks isn't the kind of screwed up bastard that Vernon is, and so it's easy for me to accept that he could be redeemed. He does love his kids and his wife, but he's too busy with his job to see past his own nose. Until Mary finds a way to open his eyes.

Also, Jane and Michael aren't abused, just neglected by their parents, and allowed to run wild. Once they calm down, it's easier for them to relate to their parents and vice versa.

It *is* fantasy and fluffy, but it's Disney, so of course there will be a happily ever after. I remember reading the book (books?) and iirc, Mary only goes where she knows she's needed to fix things, which includes parent/child relations. I don't think its entirely impossible, although these days one would need a good family therapist vs. a magical governess. XD

[pauraque]

Oh yes, I'm not claiming at all that they're identical situations. It just struck me to compare them given that there are certain parallels. I think it was his helpless peering into the fireplace looking for the letter he'd torn up that made me think of Vernon. :D

And it is a nice idea to think that people can change, even though in real life, they so rarely do!

[slinkhard.livejournal.com]

I think Mary Poppins is quite advanced for it's time with gender roles, at least - there's no suggestion that Mrs Banks should be the full-time carer of the kids, for example, or that she should sacrifice her work with the suffragettes; it's the father who comes to consider his role in his children's lives and whether he's achieving a work/life balance.