Disney inspirations
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[edit] Inspiration for Disney plots
The inspiration for films produced by Walt Disney can be seen to come from a number of sources. Chief among these are:
- Novels (One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Mary Poppins)
- Fairy stories (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Mermaid)
- Folk tales (Mulan)
As well as the plots of the films, inspiration for the animation of Disney cartoons comes from a number of sources.
[edit] Possible influence of Japanese animators
Many Disney films are known to have been inspired by Japanese animation, in terms of plot and visual style. Disney has denied claims of plagiarism, but has admitted to being heavily inspired by Japanese animation, particularly Miyazaki's works.
In 1996, Disney Corporation made a deal with Tokuma Publishing to release theatrical and home video versions of Miyazaki's works. A Pixar employee mentions in "The Art of Spirited Away" that Miyazaki's scenes are often displayed for stylistic inspiration.
[edit] The Lion King
The Lion King (1994) borrows elements from Tezuka's Kimba the White Lion (1965). Both center around a young lion growing up in the wilderness. Notable similarities include near identical characters and scenes.
Animators working at Disney admit familiarity with Tezuka's manga and anime, but cite no direct inspiration between the two works.
[edit] Fantasia 2000
While Fantasia 2000 is an anthology, the last segment, "Spring Fairy," is very similar to Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke. Both deal with the subject of nature controlled by spirits, destruction caused by human technology, and the natural regrowth and triumph of nature.
[edit] Atlantis
Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) has a similar plot to Nadia: Secret of Blue Water (1991). Both are inspired by 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, where a technologically advanced deep sea vessel, Nautilus, is used to explore undiscovered depths of the ocean.
Atlantis shares similarities with Laputa: Castle in the Sky, where blue stones are used to both power and levitate technology.
