The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story (2009)

The story of the lives of the Sherman brothers, the team behind some of Disney's mot recognizable songs like "It's A Small World" and the soundtracks of "Mary Poppins" and "The Jungle Book." 

    I saw this right after "Waking Sleeping Beauty." I now know more about the inside world of Disney than I ever thought I would. It's a fascinating story about genius and grief, art and conflict. The Sherman brothers' sons are responsible for this film, and they treat the material with both the respect and affection it deserves. It's painful to watch as the brothers' relationship is fractured perhaps beyond repair and their faces betray the deep, unresolved emotions that lie beneath the surface. The conflict that drove them apart is what created the music we love. It makes me question if the creation of art is truly worth the pain and heartbreak that people have to go through. I don't know what the answer is.

Séraphine (2008)

A film based on the life of painter Seraphine de Senlis who was discovered by a famous German art collector in 1912. 

    A very French film, complete with long, uncut shots, complete silence, and gorgeous scenery. It is a haunting film about a haunting woman, whose genius was both interrupted and ignited by mental illness. It's a film for those used to how foreign films move (very slowly), but ideal for anyone who appreciates art and its painful mystery. My favorite scene is the very last one. I won't spoil it, you'll just have to see the whole movie to truly appreciate it in all its simple, heartbreaking beauty. 

Waking Sleeping Beauty (2009)

The story of how the Disney animation company went from outcast and forgotten to producing hugely successful animated movies in a period of ten years with moves like "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Little Mermaid."

   The Disney company fascinates me. It has influenced entire generations through their movies and changed the movie business forever. It was astounding to hear how the artists at the animation company went through a period of time where they were sure they were all going to lose their jobs and the animation division would be shut down. It was innovation that saved them. With people like Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, the old saying "What would Walt do" changed and things were done differently. My dad, who is an innovation educator and consultant was practically jumping up and down and scribbling notes. It was a very direct, focused movie, but not boring. Drawings by Disney artists were strewn through out to illustrate people and events and there were lots of videos. For anyone who loves Disney, this is the movie to watch.