Frank and Ollie is a documentary that had been on my IMDB “to watch” list for a long time, but was actually not available. It was therefore a positive surprise when I saw it available through Disney+ and could finally see it. I am always fascinated by films that are about making films and I was curious to know what this film had in store.
Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston were two animators who worked for the Walt Disney Animation Studios from the early years to the late 1970s. Chances are that you know their work, because they worked on Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, Lady and the Tramp and many other titles. The two met at a young age at school. It was the start of a lifelong friendship and passion for animation films. The two lived side by side and here they tell about their memories. From small anecdotes about Walt Disney and the atmosphere in the studio, but also how they managed to portray certain emotions. The two show how they act it out themselves, which is followed by the actual animation. These are details that you might not normally see, but that you will appreciate it more because of this documentary.
In addition to a glimpse into their lives, the two enjoy retirement with their wives and are busy putting together a book (Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life). Other animators, animation experts and even their wives are also interviewed to talk about these two animation giants. It makes Frank and Ollie a film that has the same warmth that the classic Disney films also possess. The two men have now both died, but their work will live on forever and this documentary gives a peek behind the scenes to show who was responsible for the magic that Disney fans love so much.
[score8]