Life, Animated – Review

Although they were once universally viewed as wholesome family fun, Disney animated classics have been heavily analyzed with skepticism in recent years. We’ve all heard cynics argue that these movies are full of negative role models that give children unrealistic expectations. Anybody who honestly thinks the Mouse House is simply an evil corporation clearly didn’t have a childhood, though. For many of us, Disney was our introduction to the art of cinema. Even years later, we continue to identify with these timeless films, their unforgettable characters, and their life lessons. Disney’s had a huge impact on all of our lives and Owen Suskind just might be the studio’s most adoring enthusiast.

Life, Animated, an immensely charming documentary from Oscar-winner Roger Ross Williams, follows Owen on his journey to adulthood and the influence Disney had on him along the way. At the age of three, Owen was diagnosed with Autism. All of a sudden, he lost the ability to talk and became increasingly detached from others. For some time, his parents feared that he’d never be able to live a normal life. Over the years, however, Owen learned how to communicate through Disney films. He particularly found solace in funny, colorful supporting players that often get overshadowed by the main hero. Owen was thus influenced to create a story of his own where “no sidekick gets left behind.”

A majority of the film centers on a major turning point in Owen’s life as he moves out, goes to college, and enters a romantic relationship. Disney continues to feel like family to Owen, helping him to come to terms with growing up. Of course there are some lessons Owen can’t learn from Disney, such as understanding sex and how to deal with a breakup. Fortunately, Owen also has two loving parents and a dedicated brother that stand by him every step of the way. His father, Pulitzer Prize winning Ron Suskind, notably wrote the book that inspired this documentary.

The scenes involving Owen and his loved ones range from funny, to tear-jerking, to life-affirming. The highlight of Life, Animated, however, are several exquisite hand-drawn sequences. These moments beautifully portray both Owen’s childhood and his escape into the world of imagination. In a strange way, these animated segments feel even more genuine than most of the live-action scenes. Then again, the same can be said about films The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. Especially through the eyes of a kid, animated characters like Belle and Simba seem so real and easy to connect with. Watching Life, Animated, we’re reminded of that childlike wonder that can only be described as magical.

As somebody who personally knows people with autism, I can safely say that Owen’s coming of age story will resonate with many. Whether you’re a parent of an autistic child or an autistic person yourself, everyone is bound to walk away from the film feeling more hopeful. Just as Owen relates to Peter Pan’s struggle to mature, Quasimodo’s desire to be accepted, and Ariel’s longing for a happily ever after, we can relate to Owen’s perseverance to overcome all the odds. What’s more, Life, Animated reminds us that film can be more than just comfort food. The medium can play a monumental role in shaping who we are and help us to grow as human beings.