“All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.”
- December 5, 1901 – December 15, 1966
- Born in the United States
- Animator, film director, entrepreneur, producer
- Best known as the creator of Mickey Mouse, he established the animation film industry. As the founder of Disneyland, he is globally recognized as an iconic figure in the world of entertainment.
Quote
“All cartoon characters and fables must be exaggeration, caricatures. It is the very nature of fantasy and fable.”
Explanation
In this quote, Walt Disney emphasizes the importance of exaggeration and caricature in animation and storytelling. Disney believed that the essence of cartoons and fables lies in their ability to amplify certain traits, whether it’s a character’s physical features, emotions, or actions, to create a more dramatic, engaging, and memorable experience. Exaggeration allows the audience to connect with characters and stories in a more visceral way, making them both entertaining and emotionally resonant. In the context of fantasy and fables, where the goal is often to convey larger-than-life themes, the use of caricature helps bring bigger ideas to life in a way that is visually captivating and easy to understand.
Historically, Disney’s work, particularly his animated films, often relied on this principle of exaggeration to create believable yet fantastical worlds. Characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and even the villains in films such as Snow White and The Little Mermaid all possess exaggerated features and characteristics. These over-the-top traits not only made the characters fun and expressive but also enhanced the emotional impact of their stories. Disney’s use of exaggeration was integral to creating unforgettable moments in animation that have become synonymous with the magic of Disney films. The larger-than-life nature of Disney’s characters helped elevate them beyond mere drawings to cultural icons.
In the modern context, Disney’s quote resonates in today’s animation and storytelling as well. From animated films to video games and comic books, exaggeration remains a fundamental part of engaging the audience. Whether through the exaggerated expressions of animated characters or the caricatured portrayals of real-world figures in animated series, the use of exaggeration ensures that the story remains impactful and memorable. Disney’s insight into fantasy and fable continues to shape how modern storytellers use caricature and exaggeration to connect with audiences, ensuring that the unreal can still speak to the real in deeply emotional and entertaining ways.
