Walt Disney by Neal Gabler (2006, Hardcover)

This may be among the best researched books ever written about Walt Disney. Unfortunately, it proves to be one of the most conflicted when it comes to an author's conclusions.

While the author demonstrates an outstanding knowledge of the facts surrounding Disney's life, there is a marked change in tone when summarizing the impact of Walt Disney upon twentieth century culture.

Common stories of separation and the hopeful longing for reconnection between children and parents are turned into far-fetched nightmares of unforgivable cruelty. In casting Walt Disney's career as resulting from his reaction to psychological abuse at the hands of his father, Gabler capably demonstrates that he did not talk to anyone who truly understood the complicated dynamic between these two men. In fact, the humanity of both men is diminished in the retelling of this particular episode.

In addition, though Gabler faithfully reconstructs the story of Mickey Mouse's creation, he takes reason to the far side of imagination when he proposes that Mickey's "deep and abiding popularity" was due in part to his "sexual suggestiveness." (p. 155) As with several less popular essays and biographies about Walt Disney that have been released in recent years, it seems that some authors simply must reduce Walt Disney's success to the most crude levels imaginable.

Since the book's release, the resulting critiques in the national press give testimony to the fact that a majority of reviewers have savored the opportunity to splash mud at the name of Walt Disney in the hope that such muckracking will sell more papers; more books; more magazines; more advertising. "Take a shot at Walt! Only 25 cents!"

Students of Disney history will find plenty to appreciate in this text. However, even getting past the author's "Introduction" was a chore. Never has one who was given such unprecedented access to the treasure of information found in the Walt Disney Archives summarized conclusions that were so bent. It is as if Gabler has two separate and distinct personalities; each writing from platforms in complete opposition to one another.

Which corporate genius at Disney gave away their rights to editorial control? How did the Walt Disney Company benefit from giving Gabler such unlimited access? How could anyone top Marc Eliot's ridiculous tale of the "Dark Prince?" It appears that the impossible has been achieved.

Layer upon layer, the life and story of Walt Disney is retold with the able mastery of one thoroughly acquainted with his subject. Even so, the conclusions which are reached seem to be viewed through a prism; bending every truth into the outcome that the author had intended all along. If Gabler intended to retell Walt's story as only the author could have imagined it... well, he may have succeeded. Never let the truth get in the way of a writer's preconceived notions!

Some of the more unique statements proposed by Gabler include:
** "Disney was a protean."
** Disney "had Platonic templates in his head."
** Disney's "artistic status had plummeted" by the end of his life.
** Disney was "transmogrified into aesthetic demagoguery and vulgarization."
** Disney was "widely identified with cultural degradation..."

Maybe these things were perceived as true for a narrow slice of academically isolated intellectuals, but it is shameful to characterize such viewpoints as being common perspectives on the influence of Walt Disney.

Very well researched, five years went into researching this biography. Gabler is the first writer to be given complete access to the Disney archives. Let me tell you, youll never look at Mickey Mouse the same again.