Tarzan Disney Dark: Exploring the Shadowy Depths of the Jungle Hero
Introduction
The vine-swinging, jungle-dwelling hero Tarzan has captivated audiences for generations. From Edgar Rice Burroughs’ original tales to countless adaptations, the character has evolved, but Disney’s *Tarzan*, released in 1999, remains a particularly memorable rendition. Praised for its innovative animation, exhilarating action sequences, and unforgettable soundtrack by Phil Collins, the film earned both critical acclaim and box office success. However, beyond the vibrant visuals and catchy tunes lies a surprising undercurrent of melancholy and menace. While marketed as a family-friendly adventure, a closer examination of *Tarzan* reveals surprisingly dark themes that delve into loss, identity, the brutal realities of survival, and the inherent capacity for both good and evil within humanity. This exploration of darkness, often overlooked in casual viewing, is arguably a key element that sets Disney’s *Tarzan* apart from many of its animated contemporaries, adding depth and complexity that resonates even with older audiences. This article will dissect those darker elements, showcasing how they enhance the film’s narrative power and its continued relevance. We’ll delve into the tragic origins of Tarzan, his complicated sense of self, the human antagonist’s chilling ruthlessness, and how even the music contributes to the overall feeling of foreboding at times.
The Loss of Parents and the Trauma of Childhood
From its very opening, Disney’s *Tarzan* doesn’t shy away from presenting viewers with the stark, unforgiving realities of life and death. The film begins with a sequence of intense action, depicting the devastating loss of Tarzan’s biological parents in a shipwreck followed by the brutal slaying of Kala’s child by Sabor, the leopard. This double tragedy, occurring within the opening minutes, immediately establishes a somber tone rarely found in other Disney animated features. These horrific events not only orphans Tarzan but also leave Kala grieving, the film showing her heart broken. We witness her overcome with loss and despair. Disney’s choice to show a mother’s raw emotion so vividly at the beginning is both bold and effective, imbuing the narrative with a sense of gravitas from the outset.
The film then explores how these traumatic events impact Tarzan’s development. Growing up amidst constant danger, he’s forced to adapt and learn survival skills, often facing threats that no child should ever encounter. This upbringing shapes his worldview, instilling in him a keen awareness of the precariousness of life and the importance of protecting oneself and one’s family. While other Disney films may allude to loss, *Tarzan* places it at the forefront, making it a fundamental aspect of the protagonist’s identity. The decision to then have Kala, already dealing with the heartbreak of loss, adopt Tarzan is a key element to his survival. He grows up loved, but even his adoptive parents are looked down on in the community for taking in an ‘outsider’. This leads to difficulties later on in the film.
The contrast with other Disney films where parental loss occurs is also notable. In *The Lion King*, Simba’s father’s death, while tragic, is presented as a catalyst for Simba’s journey of self-discovery and eventual triumph. Similarly, in *Bambi*, the loss of Bambi’s mother serves as a turning point in his maturation. While these films acknowledge grief, they tend to focus on the resilience and eventual overcoming of sorrow. In *Tarzan*, however, the shadow of loss lingers throughout the narrative, constantly reminding us of the fragility of life and the ever-present threat of danger.
Challenges of Identity and Belonging
Tarzan’s struggle to reconcile his human origins with his ape upbringing forms a central and deeply poignant theme in the film. Throughout his formative years, he grapples with a profound sense of being an outsider, never fully accepted by either the ape or human worlds. As a human raised by apes, Tarzan is physically different and lacks the innate instincts of his adopted family. He endeavors to emulate their behavior, mastering their climbing skills and learning their language, but he remains acutely aware of his inherent otherness. This feeling of not quite fitting in is compounded by Kerchak’s initial rejection. This further isolates Tarzan, causing him to question his place within the ape community and sparking a deep yearning for connection and acceptance.
As Tarzan matures, his unique combination of human intellect and ape-like agility sets him further apart. He exhibits problem-solving skills and creativity that surpass those of his ape peers. This duality, while making him a formidable jungle dweller, also amplifies his sense of isolation. He’s neither fully human nor fully ape, existing in a liminal space between two worlds, constantly seeking to bridge the gap and understand his true identity.
This complex exploration of identity resonates deeply with audiences who have ever felt like outsiders or struggled to find their place in the world. Tarzan’s yearning for acceptance and belonging is a universal human experience, transcending cultural and societal boundaries. His journey serves as a powerful reminder that true identity is not defined by external factors but rather by one’s own sense of self and the connections we forge with others. The film further illustrates the importance of community and support in this journey, as Tarzan eventually finds acceptance and love from those who recognize his unique qualities and appreciate him for who he is, even if he doesn’t entirely fit into pre-defined categories.
Confronting Evil: Clayton and the Dark Side of Humanity
The arrival of Clayton and the other humans introduces a tangible and unnerving element of danger and outright malice into Tarzan’s previously balanced world. Clayton, the film’s antagonist, embodies the darkest aspects of human nature: greed, exploitation, and a callous disregard for the natural world. Unlike the innocent curiosity of Jane and Professor Porter, Clayton’s motivations are purely self-serving. He sees the gorillas not as sentient beings but as commodities to be captured and exploited for personal gain.
Clayton’s ruthlessness is chillingly depicted in his relentless pursuit of the gorillas, his willingness to endanger others to achieve his goals, and his blatant disregard for the sanctity of the jungle. His presence casts a long shadow over the narrative, transforming the once idyllic jungle into a battleground where the survival of the apes hangs in the balance. The climactic battle with Clayton is particularly intense, deviating from the typical Disney formula with its almost violent nature. Tarzan is pushed to his limits, forced to confront not only Clayton’s physical strength but also his cunning and deceitfulness.
The scene of Clayton’s death, while not explicitly shown, is particularly grim and unforgettable. Suspended by vines in the jungle canopy, the implication of his self-inflicted demise through his own entanglement leaves a lasting impact. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked greed and the destructive potential of human arrogance. Moreover, Clayton’s actions can be interpreted as a commentary on real-world environmental issues, such as deforestation, poaching, and the exploitation of natural resources. His character serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of respecting the natural world and recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
The Music: A Balance of Joy and Melancholy
Phil Collins’s iconic soundtrack elevates Disney’s *Tarzan* beyond a simple animated adventure, perfectly complementing the film’s diverse themes, blending uplifting, energetic songs with more poignant and emotionally charged pieces. The music reinforces both the lighthearted and darker elements of the story, creating a rich and immersive viewing experience. Songs like “Two Worlds” explore the duality of Tarzan’s identity, highlighting the differences and similarities between the human and ape worlds. The soaring melody and hopeful lyrics contrast with the underlying sense of longing and the challenge of reconciling these two disparate aspects of his existence.
“You’ll Be in My Heart,” sung by Kala to the orphaned Tarzan, is a powerful ballad that speaks to the unconditional love and acceptance that can transcend biological ties. While heartwarming, the song also carries a subtle undercurrent of sadness, reflecting Kala’s own grief and the uncertainty of Tarzan’s future. “Strangers Like Me” captures Tarzan’s burgeoning curiosity about the human world and his desire to connect with others who share his human heritage. The driving rhythm and infectious melody are juxtaposed with the underlying theme of isolation and the challenges of bridging the gap between different cultures. The song illustrates that finding ones place is not always an easy task.
The overall effect of Collins’s score is to create a nuanced and emotionally resonant soundscape that enhances the film’s narrative depth. The music underscores the themes of love, loss, identity, and the environment, adding layers of meaning and complexity to the viewing experience. The soundtrack is not merely background music; it’s an integral part of the storytelling, amplifying the emotional impact of key scenes and contributing to the film’s enduring appeal.
Conclusion
Disney’s *Tarzan*, while celebrated for its groundbreaking animation and memorable music, possesses a surprising depth due to its exploration of relatively dark themes. From the opening scene of tragedy to the chilling portrayal of human greed, the film confronts audiences with mature themes not often explored in family-friendly animated features. The themes of grief and loss, of belonging and identity, and of humanity’s relationship with nature are all woven into this narrative, creating a more complex and impactful film. These themes all combine to create a Disney movie that sticks with you long after you leave the theater.
The film’s enduring popularity can be attributed, in part, to its willingness to embrace these darker elements. By not shying away from the harsh realities of life and the complexities of human nature, *Tarzan* offers a more nuanced and thought-provoking viewing experience that appeals to both children and adults. The film’s exploration of mature themes elevates it beyond a simple animated adventure, transforming it into a powerful and enduring story about love, loss, and the search for identity. The darker elements present in Tarzan are subtle but add a level of complexity not often seen. The final moments of the movie where Tarzan decides to stay with the Gorillas highlight how much of his identity relies on them.
Ultimately, Disney’s *Tarzan* invites us to contemplate the nature of darkness in storytelling and its potential to enrich our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By delving into the shadows, the film illuminates the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of love. Is it the mature themes that resonate so profoundly, or does the familiarity of the Tarzan mythos draw us to this telling of the story? Perhaps it is a mixture of both, but the shadow of tragedy makes the light that much brighter.
