Defunctland's Kevin Perjurer discusses Disney's 'living characters' in film.

Kevin Perjurer of Defunctland has been hailed as a modern master of theme park documentaries, bringing a candid and adventurous perspective to Disney history. His work examines the delicate balance between imagination and brand protection that keeps Disney's fantasy world intact, an approach that prevents many blunt documentaries about Walt Disney and his creative empire.

In his latest epic, Disney's Living Characters: A Broken Promise, Perjurer embarks on a roughly four-and-a-half-hour deep dive into Disney's Living Characters Initiative. Alongside 2024's Disney's Animatronics: A Living History, this two-part project has been described as Defunctlands cinematic equivalent of an Oppenheimer-level achievement in documentary filmmaking. The films explore how Disney blended technological innovation with human performance to enchant park visitors, demonstrating that even the most sophisticated animatronics rely on the human touch to truly captivate.

The documentary highlights historical examples, from a talking Pixar turtle to roaming Muppet contraptions, showing how these living characters became memorable because of their blend of mechanics and human interaction. Perjurer argues that these creations extend Walt Disney's vision of lifelike storytelling, tracing a lineage back to the groundbreaking animatronic depiction of Abraham Lincoln at the 1964 New York Worlds Fair.

Perjurer notes, The living characters are an evolution of what Walt Disney began. Their literature reflects a commitment to continue his legacy. With animatronics, theres a mix of autonomy, interactivity, and resurrection. Lincoln and Walt themselves were resurrected in these forms, prompting audiences to ask: what did it mean to bring these figures back to life?

The 1964 revival of Lincoln remains a landmark in theme park history. The lifelike presentation of Lincoln delivering famous speeches left a lasting impression, despite some criticism that the concept was in poor taste. These technical innovations have since influenced how Disney and other theme parks approach character experiences, culminating in Disneyland's recent animatronic Walt Disney, a figure that embodies the narrative the company wants associated with its founder.

Perjurer emphasizes that these portrayals are complex. I aim to show that Walt was nuanced. He could be generous and grumpy, patient and impatient. Humans dont fit into simple narratives, and the same goes for the people behind these mechanical characters.

The documentary argues that living characters succeed only when the humans giving them life are visible and appreciated. By portraying Disney as a fully realized individual, with both genius and flaws, the films allow viewers to connect more authentically with his story and legacy.

Perjurer adds, No one can create immense wealth or innovation in isolationthey live, eat, sleep, and interact like anyone else. Recognizing the human side of these achievements makes the accomplishments all the more impressive.

Disney's Living Characters: A Broken Promise offers a detailed exploration of how Disney attempted to reconcile technological innovation with human performance, tracing the journey from Lincoln's revival to contemporary animatronic creations. It highlights both successes and broken promises, giving audiences a richer understanding of Disney's ambitions.

Perjurer concludes, Walt Disney himself is a fascinating blueprint for understanding the concept of the living character. Stories from those who worked with him show both admiration and frustration, revealing the challenge of capturing nuance when attempting to resurrect a personality.

Both Disney's Living Characters: A Broken Promise and Disney's Animatronics: A Living History are available on the Defunctland YouTube channel.

Author: Chloe Ramirez