Frank and Ollie

Frank and Ollie is a 1995 American documentary film directed by Theodore Thomas, the son of the film's protagonist Frank Thomas. It provides an endearing and insightful look into two of Disney’s pioneering animators, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. This film not only celebrates the lives of these two artists but also encapsulates their impact in the animation industry and Disney’s iconic legacy.

The film showcases the two men who were among the original nine animators at Walt Disney Studios, dubbed as 'The Nine Old Men' by Walt Disney himself. Born and raised in Fresno, California, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston attended Stanford University, where they developed their passion for animation. Both were recruited by Disney in the early days of the studio’s existence and catapulted to fame due to their unique animation styles that powered Disney classics from the 1930s to the late 1970s.

As the film progresses, the audience gets an intimate view into the friendship that began at Disney Studios and lasted for more than half a century, tackling everything from their professional work to personal life. The unbreakable bond these two shared is as inspiring as is their incredible talent.

Well-known for their exceptional animation talent, Frank and Ollie contributed to numerous classics in the Disney catalogue. Thomas and Johnston were instrumental in creating memorable characters such as Bambi and Thumper, other characters from movies like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Lady and the Tramp, among others. Their area of expertise wasn't just limited to animation but extended to the development of each character’s personality that rested on their illustrations, breathings, and movements.

Frank and Ollie delves into their unique collaborative process and the creativity that accompanied their work. The film explores their impact on defining Disney's famous exaggerated animation style, based on greatly amplifying real-life movements to imbue the characters with human-like emotions and expression. As though peering through a window into history, viewers are privy to exclusive footage from their past, along with interviews and layers of professional wisdom shared by these geniuses.

The heartwarming narratives and playful banter between Frank and Ollie add depth to the documentary and make it as entertaining as it is educational about animation's early evolution. It's not merely a documentary about animation; it is about two men who breathed life into static drawings, giving audiences characters to cherish forever. Their dedication to their craft and their love for Disney's world of enchanting characters continue to influence aspiring animators and fans across generations.

By the time the movie ends, it's hard not to appreciate the humanness and unique individuality that Frank and Ollie brought to their work. The film serves as a poignant nod to the timelessness of Disney classics and pays tribute to the magic that these two individuals created, sketch by sketch, character by character.

Remaining audience-friendly throughout, Frank and Ollie is accessible to everyone, not just animation fans or Disney aficionados. It paints a vivid portrait of its subjects, unravels the mystery of animation, and humanizes the process, while impressing upon viewers the talent, hard work, and imagination that goes into creating every animated film.

As the credits roll, viewers are left with an understanding of the genuine genius of these unsung heroes of Disney and the immense contribution they made to transforming animation. The enduring bond of friendship between Frank and Ollie is as beautiful to see as the incredible legacy they left behind. All this makes Frank and Ollie an important film that pays a moving tribute to the golden era of traditional animation, and the lives of the men who shaped it.