Saving Mr. Banks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stuffy British author goes to Hollywood to ruin Walt Disney’s life, but he somehow manages to make a classic movie anyway.

🍿 Saving Mr. Banks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Walt Pursues Mary Poppins

Walt Disney, driven by a promise to his daughters, relentlessly pursues P.L. Travers for the film rights to her novel, *Mary Poppins*. Travers, protective of her work and skeptical of Hollywood’s adaptation, repeatedly declines Disney’s offers for twenty years. Facing financial difficulties in 1961, Travers reluctantly agrees to visit Los Angeles and hear Disney’s proposal.

Clash of Personalities

Travers arrives in Los Angeles and immediately clashes with the sunny disposition of California and the casual atmosphere of the Disney Studios. She finds herself at odds with the creative team, including screenwriter Don DaGradi and the Sherman Brothers, composers of the film’s iconic songs. Her staunch opposition to animation and musical numbers creates significant tension during the script development process. Through flashbacks, we learn about Travers’ childhood in Australia, where her imaginative but troubled father, Travers Goff, served as the inspiration for Mr. Banks. These memories reveal the deep personal connection she has to her characters and her fear of them being misrepresented.

Breaking Down Barriers

Despite their conflicting views, Disney persists in trying to understand Travers’ perspective. He invites her to Disneyland, hoping to unlock her creative spirit. Travers begins to warm to the team’s vision as they incorporate elements that resonate with her personal story, particularly the redemption of Mr. Banks. However, her fragile progress is threatened when she discovers Disney’s plans for an animation sequence, a blatant violation of her stipulations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson): A financially struggling, uncompromising author who reluctantly travels to Hollywood to negotiate the film rights to her beloved Mary Poppins stories.
• Walt Disney (Tom Hanks): The persistent and charismatic head of Walt Disney Studios, determined to fulfill his daughters’ wish by adapting Mary Poppins for the big screen.
• Travers Goff (Colin Farrell): P.L. Travers’ charming but troubled father whose struggles with alcoholism deeply impacted her childhood and inspired the character of Mr. Banks.
• Ralph (Paul Giamatti): P.L. Travers’ kind and compassionate chauffeur in Los Angeles, who offers her friendship and a glimpse of genuine American warmth.
• Richard Sherman (Jason Schwartzman): One half of the Sherman Brothers songwriting duo, challenged by Travers’ resistance to including songs in the Mary Poppins film adaptation.
• Robert Sherman (B.J. Novak): The other half of the Sherman Brothers, collaborating with his brother to create memorable music for Mary Poppins despite Travers’ initial disapproval.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Walt Disney: “George Banks and all he stands for will be saved. Maybe not in life, but in imagination. Because that’s what we storytellers do. We restore order with imagination. We instill hope again and again and again.” – Walt explains his vision and the power of storytelling.
• P.L. Travers: “Mary Poppins is not sentimental.” – Travers insists on the unsentimental nature of her character during script discussions.
• P.L. Travers: “No animation.” – Travers adamantly refuses to allow any animation in the ‘Mary Poppins’ film adaptation.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $83,301,580
• Worldwide Gross: $117,867,984

💥 Saving Mr. Banks Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! As a lifelong fan of Mary Poppins, seeing the story behind the story was fascinating. Emma Thompson’s portrayal of P.L. Travers was incredible; she made you understand why Travers was so protective of her work. I especially loved the scenes where Travers’ childhood was revealed. It gave the film so much depth. The ending, though somewhat embellished, left me with a warm feeling. Definitely a must-see for any Disney enthusiast!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Mary Poppins”
  • “Those interested in film history and the creative process”
  • “Viewers who enjoy biographical dramas with strong performances”
  • “Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of alcoholism”
  • “Brief mention of suicide attempt”
  • “Some emotional scenes related to childhood trauma”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Emma Thompson shines as P.L. Travers, capturing the author’s prickly exterior and hidden vulnerability. Tom Hanks delivers a charming portrayal of Walt Disney, though the film often sugarcoats the realities of the creative process. A heartwarming, if slightly sanitized, look behind the scenes of a beloved classic.
• Rolling Stone: “Saving Mr. Banks is a crowd-pleaser with strong performances, but it treads a little too lightly on the darker aspects of both P.L. Travers and Walt Disney. Still, it’s a fascinating glimpse into the clash of personalities and the compromises inherent in adapting a beloved book for the big screen.
• Variety: “A well-crafted and emotionally resonant film that explores the complex relationship between creativity and personal demons. Emma Thompson’s performance is a standout, and the film’s exploration of P.L. Travers’ troubled past adds depth to the story.

Audience Reactions

Emma Thompson’s performance as P.L. Travers was outstanding and very nuanced.: Most viewers praised the strong performances, especially Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks.

The film offered a unique perspective on the creation of a classic movie.: Many enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at the making of Mary Poppins.

Overall Consensus: Saving Mr. Banks is a well-acted and entertaining film that provides a glimpse into the complex story behind the making of Mary Poppins, though some find it overly sentimentalized.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “P.L. Travers never warmed up to the song ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ as depicted in this movie. According to Richard M. Sherman, it was ‘Feed the Birds’ that won her over.”
• “The film includes actual audio recordings of P.L. Travers conversing with the filmmakers, similar to the depicted sessions.”
• “Reportedly, P.L. Travers did not initially receive an invitation to the premiere of ‘Mary Poppins’ and had to embarrass a Disney executive into extending one.”

🖥️ How to Watch Saving Mr. Banks?

Saving Mr. Banks is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Saving Mr. Banks, you might like these similar films:

• Mary Poppins (1964): The original film whose making is depicted in ‘Saving Mr. Banks’, offering a direct comparison of creative visions.
• Finding Neverland (2004): Explores the creative process behind a beloved children’s story, with a focus on the author’s personal life and inspirations.
• Capote (2005): Deals with the complex relationship between an author and the subjects of their work, exploring ethical boundaries and creative compromises.
• Shakespeare in Love (1998): Imagines the creative process of a famous writer, blending historical facts with fictional elements.

🛒 Saving Mr. Banks Related Products

• Mary Poppins (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this beloved classic with stunning picture and sound quality. Relive the magic of Mary Poppins and the heartwarming story that has captivated audiences for generations.
• The Art of Mary Poppins: Discover the artistic vision behind the original Mary Poppins film with concept art, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes photographs. A must-have for collectors and animation enthusiasts.
• Disney Mary Poppins Practically Perfect Nanny Bag: A stylish and functional nanny bag inspired by Mary Poppins’ iconic carpet bag. Features multiple compartments and a whimsical design.
• Walt Disney: An American Original: A biography delving into the life and career of Walt Disney, exploring his creative genius and his impact on American culture.

🎧 Soundtrack

Saving Mr. Banks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Chim Chim Cher-ee” – performed by Randy Kerber
• “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” – performed by The Sherman Brothers
• “Feed the Birds” – performed by The Sherman Brothers
• “A Spoonful of Sugar” – performed by The Sherman Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Emma Thompson Says Saving Mr. Banks Character is ‘Best Role She’s Ever Had’

Watch Emma Thompson share her thoughts on playing P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks. She claims it’s the best role she’s ever had, which makes us wonder what makes this role so special to her.

Saving Mr. Banks – Disneycember

Check out Nostalgia Critic’s review of Saving Mr. Banks. He shares his thoughts on the film, so whether you agree or disagree, it’s definitely worth a watch.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) – scene comparisons

Curious about how Saving Mr. Banks compares to real life? This video analyzes key scenes from the movie and compares them to actual events, giving us a glimpse into the accuracy of the film’s portrayal.

Saving Mr. Banks : The Making of a Classic

Go behind the scenes of Saving Mr. Banks with this exclusive look at the making of the film. You’ll get a glimpse into the production, the actors’ experiences, and what it took to bring this captivating story to life.

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