The Great Mouse Detective - Film Review

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The Great Mouse Detective, released in 1986 and directed by Ron Clements, Dave Michener, and Burny Mattinson, marked an important milestone in Disney’s animation history. Based on Eve Titus' Basil of Baker Street book series, the film transports audiences to a mouse-sized Victorian London, where the brilliant detective Basil - loosely inspired by Sherlock Holmes- pits his wits against his arch-nemesis, Professor Ratigan.

Set during Disney’s challenging “pre-Renaissance” era, the film was a critical and financial success that helped stabilize the animation department after the struggles of earlier projects like The Black Cauldron. Its engaging plot, colourful characters, and inventive animation paved the way for Disney’s animation revival in the late 1980s and 1990s.

The story opens in London, 1897, where a young mouse named Olivia Flaversham (voiced by Susanne Pollatschek) witnesses the kidnapping of her toymaker father, Hiram Flaversham (voiced by Alan Young), by a bat with a peg leg, Fidget (voiced by Candy Candido). Desperate to rescue her father, Olivia seeks help from Basil of Baker Street (voiced by Barrie Ingham), a brilliant but eccentric detective who resides below the home of the famous Sherlock Holmes.

With the assistance of Dr. David Q. Dawson (voiced by Val Bettin), a kindly mouse and Basil’s eventual sidekick, Basil discovers that Professor Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price), his arch-enemy, is behind the kidnapping. Ratigan, a devious mastermind, plans to replace the mouse queen with a mechanical puppet and declare himself ruler of all mousedom.

The ensuing investigation takes Basil, Dawson, and Olivia across various locations in London, culminating in a thrilling confrontation inside Big Ben. Basil outsmarts Ratigan in a final battle, saves the queen (voiced by Eve Brenner), and restores peace, while Olivia is joyfully reunited with her father. The film’s structure closely mirrors the Sherlock Holmes narrative model, combining mystery, deduction, and action in a tight, fast-paced storyline that appeals to audiences of all ages.

The film’s central theme of good versus evil is embodied through the characters of Basil and Professor Ratigan. Basil represents intellect, resourcefulness, and morality, while Ratigan symbolizes greed, power, and chaos. Their rivalry, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty, drives the narrative forward.

The theme extends beyond individual conflict, as Ratigan’s plot to overthrow the monarchy reflects broader ideas of tyranny versus justice. The film ultimately reinforces the message that intelligence, bravery, and teamwork can triumph over corruption and evil.

Basil begins as a lone detective who prides himself on his independence and intellect, but his dynamic with Dr. Dawson and Olivia reveals the importance of teamwork. Dawson, in particular, serves as Basil’s grounding force, providing emotional warmth and practical support throughout the investigation.

Olivia’s presence adds a layer of emotional depth, as her vulnerability and determination inspire Basil to act heroically. Together, the trio exemplifies how collaboration and trust can overcome even the most challenging obstacles.

Basil’s brilliance as a detective highlights the film’s emphasis on intellect as a heroic quality. Unlike traditional action heroes, Basil relies on deduction, observation, and quick thinking to solve problems and defeat Ratigan. His resourcefulness during the climax, where he escapes Ratigan’s elaborate death trap, reinforces the idea that intelligence is as valuable as physical strength. Conversely, Ratigan’s arrogance and dependence on brute force ultimately lead to his downfall, showcasing the contrast between wisdom and hubris.

Professor Ratigan’s identity as a “rat” serves as both a source of pride and insecurity. Despite his efforts to present himself as refined and superior, his true nature emerges when he is angered or pushed to the edge. This duality adds complexity to Ratigan’s character, reflecting themes of identity, self-perception, and the struggle to reconcile appearances with reality.

IMAGE1225396 Image from Wikipedia]

Basil of Baker Street (voiced by Barrie Ingham): Basil, the titular Great Mouse Detective, is an engaging and dynamic protagonist. Modelled after Sherlock Holmes, Basil is brilliant, eccentric, and slightly arrogant, but his heart is in the right place. His initial aloofness toward Olivia gradually gives way to genuine care and compassion, showcasing his capacity for growth and emotional depth.

Basil’s defining moment comes during the climax when, faced with Ratigan’s trap, he uses his intellect and ingenuity to devise a last-second escape. This moment not only reinforces his resourcefulness but also solidifies him as a hero who triumphs through wit rather than brute force.

Professor Ratigan (voiced by Vincent Price): Professor Ratigan, voiced by the incomparable Vincent Price, is one of Disney’s most charismatic and menacing villains. Ratigan’s charm and sophistication mask his cruelty and megalomania, making him a compelling antagonist. His obsession with power and his disdain for being called a “rat” add layers of insecurity to his character, enhancing his complexity.

Ratigan’s descent into rage during the climax, where he sheds his refined demeanour and embraces his primal nature, reflects his inner conflict and ultimate downfall. This transformation makes him both frightening and tragic, solidifying his place as one of Disney’s most memorable villains.

Dr. David Q. Dawson (voiced by Val Bettin): Dr. Dawson serves as the audience’s surrogate and Basil’s loyal sidekick. Modelled after Dr. Watson from the Sherlock Holmes stories, Dawson is kind, patient, and dependable. His warm-hearted demeanour balances Basil’s eccentricity, providing emotional grounding and comic relief. Dawson’s role as a companion and moral anchor is crucial to Basil’s character development, as their partnership highlights the importance of friendship and teamwork.

Olivia Flaversham (voiced by Susanne Pollatschek): Olivia represents innocence and resilience. Despite her young age, Olivia displays remarkable courage and determination in her quest to find her father. Her interactions with Basil and Dawson bring out their protective instincts, and her emotional vulnerability adds depth to the story. Olivia’s eventual reunion with her father serves as a heart-warming conclusion, reinforcing the film’s themes of family and hope.

The Great Mouse Detective marked a significant turning point for Disney animation, particularly in its use of technology. The film features a ground-breaking sequence in which Basil and Ratigan battle inside the gears of Big Ben. This scene utilized early computer-generated imagery (CGI) to create the intricate, three-dimensional movement of the clock’s mechanisms, blending traditional hand-drawn animation with emerging technology.

The visual style of the film is detailed and atmospheric, capturing the foggy, cobblestoned streets of Victorian London. The animators paid careful attention to scale, creating a believable mouse-sized world that mirrors the human city above. From Basil’s cluttered detective office to Ratigan’s lair and the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the film’s settings are richly designed and immersive.

Character animation is another highlight. Basil’s expressive movements convey his intelligence and energy, while Ratigan’s exaggerated gestures and facial expressions reflect his theatrical villainy. The animators’ ability to bring these characters to life through nuanced details enhances their personalities and emotional depth.

The film’s score, composed by Henry Mancini, perfectly complements its adventurous and whimsical tone. Mancini’s music blends suspenseful, mysterious motifs with moments of light-hearted charm, reflecting the film’s balance of action, humour, and heart.

One standout sequence is Ratigan’s villainous song, The World’s Greatest Criminal Mind, performed by Vincent Price. This musical number not only showcases Ratigan’s charisma but also highlights his narcissism and villainy. The playful lyrics and theatrical delivery make it a memorable moment that adds to Ratigan’s larger-than-life persona.

The sound design further immerses viewers in the Victorian setting, from the creaking gears of Big Ben to the clatter of carriages on cobblestone streets. These auditory details enhance the film’s atmosphere and sense of place.

The Great Mouse Detective holds a significant place in Disney history. Released during a time of uncertainty for the animation studio, the film’s success provided a much-needed boost and demonstrated the potential for Disney’s animated storytelling. Its innovative use of CGI foreshadowed the technological advancements that would become a hallmark of Disney films in the years to come.

The film’s Sherlock Holmes-inspired narrative introduced younger audiences to the detective genre while appealing to adults with its clever writing, witty dialogue, and engaging characters. Basil of Baker Street remains a beloved Disney protagonist, and Ratigan is often cited as one of the studio’s best villains.

Although it is sometimes overshadowed by Disney’s later Renaissance films, The Great Mouse Detective has maintained a loyal fanbase and is recognized for its creativity, charm, and role in revitalizing Disney animation.

The Great Mouse Detective is a delightful and inventive animated film that combines mystery, adventure, and heart. Through its engaging characters, sharp storytelling, and innovative animation, the film captures the essence of the Sherlock Holmes-inspired detective genre while delivering a family-friendly experience.

Basil’s brilliance, Ratigan’s theatrical villainy, and the film’s atmospheric Victorian setting make it a standout entry in Disney’s animated catalogue. Beyond its entertainment value, The Great Mouse Detective played a crucial role in Disney’s resurgence, paving the way for the studio’s animation renaissance.

With its timeless themes of good versus evil, the importance of friendship, and the triumph of intellect over arrogance, The Great Mouse Detective continues to enchant audiences of all ages, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in Disney’s animated legacy.

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