"Fantasia 2000": Small Dreams in a Bustling Metropolis

In "Fantasia 2000," New York transforms into a city outlined by lines. Times square and skyscrapers become rectangular shapes outlined by lines, with small squares on top representing windows. What remains unchanged is the city's density, busyness, and its surreal nature. The main characters are four seemingly inconspicuous individuals: a black construction worker who loves to play the drums, a girl whose childhood was deprived by various classes, an unemployed person, and a wealthy man oppressed by his wife. These four people, with their four storylines experience small events in this vast city.

In the film, characters have no spoken language and lack detailed facial expressions. Emotions are conveyed solely through physical actions and music, creating a unique and artistic form. Exaggeration with an artistic touch is one of the film's highlights. For example, during a scene depicting a subway ride, the subway is not actually shaking. However, there is a shot of passengers themselves jolting in the subway car. Their expressions are numb, and even when the subway arrives at the station, they continue to sway, crowding together to exit, entering the office building, and riding the elevator. This segment may seem absurd, but it is not without its beauty, accurately illustrating the busy and mechanized rhythm of the city. The film contains many such moments, each shining with intelligence.

The character of the wealthy man holds particular satirical significance. It is clear that he is constantly compared to animals, most notably his wife's beloved dog. His wife carefully holds the dog, while the wealthy man, with his head hanging, follows. Who is the pet, and who is the husband? The audience can probably tell at a glance. The film depicts the wealthy man using numerous symbolic techniques. For instance, there is a scene where they pass a street performer with a monkey. The wealthy man walks past but suddenly turns back, facing the monkey as if finding a kindred spirit, dancing with it in a comical and pitiful manner. The monkey, being led by a rope, symbolizes being controlled, lacking freedom, mirroring the wealthy man's state at that moment. Furthermore, in a daydream triggered by witnessing ice skating, the wealthy man sees himself gracefully dancing on the ice, even taking flight into the sky, accompanied by a flock of birds. This is another clear and profound symbol: freedom. Using three animals, the film symbolically conveys the characters' status and aspirations, demonstrating great ingenuity. Moreover, the film subtly exposes many social phenomena, such as the harshness of construction site bosses, abuse of power by the police, and hypocrisy, among others.

In "Fantasia 2000," created by Disney as a tribute to the great masters, the central theme is that "the visuals serve the music." However, when watching this film, it's challenging to imagine that the visuals came after the music. George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" feels more like a movie score. The simple and vivid drawings, imaginative colors, and whimsical storytelling techniques, combined with a complete plot, are sufficient to create an engaging animated feature. However, its purpose is defined as "serving the music," revealing Disney's dedication to the art.

The jazz style of "Rhapsody in Blue" blends remarkably well with this satirical and modern animation, creating sparks of viewing pleasure that are self-evident. For example, during the segment when the little girl participates in various classes, the music's stirring melody matches the increasing pace of her activities. Her journey becomes frenetic, and her exaggerated and humorous performances, synchronized with different instrumentals, create a seamless and remarkable experience. Additionally, the segment where the four characters daydream about ice skating features a vibrant and exhilarating musical score, leaving the audience and listeners excited and even moved by the beauty of their dreams. Art should not only serve as a form or technique but should also convey emotions. This is the essence of art’s charm. In "Rhapsody in Blue," one can fully experience the allure of art. Music and visuals have transcended their original forms, merging into a unified emotional experience. While it may not appear elegantly refined, it offers a profound sense of aesthetic enjoyment.

The four main characters initially have no connection, each carrying their own burdens and sorrows in the city. However, towards the end, their stories converge, and as mentioned earlier, they embark on their respective dreams. The construction worker envisions himself as an unstoppable drummer, the unemployed man receives a delightful attendance card, the girl enjoys peaceful and joyful times with her parents, and the wealthy man gains freedom. These are mere fantasies; however, a dramatic twist occurs, and each character suddenly has their dream turned into reality. This twist may seem abrupt, which is why I believe the ending is rich in romanticism, serving as an extension of their individual fantasies rather than depicting reality, in line with the title "Rhapsody in Blue."

The ending also deviates from reality due to one of the film's central themes: a reflection on urban life. If one closely examines these four characters, it becomes apparent that the wealthy man is less valued than even a dog, reflecting a lack of humanity. The construction worker hesitates between pursuing his dreams and sacrificing them for livelihood. The little girl and the unemployed man represent fierce competition and economic hardships. These issues are the maladies of modern life and the persecutions they bring. Is prosperity truly all that is good? The seemingly lighthearted film raises this serious question for contemplation. If a film's success is measured by its resonance with the audience, then "Rhapsody in Blue" is indeed outstanding. For instance, as a student, I can see a part of myself in the little girl. Returning to the earlier question, can these four characters genuinely achieve their dreams? In a city where pursuing dreams and enjoying a carefree life are difficult choices, it's important to note that life goes on. The small events in this big city aren't just about these four individuals; they are about you, me, and every urban dweller. It represents the troubling little things that affect all of us.