A Visual Analysis of Male Characters in Disney Animated Movies

Abstract

This study investigates the visual features of male characters of nine Disney animated movies taken from the last three decades 1990-1999, 2000-2009 and 2010-2019. Aley and Hahn’s (2020) framework of men’s portrayal (developed from Goffman, 1976) is applied. The qualitative analysis reveals that the physical appearance of Disney male characters has changed over time. Body image changed from an unrealistic large body with big muscles to a realistic body type with logical body proportions. Heroes started to be seen as powerful gentlemen rather than heroes with physical strength. Moreover, the heroes, especially in third decade, no longer depended on their physical attire to reflect their ranks. This shift may indicate a change of how people tend to see heroes. In term of masculine touch, male characters used to touch their female companions in a controlling manner. However, in the second and third decade, their touch started to change to protection rather than control. Finally, eye withdrawal remained the same over time because men withdrew their eyes for reasons connected to man’s nature and feelings.