Contemporary Disney Animation

Abstract

Reconsiders contemporary Disney animation through the critical lens of genre theory Reveals new directions for the study of Disney’s gender portrayals by combining a film genre perspective and the concept of post-feminism Examines the multifaceted interactions between Disney animated films, Pixar, Marvel, and other properties, providing insight into Disney’s expanding cinematic universe Supported throughout by close analyse of the films, marketing materials, merchandising, and a wide range of comparative case studies from mainstream animation and Hollywood cinema Contemporary Disney Animation: Genre, Gender and Hollywood is the first in-depth study of Disney’s latest animated output from the perspective of genre theory. Analysing a decade in Disney’s history (2008-2018), Benhamou examines the multifaceted interactions between animated films, Disney properties such as Pixar and Marvel, and popular genres including the romantic comedy, the superhero film and the cop buddy film. Through this extensive critical lens, combined with a focus on gender, she provides illuminating and original insights on films such as Tangled , Frozen and Moana . Informed by wider discourses on contemporary Hollywood and post-feminism, this book challenges conventional approaches to Disney, and foregrounds the importance of animation in understandings of film genres.