marydilip.info – Disney’s Tarzan (1999) is a unique and thrilling addition to the company’s animation legacy, introducing a character whose story blends themes of family, identity, and the connection between humanity and the natural world. Based on the novel Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the Disney adaptation offers a vibrant reimagining of the legendary tale, emphasizing heart, adventure, and the importance of belonging. Tarzan, the protagonist, is raised by gorillas in the jungle, and his journey is one of self-discovery, where he must reconcile his human heritage with his jungle upbringing. Through stunning animation, memorable music, and a gripping narrative, Tarzan became a classic, and its protagonist emerged as a symbol of resilience, love, and the pursuit of one’s true self.
The Origins of Tarzan: From Edgar Rice Burroughs to Disney
Tarzan was originally created by Edgar Rice Burroughs in 1912, making his first appearance in the novel Tarzan of the Apes. Burroughs, a prolific American author, created Tarzan as an orphaned boy who was raised by a tribe of gorillas in the African jungle after his parents, Lord and Lady Greystoke, were marooned on the coast. Over time, Tarzan becomes a skilled and capable man, adapting to life in the wild, but remains forever torn between his primal nature and the curiosity about the human world.
The character quickly became iconic, appearing in over two dozen novels, comic strips, films, and television series. Disney’s adaptation in 1999 sought to reimagine Tarzan’s story, reinterpreting many of the novel’s elements while adding a distinctive Disney flair. In the film, Tarzan is depicted as a young man raised by the gorilla Kala after the tragic death of his biological parents. His journey is no longer just about survival in the jungle; it becomes about discovering his place in the world and finding his family.
The Character of Tarzan: The Man of the Jungle
Tarzan in the Disney film is portrayed as a brave, adventurous, and physically agile young man with a deep bond to the jungle and its creatures. Raised by gorillas, he has adapted to life in the wild in ways that make him exceptional, excelling at climbing trees, communicating with animals, and surviving in an environment that is often hostile to humans. He is initially unaware of his true heritage, believing himself to be one of the gorillas. Tarzan’s strength, agility, and the natural instincts he possesses make him an adept jungle survivor, but his true challenge lies in understanding the identity of his parents and his place in the human world.
One of the key themes in Tarzan’s character arc is his struggle with duality—his life in the jungle has shaped him into a capable and resourceful individual, but as he encounters human beings, he begins to question whether his true nature lies in the wild or in the world of men. Tarzan’s internal conflict becomes the central point of the film, as he grapples with his sense of belonging and ultimately finds a way to bridge the gap between his two worlds.
Tarzan’s identity is also deeply connected to his relationship with the gorillas, particularly Kala, who acts as his adoptive mother. Kala’s love and care for Tarzan, as well as her guidance, play a significant role in shaping his understanding of family and love. While Tarzan may not initially understand that he is human, his deep emotional connection to Kala and the gorillas serves as a foundation for his journey toward self-awareness.
The Jungle and the Wild: Tarzan’s Deep Connection to Nature
One of the most remarkable aspects of Tarzan’s character is his intrinsic connection to the jungle and the animals that live within it. From the moment the audience is introduced to him, it is clear that Tarzan is not just a man in the jungle—he is part of it. The film’s stunning animation showcases Tarzan’s unique relationship with nature, using visual metaphors to represent his harmonious existence with the wild world around him. The way Tarzan swings effortlessly through the trees, climbs with agility, and interacts with the animals speaks to his deep understanding of the natural environment.
The jungle itself is almost a character in the story, providing the backdrop for Tarzan’s growth and self-discovery. From the moment Tarzan is born, he is surrounded by the vastness and beauty of the jungle, which is depicted as a paradise filled with lush vegetation, flowing rivers, and exotic creatures. It is here that Tarzan learns important lessons about survival, strength, and empathy, not only through his interactions with the gorillas but also through his connection with the other animals of the jungle, such as the playful elephants and the mischievous monkey, Terk.
However, the jungle is not only a place of beauty and freedom; it is also a dangerous world, filled with predators and challenges. This duality of the jungle—the idyllic and the perilous—reflects Tarzan’s own internal struggles. As he transitions into the human world, he must reconcile his connection to the jungle with the realities of the larger world beyond. His journey is about balance—learning that he can remain true to his wild roots while also embracing the potential of his human identity.
Tarzan’s Love Story: Jane and the Discovery of Family
One of the most central aspects of Tarzan is the love story between Tarzan and Jane Porter, a young woman from England who arrives in the jungle with her father, Professor Porter, and the explorer Clayton. Jane is curious, adventurous, and kind-hearted, and she quickly bonds with Tarzan as they form an unlikely but strong connection. Tarzan, who has never encountered another human before, is both fascinated and bewildered by Jane’s presence. His introduction to the world of humans, through Jane, is a pivotal moment in the film, as he begins to see himself through the eyes of another person.
Jane is not just a love interest for Tarzan; she is also a character who helps him navigate his identity. While Tarzan is initially unsure of his place in the human world, Jane shows him that he can embrace both sides of himself—his life in the jungle and his human heritage. Their relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding, and Jane becomes an integral part of Tarzan’s journey of self-discovery. Together, they help each other bridge the gap between their two worlds, demonstrating the power of love, respect, and understanding across cultural boundaries.
Their relationship also highlights the importance of family. As Tarzan learns of his true parents’ history and encounters other humans, he realizes that family is not just about blood but about the connections that define one’s identity. Through his evolving relationship with Jane, Tarzan finds a new sense of belonging, not only in the jungle but in the world of humans as well.
Clayton: The Villain and the Antagonist of Tarzan’s Journey
Every hero needs an antagonist, and in Tarzan, that role is filled by Clayton, the leader of the expedition team. While initially appearing charming and professional, Clayton’s true nature is revealed as the film progresses. His selfishness, greed, and disregard for the jungle and its inhabitants make him a formidable foe to Tarzan and his family. Clayton’s desire to capture and exploit the gorillas leads to conflict, and his role as the villain serves as a reminder of the destructive force that human greed can have on the natural world.
Clayton’s ultimate downfall represents the theme of conservation versus exploitation, with Tarzan standing as a protector of the jungle and its creatures. The tension between Clayton and Tarzan mirrors the larger conflict between preserving the natural world and the destructive forces of human expansion. Tarzan’s battle against Clayton is not just a personal fight; it is a fight to protect the sanctity of the jungle and its inhabitants.
Tarzan’s Legacy: A Film of Adventure, Heart, and Discovery
Disney’s Tarzan was a critical and commercial success, praised for its animation, emotional depth, and captivating soundtrack. The film’s use of dynamic and fluid animation techniques, especially in the scenes where Tarzan swings through the jungle, created an unforgettable visual experience. The film’s music, composed by Phil Collins, also played a significant role in its success, with songs like “You’ll Be in My Heart” and “Son of Man” becoming iconic hits that continue to resonate with fans of the film.
Beyond its visual and musical accomplishments, Tarzan is remembered for its exploration of themes such as identity, belonging, family, and the relationship between humanity and nature. Tarzan’s journey of self-discovery is a universal one, reflecting the struggles of finding one’s place in the world and reconciling different aspects of identity. The film’s message—that love and understanding can bridge the gap between seemingly opposing worlds—remains a powerful and timeless theme.
Tarzan’s legacy also lies in his status as a Disney hero who challenges the traditional notions of what it means to be a hero. Unlike other Disney princes, Tarzan’s heroism is not defined by royal status or the expectation of a fairy-tale ending; instead, it is shaped by his courage, compassion, and his willingness to face the challenges of both the jungle and the human world. His story is one of growth, transformation, and the discovery of one’s true purpose.