The Stars of Dumbo Tell All

“The very things that hold you down are going to to lift you up.” -Dumbo

I had the honor of being a part of the press conference for Disney’s new live action Dumbo movie. I have loved Dumbo for so long and was extremely excited to hear from the cast and crew about what it was like to bring this movie back to the big screen.

First we heard from a panel of producers, screen directors, composer and costume designer. Right off the bat the team was asked why was this was the perfect time for a reimagining of the movie? Derek Frey, Producer, said that Dumbo was one of the “original outsiders” and that the character is still engaging here and now. People can still relate to the major themes of the film; family, believing in yourself and overcoming judgement. He also said it was the right time considering where we are in technology to be able to create an elephant that seems so realistic.

Colleen Atwood, the costume director, also spoke about the magic of creating the costumes and watching them come to life in their circus. She loved the fact that the sets were real and it actually felt like you had stepped into another world, like in the “old time movies.”

Danny Elfman, the composer of the film talked about how he actually wrote the theme song for this Dumbo movie before they ever started working on the film. A year before they began the project he had written a melody and saved it, then it was magically the perfect match once they started filming.

Next we heard from the director, Tim Burton, and the rest of the cast including Danny DeVito, Micheal Keaton, Collin Farrell, Eva Green, Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins. The cast all concurred that working with Tim Burton was an absolute dream. Danny DeVito talked about how Burton is a true legend, simply brilliant and everyone agreed.

Tim Burton was asked about why he loved Dumbo and his response was quite simple. He said “the idea of a flying elephant and the character that doesn’t quite fit into the world and how somebody with a disadvantage makes it an advantage” are the reasons he loves Dumbo. In fact, he said that many of the main characters emulate the same struggles that Dumbo has with trying to find their place in the world, trying to take their trials and make them into triumphs.

Collin Farrell spoke about what he hopes kids and adults will take away from the film which is to celebrate our differences. He also hopes viewers will see the messages of inclusion and kindness and bonus that they will be throughly entertained for two hours.;)

After the press conference we were treated to an up close look at some of the costumes from the movie. They were absolutely stunning, my personal favorite was the red dress that Eva Green wore. All of the costumes for her character were so creative during the trapeze scenes. The dresses were actually held together with magnets, making it easy to tear away as she floated up in the circus tent, which I thought was brilliant.

We also saw some of the poster art created for the film. I love that they all had a vintage feel.

And of course it would not have been complete without some popcorn and a quick picture with Dumbo himself!;)

Dumbo comes out Friday, March 29th and I will have a movie review on that date. Based on what the stars had to say, will you go see the movie?:)