The book is a deep psychological probe into Disney’s personality, emphasizing his loneliness and frustration as an artist more than just his public achievements.
Jonathan Rosenbaum appreciates the biography’s focus on Walt Disney’s inner life, portraying him as a frustrated and often lonely artist rather than merely a cultural icon. He highlights Disney’s childlike sensibility and his need for control as a form of escape, which contrasts with the commercial success Disney achieved. Rosenbaum finds the portrayal of Disney’s sadness and personality to be the most lingering impression, drawing parallels to other complex artists like William Faulkner. This perspective offers a more nuanced understanding of Disney, emphasizing the emotional costs behind the visionary’s public triumphs.
Quick quotes
What I find valuable about this biography is its overall depiction of Disney as a frustrated artist.
Disney, as his own best customer — ultimately regarded control as a form of escape, and vice versa.
Despite Gabler’s subtitle, it’s the sadness of the man and his personality that lingers in this book.