Peter Pan (1953) - Film Review: Character Breakdown

Figure 1: Walt Disney’s Peter Pan (1953) [Poster]

This review aims to analyse Walt Disney’s Peter Pan (1953), and breakdown the character of Peter Pan and Captain Hook by looking into each character and their opposing characteristics, focussing on how this is highlighted throughout the duration of the film.

Disney’s Peter Pan based on the publication and play by J.M Barry entitled ‘Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up’ (1904). The film begins in the London nursery of Wendy, John, and Michael Darling, who are visited by Peter Pan. With the help of Tinkerbell, Peter takes the three children on a magical flight to Neverland. This enchanted island is home to Peter, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, and the scheming Captain Hook who is as intent on defeating Peter Pan as he is from escaping the tick-tocking crocodile that once ate a hand of his that Peter Pan cut off--and loved the taste of so much. (Mullich, D. N/A)

Figure 2: Peter Pan attaching his shadow Silverman, J. (1953)

The personal history of Peter is mainly introduced by Wendy through her intricate stories of the boy and his adventures on Neverland. Audiences learn about Peters on going battle with pirates, including the infamous captain Hook, who gained his Hook due to a battle with Peter. Although not much is said about how or why Peter came to be, within J.M Barry’s novel it is said that Peter was taken by the fairies as a baby from Kensington Gardens, and was brought up on Neverland, here he gathered Lost boys and became the leader.

Figure 3: Celebrating rescuing Tiger Lily IMDb. (1953)

Peter lives his life in Neverland, a place in which mermaids, pirates, Indian tribes, lost boys and fairies live.  On this fantastical island many adventures take place, while time work slightly differently. Peter’s outlook on life, is that of an innocent child. Although mysterious, Peter treats everything almost as a game, even though facing viscous situations with deadly pirates, Peter turns every situation on its head, always getting the last laugh. Peter believes in always helping others although will never sacrifice his childlike presence, as he fears the idea of growing up.

Figure 4: Meeting Wendy for the first time (Thelma Adams. 2019)

Within the film Peters overall goal aims to set Wendy free from growing up, and ultimately have her become a ‘mother figure’ to the lost boys in order to tell them stories of his misadventures. It could as be said that his goal, is to live his life to the fullest by having as much fun as he can.

Figure 5: Peter taking Wendy to Neverland (Geisinger, G. 2019)

However, although aiming to have Wendy become a ‘mother figure’ to the lost boys, it could be seen as more of a reflection on Peter. Although inclined to admit it, Peter needs a parental figure in his life. By listening to Wendy’s stories through the window he is seeking some form of home. Even going as far as to try and keep Wendy in Neverland for the sake of the lost boys needing a mother- when it is in fact, he himself wanting her ‘parental’ guidance, as a form of keeping him grounded.

Figure 6: Peter becomes chief (Disney, W. 2017)

As a character Peter’s internal and external traits both centre around the concept of his mischievous youth persona. Peters fun loving personality is physically indicated with his cheery smile, while his adventurous curious traits are also highlighted by his fast flying and interest of trying different things Neverland has to offer. For example, when Peter becomes a chief in the Indian tribe and celebrates with others.

Throughout the entirety the film, Peter is always see wearing green. This could be said to depict his ‘good guy’ character, and become a contrast to the antagonist of the film, Captain Hook who wears red.

Figure 7: Wendy and Peter arguing (Disney, W. 1953). 

Although the protagonist of the film, Peter is filled with many flaws, one of them being very egotistical and self-indulgent. This is a key flaw shown within the film in various situations. An example can be found within two instances, during an argument with Wendy when his pride and ego gets the better of him, and he says Wendy can leave without him caring. Along with another scene in which Wendy nearly falls during their time in Mermaid lagoon when Peter is too engrossed within his story, he’s telling the mermaid to notice.

Peter is also a massive risk taker, taking his pranks to a new level which often find him in more trouble than before. This can be seen in a scene in which Peter pretends to be Captain Hook, tricking Smee into freeing Tiger Lily. As a result, Captain Hook discovers where he is, and nearly kills him. 

Figure 8: Mischievous Peter (Cross, R. 2013)

Conflicts Peter faces many conflicts throughout the film, most being physical but others being internal. Physically Peter has on going conflict with Captain Hook as both battle each other regularly as both a sworn enemy’s. Peter also faces conflict with Wendy and the lost boys as they all want to leave Neverland while Peter wants them all to stay and never grow up, this in a way reflects his internal conflict. Internally Peter has a conflict in which he doesn’t want to grow up, this internal conflict makes it hard for him to sympathise with others as he himself does not understand the want or need to grow up and have attachments like family.

Figure 9: Peter taking Wendy Darling and her brothers’ home [Still] (Panda TV. 2019)

Peter’s overall story arc revolves around Peter learning to sympathise with others, and although not physically grow up, grow as a person – having more an internal evolution.

Peter truly changes towards the end of the film. His values truly change just before Wendy and her brothers return back to London. Before this, Peter was against Wendy leaving and didn’t want to help her get home. During this time Tinkerbell saves his life, stopping him from drinking poison placed there by Captain Hook, here he learns the value of those around him, who care for him. Peter becomes the bigger person for this and does mature a little as he goes to help and save Wendy, her brothers and the lost boys, as he values their friendship and feelings towards staying in Neverland over him wanted them to stay.

Figure 10: Captain Hook telling Smee the story of his Hook (Disney, W. 1953)

Hooks introduction in the film, similar to Peter is introduced through the Darling children. This is depicted in the scene in which John plays the role of Captain Hook, learning that it was in fact his left-hand Peter chopped off to replace with a Hook.

Along with this upon Captain Hooks first appearance within the film, Hook shares his woes of the unfortunate event with Smee. Here audiences witness Captain Hooks past with Peter Pan and how his hatred begun.

Figure 11: Searching for Peter Pan (Disney, W. 1953)

Hook’s life takes place in Neverland (similar to that of Peter), sailing around the island on the Jolly Roger, here he resides as the Captain of the ship feared for his reckless temper. This is evident in the scene in which Hook shoots one of his crew members due to their singing.

Hook’s every appearance in the film serves to illustrate his determination on stopping Peter Pan, his main goal hunting down his hideout. Hook’s main goal is to get revenge on Peter for not only cutting off his hand, but also feeding said hand to Tick Tock Croc, which leads him to be constantly pestered by the hungry reptile, who’s only aim is to eat the rest of the frightened Captain.

Figure 12: Hook and his crew (Disney, W. 1953)

Much to his dismay, what captain Hook really needs is to learn to move on from his obsessive need for revenge towards Peter. It is clear that Hook’s crew are aware of Hook’s problem and often complain that as pirates their main role is to look for treasure, however this is being compromised by their captain and his anger.

Visually, Hook is clearly represented in a way that emphasises hit internal traits. His obsessive driven nature on discovering Peter’s hideout and capturing him is exposed aesthetically by his drawn in features and large eyebags, highlighting to the audience Hooks desperation, and how this is affecting him not only mentally and emotionally but physically.

Figure 13: Peter Pan and Hook fighting (Beasley, S. 1953)

Additionally, Captain Hook, although internally a mess with his emotions being hard to control, he still presents himself well unless provoked by Tick Tock Croc. Quite often within the film, he is seen to be making sure he looks good adjusting his clothes, sorting his hat, and making Smee keep his face freshly shaved.

Figure 14: Hook chasing after Peter (Disney, W. 2019)

Overall Hooks story arc never really develops within the film. This is due to his emotions holding him back from developing and learning throughout the duration of the film. At the start audiences understand Hook’s goal and purpose, yet when this goal is not met or achieved instead of moving on, Hook still maintains his same outlook ending his appearance within the film with him meeting his demise not letting Peter win but instead cheating him and trying to kill Peter at his own game. This ends with Hook falling off the Jolly Roger and falling into Tick Tock Crocs mouth.

Figure 15: Hook swimming away from Tick Tock Croc (Disney, W. 2016) 

As a villain Hook has a lot of flaws letting his hatred towards Peter go to his head, and although this is good as it acts as a driving force, it also blinds him to obvious dangers that could be easily avoided. This is clear in one of Peter and Hooks battles in which Peter tricks hook into continue fighting until he realises, he walked off a cliff. This could have been easily avoided if he thought strategically, and realistically and wanted blinded by his harsh determination to defeat Peter.

There is only one small moment within the film where audiences witness Hooks vale change, which is when Peter has the upper hand and battles Hook like a man, winning and makes Hook plead for his life. Here Hook’s value for his own life over defeating Peter is shown as he admits to be a ‘codfish’ a phrase Hook has despised throughout the entirety of the film.

To conclude, both characters contrast each other with Peter viewing life as more of a game and maintain a child like innocence. While Captain Hook dwells over situations, and takes everything as a serious feat, and although not growing like peter, allows his anger and frustration grow over time, leading Peter to develop through the story while Captain Hooks development is yet to change.

Bibliography

Mullich, D. (N/A). Peter Pan Plot. Available: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046183/plotsummary  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Illustration list

Figure 1: Walt Disney’s Peter Pan (1953) [Poster] Disney, W. (1953). Roll over image to zoom in Peter Pan 1958 Authentic 27" x 41" Original Movie Poster Bobby Driscoll Animation U.S. One Sheet. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Original-Poster-Driscoll-Animation/dp/B077R3P7X5  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 2: Peter Pan attaching his shadow Silverman, J. (1953). “Peter Pan” (1953). this week in California history. Available: http://thisweekincaliforniahistory.com/walt-disney-screencaps-peter-pan-walt-disney-characters-34616453-4314-3240/  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 3: Celebrating rescuing Tiger Lily IMDb. (1953). Peter Pan (1953). Available: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046183/mediaviewer/rm1632180736  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 4: Meeting Wendy for the first time Thelma Adams. (2019). The Wendy Darlings (from Playdate). Available: http://thelmadams.com/wordpress/fiction/playdate-excerpts/the-wendy-darlings/  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 5: Peter taking Wendy to Neverland Geisinger, G. (2019). Peter Pan sequel The Lost Girls with Emma Thompson is the Disney story we need. Available: https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a29123236/peter-pan-movie-sequel-the-lost-girls-emma-thompson/ Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 6: Peter becomes chief Disney, W. (2017). "Peter Pan" and "Wendy" production cells on a matching production background from Peter Pan. Available: https://www.icollector.com/Peter-Pan-and-Wendy-production-cels-on-a-matching-production-background-from-Peter-Pan_i27220732  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 7: Wendy and Peter arguing Disney, W. (1953). Big chief greets little mother. Available: https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/5ff82fac-808f-4edb-93c1-a764e3f6d965  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 8: Mischievous Peter Cross, R. (2013). Peter Pan (1953). Available: http://www.2020-movie-reviews.com/reviews-year/1953-movie-reviews/peter-pan-1953-movie-review/  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 9: Peter taking Wendy Darling and her brothers’ home [Still] Panda TV. (2019). Peter Pan (1953) - Peter Best Moments HD. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkNjdzR0Rv4&t=60s  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 10: Captain Hook telling Smee the story of his Hook Disney, W. (1953). Remake Outbreak#5: Peter Pan 1953 VS Peter Pan 2003. Available: https://unleashthejargon.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/remake-outbreak5-peter-pan-1953-vs-peter-pan-2003/ Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 11: Searching for Peter Pan Disney, W. (1953). Peter Pan 1953 Captain Hook. Available: https://hasshe.com/peter-pan-1953-captain-hook-5b7a19a52756dd6f6c7cb60c/  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 12: Hook and his crew Disney, W. (1953). Pirate Crew (Peter Pan). Available: https://movie-spoof-films.fandom.com/wiki/Pirate_Crew_(Peter_Pan)  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 13: Peter Pan and Hook fighting Beasley, S. (1953). pan vs hook. Available: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/985231144704137/  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 14: Hook chasing after Peter Disney, W. (2019). Peter Pan (1953). Available: https://facesofcinema.com/post/186169378405  Last accessed 09/11/2019.

Figure 15: Hook swimming away from Tick Tock Croc Disney, W. (2016). Four EU countries among world’s worst corporate tax havens, new report reveals. Available: http://jonahintheheartofnineveh.blogspot.com/2016/12/four-eu-countries-among-worlds-worst.html Last accessed 09/11/2019.