Despite being the company mascot, Mickey Mouse isn't often remembered for his short subjects outside of Steamboat Willie, The Band Concert or The Sorcerer's Apprentice. So when looking back at the infamous Runaway Brain, it's fascinating to see the Disney studio attempt to do something a bit different with the famous corporate icon. Directed by former Disney animator Chris Bailey, the film was sadly forgotten by the public due to the Mouse House refusing to acknowledge its existence due to its alleged mature content. In regards to the short on its own, I think it deserves at least another chance.
The short centers on Mickey Mouse in a desperate attempt to buy a special anniversary gift for Minnie. Upon taking up a gig to work for a mad scientist, who is looking for a donor to switch brains with their own creature, Mickey's brain gets swapped for the monster's. Now it is understandable why Disney might be afraid to acknowledge their beloved mascot being in a crazy outlandish concept like this, but for the most part, the short is a lot more comical than frightening. The execution of the short alone feels like an action packed slapstick cartoon more so than a horror tale, although some shocking elements are reserved for the monster alone. Perhaps the trouble lies in trying to make Mickey a little more edgy by having him fend off against such an outlandish ordeal, but in doing so, Mickey ends up being worth rooting for to not only do the best for Minnie, but also rescue her from certain doom as well. Aided by the talents of Wayne Allwine, Russi Taylor, Jim Cummings and even Kelsey Grammer, this Mickey Mouse short is so real it begs to be viewed by the suspenseful type.
On top of its hysterical content, the animation direction is arguably what led to this film getting an Oscar nomination. Animated by the now defunct Brizzi Studios in France, the film employed a lot of high strung people on the team, including acclaimed animator Andreas Deja, layout lead Jim Beihold and art director Ian Gooding, and the efforts of their talents paid off strongly. If anyone truly brought the initially intended edge meant to bring this short to life, it was easily that studio, and they went all out with dynamic staging, illuminating effects work, frightening colors and moody backgrounds. On top of John Debney's exhilarating score, these elements are what make Runaway Brain that much more intense to watch without losing any of its luster. It's a real bummer that these elements were deemed too dark for a Mickey Mouse short, especially when they also contribute to the funniest gags throughout the picture. Besides, you can't go wrong with the casting of Mickey's long time rival Pete as the monster itself.
Whether Disney will ever give Runaway Brain the proper attention it has been declined for so long or not, that will all depend on its new found cult status. As people discover more about what this so-called monstrous legend is really about, they will find how harmless it truly is and should at least be talked about in future fan discussions. If you are yet to check the short out yourself, by all means give it a go and decide whether you think it deserves its buried reputation or not. Now that the famous mouse is nearing 100 years old, maybe it's time to let the film see the light of day for once.
The short centers on Mickey Mouse in a desperate attempt to buy a special anniversary gift for Minnie. Upon taking up a gig to work for a mad scientist, who is looking for a donor to switch brains with their own creature, Mickey's brain gets swapped for the monster's. Now it is understandable why Disney might be afraid to acknowledge their beloved mascot being in a crazy outlandish concept like this, but for the most part, the short is a lot more comical than frightening. The execution of the short alone feels like an action packed slapstick cartoon more so than a horror tale, although some shocking elements are reserved for the monster alone. Perhaps the trouble lies in trying to make Mickey a little more edgy by having him fend off against such an outlandish ordeal, but in doing so, Mickey ends up being worth rooting for to not only do the best for Minnie, but also rescue her from certain doom as well. Aided by the talents of Wayne Allwine, Russi Taylor, Jim Cummings and even Kelsey Grammer, this Mickey Mouse short is so real it begs to be viewed by the suspenseful type.
On top of its hysterical content, the animation direction is arguably what led to this film getting an Oscar nomination. Animated by the now defunct Brizzi Studios in France, the film employed a lot of high strung people on the team, including acclaimed animator Andreas Deja, layout lead Jim Beihold and art director Ian Gooding, and the efforts of their talents paid off strongly. If anyone truly brought the initially intended edge meant to bring this short to life, it was easily that studio, and they went all out with dynamic staging, illuminating effects work, frightening colors and moody backgrounds. On top of John Debney's exhilarating score, these elements are what make Runaway Brain that much more intense to watch without losing any of its luster. It's a real bummer that these elements were deemed too dark for a Mickey Mouse short, especially when they also contribute to the funniest gags throughout the picture. Besides, you can't go wrong with the casting of Mickey's long time rival Pete as the monster itself.
Whether Disney will ever give Runaway Brain the proper attention it has been declined for so long or not, that will all depend on its new found cult status. As people discover more about what this so-called monstrous legend is really about, they will find how harmless it truly is and should at least be talked about in future fan discussions. If you are yet to check the short out yourself, by all means give it a go and decide whether you think it deserves its buried reputation or not. Now that the famous mouse is nearing 100 years old, maybe it's time to let the film see the light of day for once.