Interpretation

Illustrators respond and use zeitgeist of their time and place to interpret messages and content.

The iconic Disney character ‘Mickey Mouse’ has changed dramatically over the years due to the influence of the time and place. The original illustrations of Mickey Mouse are dated from the late 1920’s, where the first short film was in 1928 and due to the fact colour screens had not yet been invented this meant that the films started out in black and white. We can clearly see how the content of the 2^nd film 'The Gallopin' Gaucho’, in 1928 was influenced by the time and place, where we see Mickey smoking and drinking. In this era smoking was a social interaction and not known to be bad for you, therefore it would have been accepted. However as his popularity grew and he became a role model for children the content of the films became restricted. 

1928

As technology grew, this also had an influence on the films, as before the film (The Karnival Kid) in 1929, Mickey had not spoken and had only given the odd sound, for example whistling.

We can also see how this era influenced Mickey’s clothes, where his gloves have three lines on the back of them in which represent darts in the fabric, which were typical of the fashion in that era. ^[1]

The 1930’s led to the first screening of colour films, and also the redesign of his character, by animator Fred Moore. Mickey’s appearance became friendlier, when his eyes changed from being solid black to white with black pupils, other features also changed such as the shape of his body changed from being round to a pear shaped. As colour was introduced to the films, we see Mickey’s iconic red shorts and yellow shoes, which over the years become brighter and bolder.

1935

Even today the famous character has continued to be adapted, for example the ‘Mickey Mouse Clubhouse’ where it is becoming more and more digital, due to the influence of the modern technology. The message in which I feel is communicated is how the character has been made to adapt over the years in which to keep up with current trend. 

2000

[1] The Opry House - March 28, 1929, Mickey Mouse Follies, [http://mmfolliesbw.blogspot.com/2007/10/opry-house-march-28-1929.html], [Accessed 06/11/11].