In the enchanting world of animated cinema, few names resonate with as much passion as that of Don Bluth. A pioneer of animation in the 80s, he was able to capture the collective imagination with memorable works. Among these, “Brisby and the Secret of NIMH” stands out for its poignant story and careful aesthetic. This film, adapted from the novel “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” by Robert C. O’Brien, explores profound themes such as sacrifice, survival, and the quest for knowledge, while highlighting the beauty and cruelty of the natural world. Through the story of this courageous mouse, Don Bluth creates a rich and fascinating universe, combining traditional animation techniques with palpable emotions, leaving an indelible mark on the imagination of several generations of spectators.
The Flight of an Ingenious Creator
Don Bluth, dazzled from childhood by Snow White, took his first steps at Disney in 1956, as an assistant on Sleeping Beauty. Throughout the 1970s, he became one of the pillars of Disney animation, contributing to classics such as The Adventures of Robin Hood, Peter and Eliott the dragon And The adventures of Bernard and Bianca. However, disappointed with Disney’s artistic and economic direction, Bluth left the company on his birthday in 1979 to form Don Bluth Production, with Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy. Their first project, a short film titled Banjo, the mischievous dog, marks the beginning of a new artistic adventure.
A Singular and Ambitious Story
The film adaptation of the children’s novel Mrs. Brisby and the secret of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien is the starting point for a unique odyssey. The plot deviates from traditional Manichean patterns, featuring Mrs. Brisby, a widowed field mouse and mother of four children. Faced with the threat of farmer Fitzgibbon’s plowing of the fields and her son Timothée’s pneumonia, Mrs. Brisby seeks help from mysterious rats carrying a terrifying scientific secret – the famous NIMH.
A Dark and Enchanting Universe
Unlike traditional cartoons, Brisby and the secret of NIMH is not aimed at toddlers, but rather at children capable of overcoming intense and spectacular sequences. The film skillfully mixes realism and nightmarish visions, offering an enigmatic and disturbing experience. Characters, both good and evil, such as the omnipresent and cavernous Gothic owl, add to the intriguing atmosphere and unsettle viewers accustomed to clear distinctions between good and evil.
Unforgettable Characters
The film presents fine and memorable characters:
- The mischievous crow, with the voice of Roger Carel in French.
- Mrs. Brisby’s mischievous children, bringing moments of levity.
- Mrs. Brisby herself, an atypical heroine, a humble and wise mother defying all dangers.
The anthropomorphism and diabolical intelligence of animals reveal an unexpected dimension throughout the story, although certain explanations remain partially convincing.
Revolutionary Aesthetics and Animation
Aesthetically, Brisby and the secret of NIMH retains the visual patina inherited from the golden age of Disney, while integrating inventive staging and ingenious framing. The work on light and colors accentuates the dreamlike and fantastic aspect of this epic adventure. The settings, similar to frozen paintings, come to life only during interactions with the characters, providing rare fluidity and graphic warmth. Jerry Goldsmith’s music enhances the film’s unique atmosphere.
An Indelible Legacy
After flagship works such as Fievel and the New World, Charlie my hero, And Rock-O-Rico, the rediscovery of Brisby and the secret of NIMH unveils a beautifully restored copy, enriched with captivating bonus features, including a historical analysis by Xavier Kawa-Topor and a fascinating making-of story. This gem of animation has lost none of its splendor, continuing to amaze and disturb with its poignant story and its universal themes.
