Tarzan Revisited (2017)

Tarzan Revisited Poster
Original Title: Tarzan, aux sources du mythe

Tarzan: the super hero who never goes out of fashion. The son of British Royalty, he is raised by apes in the African jungle and finds his true love, Jane. Swinging through trees, communicating with wild animals, he is exotic, entertaining and accessible. This film recounts the birth of the character in the mind of Edgar Rice Burroughs and how each generation has reinvented and reinterpreted him.

Introduction to "Tarzan Revisited"
"Tarzan Revisited" is a 2017 documentary film that explores the cultural effect of the iconic character Tarzan. Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Tarzan first appeared in the unique "Tarzan of the Apes" in 1912 and has because ended up being a staple figure in popular culture, with his experiences being adjusted into numerous films, tv shows, and other media. This documentary dives into the history of Tarzan's portrayal and examines the various interpretations and significances of the character throughout the years.

Historic Context of Tarzan
The movie begins by providing viewers with the historical context surrounding the creation of Tarzan. It recalls at the early 20th century, a time of colonial expansion, and talks about how Tarzan embodied a dream of western dominance and the exotic other. The documentary elaborately traces how Tarzan's character represented the suitable of the "honorable savage" and a guy in touch with nature, dominating versus the hazards of the wild and indigenous peoples, showing the colonial mindset of the period.

Advancement of Tarzan's Character
As "Tarzan Revisited" continues, the movie explores the development of Tarzan's character as society's worths shifted. Over the years, the portrayal of Tarzan transformed from the image of the colonial conqueror to a more enlightened ecological protector and friend to the animals. The documentary demonstrates how the character's journey parallels modifications in societal views on race, nature, and civilization, highlighting Tarzan as an intricate figure who has actually adapted to reflect modern worths.

Representation of Tarzan in Film and Media
A significant part of "Tarzan Revisited" is devoted to examining the various portrayals of Tarzan in movie and media. The documentary spotlights essential actors who have actually played the role, such as Johnny Weissmuller, Ron Ely, and Alexander Skarsgård, comparing their interpretations and the impact of their efficiencies on the public's perception of Tarzan. It also goes over the ways in which Tarzan has been represented in animation, such as Disney's 1999 animated function, emphasizing the enduring appeal of the character to audiences young and old.

Reviews of the Tarzan Narrative
"Tarzan Revisited" doesn't shy away from resolving reviews of the Tarzan narrative. It acknowledges criticisms of bigotry, colonialism, and the idealization of the "white hero" archetype inherent in early Tarzan stories. Scholars and specialists in the documentary comment on these aspects, discussing how they have been re-examined and often revised in more recent adjustments of Tarzan's story to prevent perpetuating out-of-date and offensive stereotypes.

Tradition and Impact of Tarzan on Popular Culture
Finally, "Tarzan Revisited" encapsulates the tradition and effect of Tarzan on popular culture. It argues that regardless of the intricacies and debates connected with Tarzan, the character has undeniably left a lasting imprint on the world of entertainment and the collective creativity. The film concludes by pondering the future of Tarzan, speculating on how he will continue to develop in the media and what upcoming representations might appear like as society advances and cultural sensibilities change.

Conclusion
"Tarzan Revisited" serves both as an ode to an enduring character and as a vital evaluation of his significance through the lens of history and development. It is a thought-provoking piece that compels audiences to reflect on the portrayals of iconic figures and the influence they hold over time. The documentary stands apart as a considerable evaluation of how popular culture heroes can show the very best and worst of societal worths, showcasing that the legend of Tarzan is ripe for continuous rediscovery and reinterpretation.

Top Cast

  • Ron Ely (small)
    Ron Ely
    Himself
  • Christopher Lambert (small)
    Christopher Lambert
    Himself
  • Casper Van Dien (small)
    Casper Van Dien
    Himself
  • Johnny Weissmüller (small)
    Johnny Weissmüller
    Himself (archive footage)
  • Maureen O'Sullivan (small)
    Maureen O'Sullivan
    Herself (archive footage)