Frank and Ollie

Watch Frank and Ollie

"Their friendship changed the face of animation."
  • PG
  • 1995
  • 1 hr 29 min
  • 7.6  (1,065)

Frank and Ollie is a heartfelt documentary that explores the lives and creative work of two legendary Disney animators - Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. The film follows the friendship and career of these two artists from their early days at Disney Studios to their retirement. The documentary is directed by Theodore Thomas, the son of Frank Thomas, who returned to the world of animation years after his father's death to create this stunning tribute. Through interviews with Frank and Ollie, vintage footage, and clips from Disney's classic animated films, the documentary chronicles the animators' journey to create some of the most iconic animated characters in cinema history.

Frank and Ollie bring to life enchanting stories about their animation process and the creation of famous Disney characters like Bambi, Pinocchio, and Snow White. From their first days at Disney Studios, the two artists forged a lifelong friendship rooted in their shared passion for animation.

As the film progresses, viewers learn about the grueling and often tedious animation process that Frank and Ollie endured to create Disney's feature films. They explain how they brought their characters to life with subtle nuances and emotions, making them feel like real, fully fleshed-out beings.

The documentary also takes a deeper delve into the personal lives of the animators, from Frank’s love for music to Ollie's obsession with trains. We see how these passions and interests influenced their animation techniques and helped them shape their characters.

One of the most touching aspects of the documentary is the way it highlights the enduring friendship between Frank and Ollie. Though they had different personalities, they shared an unbreakable bond and affinity for animated films.

Despite facing many challenges along the way, including the 1941 Disney animators' strike, the two artists remained dedicated to their craft and supported each other on both the personal and professional front. Their relationship is a testament to the importance of collaborating with others and maintaining strong relationships in the workplace.

The film also features interviews with other animators, including John Lasseter, who speaks to the impact that Frank and Ollie had on the industry as a whole. He describes them as the "godfathers" of modern animation techniques, and credits much of the success of Pixar to the duo's influence.

Throughout the film, we also get to know Sylvia Roemer, Frank's wife and a talented artist in her own right. She shares insights into the partnerships and teamwork that existed between Disney's animation staff, and how it contributed to the studios' groundbreaking work.

With the help of engaging visuals and sound design, the documentary immerses viewers into the world of animation and reveals the hard work and dedication that go into bringing their characters to life. From intricate sketches to the final, polished product, the film takes us behind the scenes of Disney's animation process.

Overall, Frank and Ollie is a moving tribute to two groundbreaking animators who changed the industry forever. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves animation and wants a deeper understanding of the talent and artistry that goes into creating beloved animated characters.

Frank and Ollie is a 1995 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.

Frank and Ollie
Description
Where to Watch Frank and Ollie
Frank and Ollie is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Disney+, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Frank and Ollie for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1995
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 29 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (1,065)