Yes, but where is Nala?

October 23, 2011 6:29 AM

Realistic portraits of the women of animated Disney films
posted by boygeorge (89 comments total)

You have a strange concept of realism.
posted by Dr Dracator at 6:38 AM on October 23, 2011 [40 favorites]

Yeah, I think this could be more described as "vaguely 40s-pinup-style portraits of the women of animated Disney films," and that still doesn't quite have the nuance.
posted by Alterscape at 6:39 AM on October 23, 2011 [11 favorites]

I really expected realistic bodies on these and was looking forward to it.
posted by werkzeuger at 6:41 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

I've never seen Hercules. Does Megara look that drunk and horny in the movie?
posted by Horace Rumpole at 6:41 AM on October 23, 2011 [11 favorites]

I also came here to discuss the definition of the word "realistic"

His photography, however, is interesting (Ok, there may be another word to use here, but I can't determine what it is).
posted by HuronBob at 6:44 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

I was expecting some sort of hyper-real, grotesque, Drew Friedman-ish, set of wart-n-all portraits. Instead, I get these vaguely fan-fic, one-small-step-into-Rule-34-territory paintings.
posted by Thorzdad at 6:48 AM on October 23, 2011 [7 favorites]

I found it a lot more creepy than realistic. Not what I was expecting.
posted by Forktine at 6:49 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

The license for Photoshop should include a test, and be an actual user's license. And whatever test this guy couldn't pass should be the test.
posted by nevercalm at 6:50 AM on October 23, 2011 [14 favorites]

Using white text on a white background is a revolutionary idea whose time has come.
posted by Spatch at 6:58 AM on October 23, 2011 [8 favorites]

More like one small step into the Uncanny Valley.
posted by localroger at 6:59 AM on October 23, 2011 [6 favorites]

You guys are mean. This isn't terrible. (Except Mulan's teeth, what's up with those?)
posted by desjardins at 7:00 AM on October 23, 2011 [6 favorites]

Is it actually possible to be let down by criticism?

Is it amazing? No. Is it as god awful as everyone implies, not really.
posted by Atreides at 7:01 AM on October 23, 2011 [20 favorites]

I found it a lot more creepy than realistic. Not what I was expecting.

This. It is plastic women 2.0, not to be confused with Mattel's plastic version because this is an Adult plastic version. On what planet are these women realistic?
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 7:03 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Really?
posted by parki at 7:05 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

That page is not what I expected.

(I did not expect to think "I recognise that pose from a JC Penney's catalog!")
posted by subbes at 7:10 AM on October 23, 2011 [5 favorites]

It's not terrible, it's just boring. "See these Disney characters? See how they are really gorgeous and skinny but they're animated? Imagine what they'd look like if they were gorgeous and skinny and looked like very highly photoshopped people instead of cartoons!"
posted by jeather at 7:10 AM on October 23, 2011 [11 favorites]

What's up with Mulan's left eye? The right one looks fine, but it's like the artist thought the overall appearance wasn't obviously "chinese-y" enough so he made her left eye tilt upward at a bizarre angle.
posted by xigxag at 7:11 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Does Megara look that drunk and horny in the movie?

Yeah, pretty much.
posted by MikeMc at 7:12 AM on October 23, 2011 [11 favorites]

Ah, he's Finnish - those white caps are de riguer for graduation - I wonder if the photographs will be used for FB and stuff like that hence the various poses?
posted by infini at 7:13 AM on October 23, 2011

Luckily the Photoshop and Corsetry classes are on different nights next term, so I think we have a plan.
posted by cgk at 7:15 AM on October 23, 2011

I was hoping to find a Madame Medusa who was a sort of fusion of Milt Kahl's ex-wife and Geraldine Page, but was disappointed.
posted by sonascope at 7:17 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

This guy does a pretty good line in photoshopping attractive people pouting at the camera. I can't help but feel a bit of joy that over-the-top 80's style cheesiness is back. Yeah, it's kind of stupid and shallow.
posted by selfmedicating at 7:18 AM on October 23, 2011

He has a problem drawing bodied. Take a look at Esmeralda, it's a definition of Photoshop Disasters.

He has talent but needs to work in his skills.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:25 AM on October 23, 2011

I like the Alison Brie as Belle image. (Makes me want a Beast played by both Donald Glover and Danny Pudi, arms over each others' shoulders.)
posted by Guy Smiley at 7:26 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

I like how Esmeralda is also a hunchback.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:30 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

I thought they were nice.
posted by Evernix at 7:30 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

I wish he'd expand a little more on what exactly he's doing. I get the impression he's taking stills from the Disney movies and 'shopping in photorealistic detailing while keeping the original contours. Which definitely results in some weird results (Megara's and Pocahontas' jaws).
posted by adamrice at 7:32 AM on October 23, 2011

Context, guys. I remember people going on about how realistic the characters were in Advent Children. Well, compared to FFVII on the Playstation, they were.

The license for Photoshop should include a test, and be an actual user's license. And whatever test this guy couldn't pass should be the test.

Really? REALLY?

Anyway, anyone else surprised to know the Sleeping Beauty princess was named Aurora?
posted by jwhite1979 at 7:32 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

Oh god, now Ursula looks even more like my middle school English teacher. (Who was awesome, by the way, despite her uncanny resemblance to the sea witch.)
posted by phunniemee at 7:33 AM on October 23, 2011

Anyway, anyone else surprised to know the Sleeping Beauty princess was named Aurora?

It's a pretty common trivia question. A friend of mine even named her gestating baby after her.
posted by phunniemee at 7:34 AM on October 23, 2011

Did she keep the name after the baby was finished gestating?
posted by subbes at 7:37 AM on October 23, 2011 [17 favorites]

It's pretty cramped in there, how does the baby gesture?!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 7:39 AM on October 23, 2011 [3 favorites]

You can raise a middle finger in pretty tight quarters.
posted by cjorgensen at 7:41 AM on October 23, 2011 [3 favorites]

meh...what is this guy's semester look like for next year? Courses in business admin?

Maybe we will get colorful spreadsheets about Disney's profit margin then.
posted by lampshade at 7:42 AM on October 23, 2011

Something fishy with this one, can't quite put my finger on it. Too stiff neckline, perhaps?
posted by Namlit at 7:43 AM on October 23, 2011

Did she keep the name after the baby was finished gestating?

We don't know yet. Hilariously, the baby named after sleeping beauty will be arriving at least 5 days behind schedule.
posted by phunniemee at 7:44 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Except Mulan's teeth, what's up with those?

"You come any closer with that retainer and I'll bite you"
posted by Namlit at 7:46 AM on October 23, 2011

Something fishy with this one, can't quite put my finger on it. Too stiff neckline, perhaps?

I was looking at that one thinking, "Boy, Belle really would have been a knockout." Then I noticed Belle scowling at me like I was a pig. I found myself defending myself to an imaginary Disney character.
posted by jwhite1979 at 7:48 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

Not what I expected from "realistic", but still fascinating. All the filters remind me of livejournal icons.

Oh, and this page shows a glimpse of how he creates these.

(Love that even this Ursula looks like Jo Brand.)
posted by Kaleidolia at 7:50 AM on October 23, 2011

It's pretty cramped in there, how does the baby gesture?!

Is the baby gesturing or gesticulating?
posted by MikeMc at 7:50 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Is anyone really surprised that the Sultan would allow such a haram portrait of Jasmine? That kalib has no sense of shame or decency left. Though it wouldn't surprise me if the real culprit was that snake and whoremonger Aladdin, may the djinn torment his soul in the afterlife.

I cannot express how thrilled I am about the trending #occupyagrabah hashtag this morning and the coming of Spring to Agrabah! It feels like the world is finally noticing our suffering. Together we can bring down the wicked sultanate and bring much needed peace to the people. I know we can!

PS. I've even read rumors about Jafar returning to Agrabah... ! Wouldn't that be something? :D To think that the Hero of Agrabah might free our beloved City in our life time truly makes the heart burst. May the prophet guide him safely to us and his sword across the heads of the tyrants! I shall be a witness!
posted by Foci for Analysis at 7:55 AM on October 23, 2011 [20 favorites]

Whatever the baby's doing, it's his way of saying "let me out of here already, it's dark and I'm missing the World Series."
posted by azpenguin at 7:57 AM on October 23, 2011

Something fishy with this one, can't quite put my finger on it. Too stiff neckline, perhaps?

Scary backward bending elbow maybe?
posted by doctor_negative at 8:03 AM on October 23, 2011

Some figure study time would not be out of line. Unlike the hands, wrists, eyes....
posted by seanmpuckett at 8:03 AM on October 23, 2011

Considering I was expecting something like Realistic Simpsons, these are fine.
posted by pemberkins at 8:05 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

You can't have "realistic" without that final "ic."
posted by GenjiandProust at 8:09 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Take a look at Esmeralda, it's a definition of Photoshop Disasters.

Can someone here please help set a dislocated shoulder?
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:10 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

Whatever the baby's doing, it's his way of saying "let me out of here already, it's dark and I'm missing the World Series."
posted by azpenguin

So, there are these triplets having a conversation in the womb about what they want to be when they grow up. First one says "I want to be an electrician so I can string up some lights in here and we'll be able to see". Second one says " I want to be a plumber so I can install a drain and keep it from being so damp in here". Third one thinks about it and says "I'm going to be an MMA fighter, that way I can beat up that bald guy who keeps coming in here and pushing us around".
posted by 445supermag at 8:12 AM on October 23, 2011 [8 favorites]

I thought these were okay, except it seems clear that the artist can't draw hands or arms because they're almost all disproportionate/weird and/or hidden. That kinda stuff always bugs me.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:12 AM on October 23, 2011

What's with the pissed off/repulsed look on Belle's face? Did she just get flashed by Gaston?
posted by Dr. Zira at 8:15 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

For a project that melds Disney princesses into some modern world scenarios, see Fallen Princesses' by Dina Goldstein
posted by memebake at 8:17 AM on October 23, 2011 [7 favorites]

Jasmine looks like Kim Kardashian.
posted by CrazyLemonade at 8:17 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Dr. Zira: "What's with the pissed off/repulsed look on Belle's face? Did she just get flashed by Gaston?"

No, she was just thinking how there was some loser guy out there thinking she is, and will always be, the hottest Disney girl.

What, me?

Aaaaaaaaah, no.

Ummmm, some, ummmmm, other guy. Yeah, another guy, that's the ticket.
posted by Samizdata at 8:23 AM on October 23, 2011

Realistic descriptions of the plots of Disney films. More here.
posted by hydrophonic at 8:34 AM on October 23, 2011

Man, you guys are some tough critics. I like them.
posted by ELF Radio at 8:42 AM on October 23, 2011

Yes, but where is Nala?
Or, clearly more significantly, Marian?

I also think these are pretty neat, except for Esmerelda's dislocated shoulder which looks a little ouchy and a strange way to show solidarity with good old Quasimodo, and anyway, the Don Martin version of that story was the best one.
posted by Wolfdog at 8:44 AM on October 23, 2011

Man, you guys are some tough critics.

I think it's the framing of this post. The unrealistic body image of Disney heroines is a low hanging fruit of cultural criticism, and rendering them as truly realistic would actually be very interesting. It also would be a good test of an artist's skills. This artist might have a modicum of talent but to ignore that potential is dissapointing, at least to me. Rendering them as vapid pinups is low hanging fruit of a different sort.
posted by werkzeuger at 8:56 AM on October 23, 2011 [3 favorites]

vapid pinups

As opposed to nuanced inightful pinups?

I'm confident that the poster will think twice before they ever use the word "realistic" again. Can we move on, perhaps?
posted by Trurl at 9:06 AM on October 23, 2011 [5 favorites]

Can we move on, perhaps?

Like to a new thread or did you mean how bitchin Mulan's braces are?
posted by werkzeuger at 9:10 AM on October 23, 2011

I think it's the framing of this post.

Could be.... also, my ow artwork is rather cartoonish, so they seem realistic from my spot on the continuum.
posted by ELF Radio at 9:10 AM on October 23, 2011

Considering I was expecting something like Realistic Simpsons, these are fine.

Holy Jesus fucking H. Christ! Burn it! BURN IT!
posted by Amanojaku at 9:17 AM on October 23, 2011

I'm confident that the poster will think twice before they ever use the word "realistic" again.

And how!
posted by boygeorge at 9:32 AM on October 23, 2011

Though some are a bit "a very special issue of Vanity Fair," Annie Leibovitz's series of dream portraits for Disney are interesting for her celebrity re-casting of the animated roles (especially in regards to age).
posted by rumposinc at 9:38 AM on October 23, 2011 [4 favorites]

I've seen those, rumposinc, and I'll admit I've always had a soft spot for Rachel Weisz as Snow White.
posted by Justinian at 9:59 AM on October 23, 2011

"Yeah, I think this could be more described as "vaguely 40s-pinup-style portraits of the women of animated Disney films," and that still doesn't quite have the nuance."

I saw real value in this work because of that. It shows us in stark contrast how sexualized these cartoons that we are raising our children on really are.

I'm also seeing a lot of photoshop hate-ons but no flicker links to better jobs. Human faces are really tough to get right digitally and I don't think this is pretty decent.
posted by Blasdelb at 10:29 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

I was just glad that it was simply attempting to do what it said on the can - I was expecting there to be some unspoken body-image axe-grindy thing going on, but no, someone just tried to envision what cell-animated cartoon characters might look like if they weren't cell-animated cartoons. I don't think that's a trivial transition to do well.
posted by -harlequin- at 11:17 AM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

"I think it's the framing of this post. The unrealistic body image of Disney heroines is a low hanging fruit of cultural criticism, and rendering them as truly realistic would actually be very interesting. It also would be a good test of an artist's skills. This artist might have a modicum of talent but to ignore that potential is dissapointing, at least to me. Rendering them as vapid pinups is low hanging fruit of a different sort."

So, how would you frame it? You seem to be wanting an imagining of the Disney princesses with varied bodytypes, with a shift away from the slender frame typical of mainstream commercial modeling. Truthfully, I too thought that might be what the OP meant by "realistic," I can't argue with realistic being accurately used to describe this as well. I met a girl who came into my work who looked like she could've posed for that image of Ariel, and I was at a wedding last night where one of the bridesmaids looked exactly like Meg... except with a nose and mouth that actually looked three dimensional. While this images of the princesses as model skinny doesn't show a typical, average, healthy body - its still in the realm of possibility. Unlike barbie or some other stupid plastic doll craze.

Seriously, this guy just did something neat as a hobby and put it on the internet for you to see for free if you're interested. So many of the comments act like he took a crap in your front porch. I know the internet's chief export is hyperbole but settle down Metafilter.
posted by midmarch snowman at 11:20 AM on October 23, 2011 [12 favorites]

"Is it actually possible to be let down by criticism?..."

Well, none of the comments here were "fap fap fap fap," so I still maintain MeFi as one of the best places on the internet...
posted by midmarch snowman at 11:22 AM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

Realistic portraits of the women of animated Disney films
posted by dgaicun at 11:44 AM on October 23, 2011 [4 favorites]

Bared shoulders? Nope, keep trying little man on internet, keep trying.
posted by Slackermagee at 12:07 PM on October 23, 2011

Yeah I don't see any of these as unrealistic in a "no one looks like that" sense. I think people confused "representative" (or varied or whatever) with "realistic".

Of course, the clearest animated/real combo in Disney would be from Enchanted. (Although since they drew her based on Amy Adams, it's not hard...)
posted by wildcrdj at 12:20 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

You people are way too easily creeped out.

Obviously he meant 'realistic painting' rather then 'photorealistic' The paintings look like something someone might have painted of a real person.

Are people criticizing him because you thought he was going for photo realism and end up with this? As far as I can tell he never claimed anywhere that they were supposed to be photorealistic. That's the only way a lot of this criticism makes sense at all.

Plus the whole weirdly puritanical "OMG vaguely sexy poses, this is horrifying!!" stuff.

His photography, however, is interesting (Ok, there may be another word to use here, but I can't determine what it is).

Looks like pretty standard fasion photography to me. Although his self-portraits kind of make him look like a huge douche.

Is it actually possible to be let down by criticism?

Is it amazing? No. Is it as god awful as everyone implies, not really.

I looked at the link and though "oh, pretty good paintings" then came here and it's like, bizzaro land.
posted by delmoi at 12:26 PM on October 23, 2011 [6 favorites]

Is anyone really surprised that the Sultan would allow such a haram portrait of Jasmine?

Are you surprised at Kim Kardashian's choice of Halloween costumes?
posted by P.o.B. at 12:35 PM on October 23, 2011

I'm sorry but none of these pictures of Ariel looks anything like a real mermaid.
posted by straight at 12:53 PM on October 23, 2011

I'm sorry but none of these pictures of Ariel looks anything like a real mermaid.

No. No, they don't.
posted by likeso at 2:01 PM on October 23, 2011 [2 favorites]

"Realistic portraits of the women of animated Disney films"

Is that Jeff Bridges in the second link?
posted by MikeMc at 2:06 PM on October 23, 2011

"Is that Jeff Bridges in the second link?"

Never mind, I see it's celebrities as Disney characters.
posted by MikeMc at 2:09 PM on October 23, 2011

I'm sorry but none of these pictures of Ariel looks anything like a real mermaid.

No. No, they don't.

I love that picture in your context, likeso. It's like the manatee is saying, "LOL suckers, it was me the whole time. No fishladies with shell bikinis for you."
posted by sweetkid at 2:10 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Are you surprised at Kim Kardashian's choice of Halloween costumes?

No, but I am surprised that the bottom part is staying up, given how far below her hips it is hanging. Maybe she is using double sided tape? Staples? Rare earth magnets?
posted by Forktine at 2:14 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

These are terrible, and I swear this has been posted before.
posted by empath at 2:41 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Notably absent: Jessica Rabbit.
posted by hangashore at 4:04 PM on October 23, 2011

Forktine: No, but I am surprised that the bottom part is staying up, given how far below her hips it is hanging. Maybe she is using double sided tape? Staples? Rare earth magnets?"

Her derrière generates its own gravitational field.
"...and it's out of this world!"
posted by hangashore at 4:11 PM on October 23, 2011

I've never seen Hercules. Does Megara look that drunk and horny in the movie?

Yep.
posted by Grimgrin at 4:32 PM on October 23, 2011

In case anyone is wondering, yes, these images/poses are taken from specific frames in the films.

[may or may not have written my honours thesis on Disney movies]
posted by smoke at 6:00 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

This is just reminding me of the sexy Disney heroes thing that went around a while back... they feel about as realistic to me, anyway.
posted by daikaisho at 7:58 PM on October 23, 2011

Realistic descriptions of the plots of Disney films. More here.

I was amused by "There is nothing creepy about kissing girls while they're unconsious." Old Disney films: no less progressive than Twilight.

And, hell, they have female protagonists, which places them ahead of every Pixar film released so far, but PIXAR ARE AWESOME AND ABOVE CRITICISM!
posted by rodgerd at 2:03 AM on October 24, 2011 [2 favorites]

Having seen umpteen excellent Disney character cosplays, I don't see why "real life Disney women" would be hard to find.
And I think the cosplays pulled it off better than these photos.
And I'm pretty sure a cosplayer has done Nala!
posted by Theta States at 8:20 AM on October 24, 2011

rodgered: They're working on it.
posted by elsietheeel at 9:16 AM on October 24, 2011

Is it amazing? No. Is it as god awful as everyone implies, not really.

Sounds like a great post!
posted by mrgrimm at 10:00 AM on October 24, 2011