Tarzan (Film)

Tarzan is an American animated feature film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures in 1999. The film is based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ 1912 novel Tarzan of the Apes. As the 37th entry in Disney’s classic animated series, it tells the story of Tarzan, a human child raised in the jungle, and his quest for identity and relationship with the human world.

Plot

The film follows Tarzan, a baby who loses his parents in the African jungle and is adopted by a troop of gorillas. Raised by the gorilla mother Kala, Tarzan learns to survive among animals and the dangers of the forest. Years later, his encounter with Jane Porter, a human explorer who arrives in the jungle, forces him to question his origins and sense of belonging. Tarzan must ultimately choose between the human world and the gorilla family that raised him.

Scene from Tarzan (IMDB)

Themes

The film explores themes of identity, belonging, the conflict between nature and humanity, and family. Through the character of Tarzan, the question “What is human?” is examined from both evolutionary and emotional perspectives. The distinction between biological and social family is portrayed dramatically. Additionally, the film addresses cultural differences, alienation, and human interference in nature.

Box Office Performance

Tarzan earned approximately $448 million worldwide in 1999. This success made it one of the highest-grossing animated films of its time and is regarded as the final installment in Disney’s string of successes during the 1990s known as the “Disney Renaissance.”

Production Process

The film was created by combining traditional two-dimensional animation with computer-assisted background technology. Disney’s proprietary Deep Canvas technology, developed specifically for this film, enhanced the visual richness of three-dimensional forest environments and seamless motion sequences. Directed by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck, the project culminated in a production process lasting approximately five years.

The film’s music was composed by Phil Collins and arranged in collaboration with Mark Mancina. Songs reflecting the emotional transitions of the characters were integrated as essential elements of the narrative. Collins wrote five original songs for the film.

Characters and Voice Cast

• Tarzan: A human raised by gorillas in the jungle. He possesses physical agility and struggles with an internal identity conflict. Voice: Tony Goldwyn
• Jane Porter: The daughter of British scientist Professor Porter. A curious, courageous, and open-minded character. Voice: Minnie Driver
• Kala: The female gorilla who adopts Tarzan. She is compassionate and protective. Voice: Glenn Close
• Kerchak: The leader of the gorilla troop. Initially distant and skeptical toward Tarzan. Voice: Lance Henriksen
• Professor Archimedes Q. Porter: Jane’s father, a naturalist. Voice: Nigel Hawthorne
• Clayton: Appears as the protector of the expedition team, but his true motive is to capture and sell animals. The film’s main antagonist. Voice: Brian Blessed
• Terk: Tarzan’s childhood friend, a female gorilla. She has a humorous and energetic personality. Voice: Rosie O’Donnell
• Tantor: A fearful but loyal elephant and another of Tarzan’s animal companions. Voice: Wayne Knight

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards (Oscars):
• • Best Original Song – “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Won)
• Golden Globe Awards:
• • Best Original Song – “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Won)
• Grammy Awards:
• • Best Song Written for Visual Media – “You’ll Be in My Heart” (Won)
• Annie Awards:
• • Nominations in multiple technical categories (animation, direction, music)