Saving Mr. Banks

Main Plot

Saving Mr. Banks follows the story of author P.L. Travers as she travels to Hollywood to negotiate the adaptation of her beloved book, Mary Poppins, into a film. The narrative unfolds in the early 1960s, highlighting Travers' initial reluctance to allow her creation to be transformed by Walt Disney and his team. As she engages with Disney's vision, the film delves into Travers' past, revealing the personal experiences that shaped her writing and her complicated relationship with her father. The clash between Travers' artistic integrity and Disney's commercial approach creates tension throughout the process. The film explores themes of creativity, nostalgia, and the struggle between personal history and public persona, ultimately illustrating the challenges of bringing a cherished story to life on the big screen.

Characters

• Emma Thompson plays P.L. Travers, the author of "Mary Poppins," who reluctantly collaborates with Walt Disney to adapt her book into a film, revealing her emotional backstory.
• Tom Hanks plays Walt Disney, who persuades author P.L. Travers to allow him to adapt her book into a film.
• Annie Rose Buckley plays young P.L. Travers, showcasing her childhood experiences and relationship with her father, which deeply influence her creation of Mary Poppins.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Saving Mr. Banks, the narrative reaches a poignant resolution as P.L. Travers finally confronts her past and the emotional turmoil surrounding her childhood. After a series of flashbacks that reveal her complex relationship with her father, Travers begins to understand the significance of storytelling and the importance of letting go of her painful memories. During the final meeting with Walt Disney and his team, Travers initially resists their vision for the adaptation of her book, but as she reflects on her father's struggles and her own experiences, she begins to soften. The climax occurs when she realizes that the film can serve as a way to honor her father's memory rather than diminish it. Ultimately, Travers reluctantly agrees to the creative direction of the film, symbolizing her acceptance of change and the healing power of storytelling. The film concludes with her attending the premiere of Mary Poppins, where she witnesses the joy it brings to audiences, allowing her to embrace her past while moving forward. This resolution ties back to the overarching themes of reconciliation, the impact of childhood experiences, and the transformative nature of art.