The Controversial Moment in Disney’s Tarzan

“Adapted from the book series penned by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Disney’s 1999 movie “Tarzan” entered the cinematic scene to a wave of largely positive reviews, as per Rotten Tomatoes. The film received acclaim for its groundbreaking animation, which ingeniously incorporated Deep Canvas, an engineering tool that enabled the creation of lush and captivating jungle settings that seamlessly merged eye-catching set design with compelling storytelling, according to EW. By the time its theatrical run concluded, the Disney blockbuster had raked in a substantial $448 million worldwide, as reported by Decider.

“Tarzan” weaves the story of its eponymous character, a young man raised in the jungle by gorillas, who crosses paths with a group of British explorers. The narrative follows Tarzan’s journey as he acquaints himself with human customs and, in particular, develops a connection with Jane, the daughter of Professor Archimedes Porter. As the film unfolds, Tarzan’s gorilla family, led by his adoptive mother Kala, faces impending danger from Clayton, a cunning hunter guiding Jane and her father.

Since its debut, critics have praised the movie for delving into the repercussions of fear toward those who are different, shedding light on how this fear can escalate into reckless violence. Renowned critic Roger Ebert remarked that the film presents the most enduring cinematic character as someone who questions, “Why are you threatened by anyone different than you?” When asked about the possibility of “dark, horrific imagery” in Disney productions, animation director Kevin Lima explained that while they are mindful of it, the stories they tell must retain an element of tragedy, as shared via Las Vegas Sun. However, within the context of “Tarzan,” a certain scene has raised eyebrows.

The movie concludes with a fierce showdown between Tarzan and Clayton, the antagonist who seeks to exploit the gorillas. As Tarzan defends his gorilla family, the confrontation takes a harrowing turn, leading to Clayton’s violent demise. While trying to free himself from entangled vines with a knife, Clayton inadvertently fashions a noose that ends up ensnaring him, causing his life to end abruptly. Strikingly, the film portrays the shadow of Clayton’s swinging body onscreen.

One Reddit user, u/JMueller2012, posted, “Clayton’s death in Tarzan (1999) has to be Disney’s most brutal death scene to date.” Numerous others chimed in, agreeing that this moment stood out as remarkably “haunting” within the context of an animated film. Another Reddit user, u/Acrimonia, shared, “It was years until I saw the silhouette. The first time I saw it I got chills up my spine.” Even a deleted user weighed in, remarking that “Tarzan” may be perceived as more intense due to its explicit depiction of the sequence. This sentiment reflects the viewpoint that the scene might cross a line with its graphic nature, particularly given the movie’s primary audience of young children. This scene’s inclusion contributes to a larger pattern in Disney films, which often incorporate darker and more somber elements into their narratives, as highlighted by Watch Mojo.”

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