Watch The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story

The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story is a 1999 documentary film that tells the inspiring story of Ub Iwerks, a pioneer in the world of animation. The film stars Kelsey Grammer, Mark Kausler, and John Lasseter, and is directed by Leslie Iwerks, granddaughter of Ub Iwerks. Ub Iwerks was the man behind some of the most iconic animated characters of all time, including Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny, and Tom and Jerry. Despite his prolific contributions to the animation industry, Iwerks is largely unknown to the general public, and this documentary serves as a testament to his groundbreaking work.

The film is structured as a series of interviews with family members, animators, and historians, who introduce us to Iwerks' life story. We learn that Iwerks began his career as a commercial artist, designing advertising materials and cartoon characters for local newspapers. It wasn't until he met a young animator named Walt Disney that his life took a dramatic turn.

Iwerks and Disney began working together at a small animation studio in Kansas City, Missouri, where they would experiment with new animation techniques and create their very first cartoon characters. The most notable of these characters was Mickey Mouse, who made his debut in the short film Steamboat Willie in 1928.

Despite his pivotal role in the creation of Mickey Mouse, Iwerks often found himself overshadowed by Disney's larger-than-life persona. He eventually left Disney's studio to form his own animation company, but he struggled to find the same level of success on his own.

The documentary shows us how Iwerks' life was marked by a series of ups and downs, including financial setbacks, professional rivalries, and personal tragedies. However, it also highlights his incredible talent and creativity, which kept him pushing forward no matter the circumstances.

One of the most interesting aspects of the documentary is its emphasis on Iwerks' technical innovations. While Disney was the creative force behind many of their collaborations, it was often Iwerks who came up with the technical solutions that made their ideas possible.

For example, Iwerks invented the multiplane camera, a device that allowed for more intricate animation by providing multiple planes of movement. He also helped pioneer new techniques for integrating live-action footage into animation, which would later become a standard practice in the industry.

The documentary is filled with fascinating anecdotes and behind-the-scenes glimpses of some of the most beloved animated films of all time. We learn about the challenges of creating Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the first full-length animated feature, as well as the creation of the iconic Looney Tunes characters.

The film is also a touching tribute to Iwerks' enduring legacy. Despite the setbacks he faced during his lifetime, his contributions to animation continue to inspire and delight audiences to this day.

Overall, The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of animation or the creative process in general. It's a fascinating look at the life of a man whose talent and innovation helped shape an entire industry.

The Hand Behind the Mouse: The Ub Iwerks Story is a 1999 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.