The Curious Case of Dr. Dolittle: A Modern Retelling
The character of Doctor John Dolittle has a heartwarming origin, conceived nearly a century ago amidst the trenches of World War I. Hugh John Lofting’s letters from the front lines featured initial sketches of a kind doctor conversing with animals. These sketches evolved into a series of books chronicling adventures, travels, and selfless aid to our furry and feathered friends.
From Stage to Screen: A Rocky Start
The first notable adaptation was a 1967 musical, which nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox (a fate they couldn’t ultimately avoid, as Disney later acquired them). The production spanned roughly four years, with the on-set zoo causing the budget to balloon. Managing the animals proved challenging – piglets grew too large, trained animals were denied border crossings, and ducks refused to swim on cue. Despite earning roughly half its budget in domestic box office revenue, the film received several Oscar nominations (though rumors of bribing Academy members persist).
Eddie Murphy’s Modern Touch
Nearly three decades later, Eddie Murphy’s 1998 portrayal of Doctor Dolittle more than compensated for the lack of awards. This film is now a beloved classic of 90s family comedies. Murphy’s version also rectified a problematic element from Lofting’s book (later removed by censors), where a foreign prince impolitely requests the doctor to “whiten” him, which the doctor accomplishes.
Downey Jr. Takes the Reins
Now, after another 20 years, Doctor Dolittle returns to the screen, this time embodied by Robert Downey Jr., fresh from his Marvel Cinematic Universe tenure. As in the original book, the setting evokes Victorian England, though it resembles a fairytale kingdom: once upon a time, a brilliant doctor closed his menagerie to visitors and sank into a deep depression. An animated interlude reveals that the courageous Mrs. Lily Dolittle has passed away, leaving Doctor John unable to heal his mental wounds or the furry paws of his only companions.
Fate intervenes when the doctor is tasked with saving the ailing Queen of England (Jessie Buckley from “Chernobyl”). The only cure is a magical flower found in a magical, faraway land. A ship resembling Noah’s Ark sets sail, and the adventure begins. However, describing the story takes longer than the actual events unfold on screen.
A Whirlwind of Chaos and Charm
Events unfold at breakneck speed, and the plot resembles a shark – it must keep moving or die. The script feels like a collaborative effort, involving everyone from Oscar-winning director Stephen Gaghan (“Traffic”) to the writers of “How I Met Your Mother,” resulting in a story where anything is possible. Logic, narrative structure, and even the most basic rules of the magical universe are abandoned, giving free rein to the creators’ boundless imagination.
The screen is filled with clanging, banging, roaring, quacking, shouting, flying, and falling in random order. A multitude of beautiful and intricate details flash by so quickly that you’ll want to rewind to catch everything.
Downey’s Doctor resembles Captain Jack Sparrow’s long-lost brother – he wears a hat, argues with his father-in-law, and struts across the deck before performing another eccentric stunt. After 30 minutes of chaotic mayhem, toothless but harmless jokes, ostrich races, the storming of Buckingham Palace by a dog in spectacles, and conversations with an aquarium octopus, irritation gives way to amusement. Viewers may even fall victim to Stockholm Syndrome: if you can’t beat the captor, you might as well love them.
Despite its chaotic nature and straightforwardness, the film is simple, kind, and naive. Judging by the audience’s reaction, it resonates with its target demographic – those under five years old. The American rating of PG (parental guidance suggested) is more accurate than the domestic 12+.
Star-Studded Voices Lost in Translation
The original version boasts a star-studded voice cast, but only Robert Downey Jr., Antonio Banderas, and Jim Broadbent (in a few scenes) made it to the Russian screens, along with Sia’s song in the credits. The voices of Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes, Marion Cotillard, Octavia Spencer, and Kumail Nanjiani are absent.
A Modern Twist: Therapy for Animals
This diverse group of animals shares a common plight: in the 21st century, introverted anxieties and psychological traumas are not exclusive to humans. Polar bears, saber-toothed tigers, timid monkeys, and fire-breathing dragons all grapple with issues – a mother’s lack of affection, failure to conform to stereotypes, or the inability to cope with the death of a loved one. Doctor Dolittle ultimately becomes more of a psychotherapist than a healer of broken wings (though medical procedures are still involved).
In the end, the furry and feathered crew, led by the kind doctor, triumphs over the villains plotting a palace coup to overthrow the queen, as well as their own weaknesses and psychological wounds. The finale sees everyone happy and healthy.
Universal’s Gamble: A Financial Rescue?
The question remains whether Universal Studios can recover after starting the year with two financial disasters: “Dolittle” is flopping at the box office, much like the recent “Cats.” However, unlike the latter, “The Curious Journey of Doctor Dolittle” cannot be faulted for poor visuals. If the film has any merits besides its all-encompassing, shameless childhood-inspired kindness, it’s the graphics that bring the animals to life, allowing them to speak and whirl in a frenzied, fairground-pirate spectacle.