Mary Poppins (1964) Mr Banks is Discharged

[wwb]

Banks really was the hidden protagonist of this movie. He's the one with the greatest arc. The one who truly changes throughout the course of the film. He's redeemed.

[JavertRA]

Mr Banks is really the emotional heart of the film. And it's because Bert teaches the children about how difficult their father's life is whilst also telling Mr Banks not to let his children's childhood slip through his fingers that ultimately unites the family.

[dylanjones]

When he stops to look at the steps of Saint Paul’s, the look on his face...this film is literally a masterpiece.

[smartalec]

"Who looks after your father? Tell me that. When something terrible happens, what does he do? Fends for himself, he does. Who does he tell about it? No-one."

[theblindjedi]

The scene where he is just walking says everything without saying a single word. Just beautiful film making.

[gallo]

A scene that could go unnoticed at a first glance.. probably the best and most touching part of the movie

[Lumosnight]

As an employed adult I see now how this scene is powerful. I didn’t get the point of the long walk as a child, but now it is so moving. Like Bert said, Mr. Banks has no one to look after him, he has gather the courage and face his impending doom of being fired. Unlike his children, he cannot run away from the bank, but has to face the consequences of bringing his children to his hostile workplace. The way he looks so small in comparison to the bank that looms threateningly over him is chilling.

[vr]

It’s funny as an adult you understand Mr. Banks’ dilemma and trouble and sympathize more for him, he still went onto the bank knowing he’d be fired and faced it with courage and responsibility making no excuse, that’s a true gentleman.

[MTTT]

Anyone else feel that David Tomlinson should have been nominated or even won an award for his portrayal of Mr Banks?

[thenewmodfather]

I was at school with David Tomlinson's Grandson. He often told me of how nice of a man he was.

[joewhitehead]

“It’s alright, Mrs. Travers. Mr. Banks is going to be alright, I promise”

[thomasnieswandt]

Two minutes Disney at their best. No words needed.
The moment the choir kicks in, on the empty stairs at St. Pauls is one of the strongest moments in movie history

[fasttimesatlamberthigh]

The saddest and most powerful Disney moment for me!

[Poxell]

The symbolism of him not only being alone in London but also walking past everywhere the children and Mary Poppins had been...this is one of my favorite movie scenes ever. Cinematographic masterpiece...

[Soundwave]

All the chaos, silliness, and drama of the film, and what got through to him was a Chimney sweep saying "look mate, your kids are only young once, best make the most of it now before it's too late."

[amberunthank]

This film is so amazing. A simple message of the kids just wanting to be with their father and a father just wanting to provide for his children and wife. Such a simple but powerful message.

[jomac]

I remember as a child disliking Mr. Banks. I understood that he had a change of heart thanks to Bert, but that’s about it. It’s understandable to completely miss the point as a child but as an adult, looking at Banks through a different lens, the character breaks my heart. Instead of being angry at his treatment of his children, I now see how heartbreaking that disconnect truly is. He’s a man, trapped in the vicious cycle of a thankless job. He’s in despair, and takes out his anger (unjustly, of course) on his family and especially his son and daughter. When I was little I thought the whole point of this movie was about Mary and what she does to brighten the lives of the kids, but it’s really Mr. Banks’ film. It’s about redemption. The entire thing can be summed up in this scene. Beautiful score, David Tomlinson is brilliant. Just perfect!

[EmperrHrde]

1:00 The way the music swells, with choir accompaniment, along with the look on Mr. Banks' face, carries with it a heavy implication that the bird woman hadn't simply gone home for the night.

[darthstarkiller]

After seeing "Saving Mr. Banks", this scene becomes even more powerful.

[rubytuesdayphoenix]

When I was little, Mister Banks was by far my least favorite character. I just saw him as a wet blanket who didn't want anyone to have any fun. Now, he's my favorite character. This scene probably bored me as a kid but brings me to tears every single time I watch it as an adult and the A Man Has Dreams scene hits so close to home now. David Tomlinson should have won Best Supporting Actor that year- it's criminal that he wasn't even nominated.