Disnability

Characters - Nemo, Dory, and Gil : Victims turned into Symbols of Empowement

Disney’s 2003 smash hit “Finding Nemo” introduced audiences to a new whole new perspective of disability not previously covered by animated films before. This film is mainly about a young clownfish named Nemo, whose mother and siblings were killed from birth due to an eel attack. His father, Merlin has been protective,  overbearing, and critical ever since, preventing him from exploring the outside world due to his disability (in this case, a ‘gimp’ or tiny fin). Despite his physical limitations, Nemo is determined to explore the reef and meet new people, all to his father’s dismay. His defiance and willingness to step out of his father’s comfort zone results in Nemo’s abduction from the reef, leading to an entertaining and heart-warming adventure of his journey home. 

In the beginning, viewers are drawn into the film because of Nemo’s tragic story, in which he is a victim that should be pitied. As the movie progresses, however, the focus is less about his disability and more about his ability to interact and thrive in a community despite the physical limitations he faces. 

Several instances in the film indicate highlight Nemo’s disability in more subtle and accessible manner. For one thing, the fact that Nemo is a kid makes him more relatable to the film’s target audience His gusto and bravery gives audiences a multi-faceted perspective of the character that extends beyond his disability. For example, Nemo and his father view his defect as his “lucky fin,” a unique characteristic as opposed to a shameful impairment. The fact that he is eager to interact with others and explore his surroundings somewhat nullifies stereotypes we traditionally associate with the disabled. Though he starts out as the victim, Nemo becomes a symbol of empowerment for viewers. Other characters with disabilities in the film, such as Dory and Gil, are also portrayed in a positive light rather than victimized. For example, Dory’s pleasing and cheerful countenance (despite her memory loss) enables her to make friends throughout the film,  and allow Merlin to find their way towards Nemo. Gil’s scar and pragmatic personality also gives us another perspective of a disabled character, one who is strengthened by their disability instead of infantilized or treated as objects of pity. 

Conclusion: This film takes a modern approach and perspective to disability, in which it is prominently displayed (particularly in the film’s choice of a main character) but in a positive, more empowering manner. Audiences are drawn in by the fact that Nemo becomes a hero in his own right, succeeding against all odds and essentially escaping the victimized stereotype. Nemo is endearing to audiences not merely for his disability but because he made it a part of who he was. He did not ignore it or expect pity - in fact, he was determined to be treated like everyone else. As such, Nemo serves as a positive example of disability in film, particularly in the sense that he is not portrayed as a victimized subject but one who is determined to succeed. 

Examples of “Finding Nemo”  products in mainstream society: