One of the best animated films I've seen come out of Disney was the Tarzan movie. I wasn't crazy about the story or the design on Tarzan's face, but the traditional animation was spectacular.

In this quote, Ralph Bakshi offers his opinion on Disney’s Tarzan movie, praising the traditional animation used in the film while expressing dissatisfaction with the story and the design of the Tarzan character. Bakshi, known for his own work in animation, particularly his contributions to more experimental and adult-oriented animation, seems to appreciate the technical craftsmanship of Disney's animation but has reservations about other elements of the film. His comments highlight his belief that animation as a medium can be visually stunning, even if the story or character design doesn't fully resonate.

Bakshi’s statement emphasizes the importance of animation quality in creating a compelling film, even if the narrative or character designs don't stand out as much. Despite his reservations about the story and Tarzan's face, he praises the traditional animation style, likely referring to the high standards of hand-drawn animation that Disney was known for at the time. This reinforces the idea that animation can be celebrated as an art form in its own right, regardless of the storytelling or character choices made in the film.

The origin of this quote likely comes from Bakshi’s long career in animation, where he often took a more unconventional approach compared to mainstream studios like Disney. Known for creating works like Fritz the Cat and The Lord of the Rings, Bakshi was highly influential in pushing the boundaries of animation. His critique of Tarzan likely stems from his deeper connection to the artistry of animation, where he often prioritized boldness in design and storytelling.

Ultimately, Bakshi’s quote underscores his appreciation for traditional animation techniques and the high level of skill involved, while also noting that animation is a multifaceted art form. While Tarzan may not have been to his liking in terms of story or character design, Bakshi recognizes the technical brilliance behind the film’s animation, demonstrating his respect for the craftsmanship of the animation industry.