Meaning:
This quote refers to author Edgar Rice Burroughs and his dissatisfaction with the way popular culture and society treated his character. Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American writer best known for his creation of the character Tarzan. Tarzan, the fictional character raised by apes in the African jungle, first appeared in the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes" and went on to become a cultural icon in literature, film, and other media.
The quote suggests that Burroughs was disheartened by the way his character, Tarzan, was portrayed and utilized in popular culture and society. It indicates that he attempted to address this by making his own movies but was ultimately dissatisfied with the results. The quote is attributed to Brendan Fraser, an actor who portrayed the character of Tarzan in the 1997 film "George of the Jungle."
Edgar Rice Burroughs' creation of Tarzan has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with numerous films, television shows, comic books, and other adaptations featuring the iconic character. However, it is evident from the quote that Burroughs may have felt that the portrayal of Tarzan in these adaptations did not align with his original vision or the depth of the character as he had envisioned. This sentiment highlights the complex relationship that creators often have with the adaptation and reinterpretation of their work in mainstream media.
It is important to note that while Burroughs may have been dissatisfied with some portrayals of Tarzan, his character has endured as a symbol of adventure, heroism, and the untamed wilderness. The enduring popularity of Tarzan speaks to the character's resonance with audiences across different generations and cultures.
The quote also sheds light on Burroughs' attempts to take control of the cinematic portrayal of his character by making his own movies. Burroughs founded his own production company, Burroughs-Tarzan Enterprises, in the 1930s and was involved in the production of several Tarzan films. However, as the quote suggests, these efforts did not yield the level of success or quality that Burroughs had hoped for.
Burroughs' dissatisfaction with the cinematic adaptations of Tarzan may reflect the challenges that authors and creators face when their work is adapted for the screen. The translation of a literary character to film often involves a negotiation between the creator's original vision and the demands of commercial entertainment. This tension can result in divergent interpretations of the character and narrative, which may not always align with the creator's intentions.
In conclusion, the quote captures Edgar Rice Burroughs' dissatisfaction with the treatment of his character, Tarzan, in popular culture and society. It highlights the complexities of authorship, adaptation, and the impact of mainstream media on the perception of literary characters. Despite Burroughs' reservations about the cinematic portrayal of Tarzan, the character continues to captivate audiences and remains an enduring figure in popular culture.