Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Plausible Impossible


      There are many examples of the plausible impossible throughout Disney's work, but the clip showing Donald's rather hungry cousin Gus Goose visiting is absolutely rife with them.  Below are 5 examples from the clip, with explanations covering the plausibility, yet impossibility of the events shown.

Gus showing some corn who's boss
      In this example, we see Gus devouring some corn in a manner similar to typing on a typewriter (with accompanying sound effects).  This is plausible in that Gus is clearly a master in the art of eating, with this being his preferred method of dispatching corn.  Although, even if he could destroy that corn with such speed, it most definitely wouldn't make such a sound effect.  This is the cartoon world, however, and sound effects seem to accompany everything without anybody being alarmed.  So, even though in our world this would be quite a sight, in the cartoon world it's simply common nature.

Gus showing some coffee who's boss
     In this example, we see Gus absorbing coffee through bread not unlike mercury rising through a thermometer (also with accompanying sound effects).  This is plausible in that bread is absorbent in reality.  However, bread most definitely does not absorb liquids in such a manner, and (again) it definitely doesn't have sound effects.  Again, though, the cartoon world has it's own set of rules, so liquids operate differently.  If it wants to go straight up through a loaf of bread, then it will go straight up through a loaf of bread.

Gus showing some peas who's boss
      In this example, we see Gus luring a battalion of peas across the dining room table into his mouth, by inhaling very deeply through a straw.  This is plausible in that sucking through a straw will generate suction which will pull things closer.  However, the necessary suction needed to attract the peas from across a table would be far higher than your everyday goose could manage.  In addition, they would not be able to curve and veer wildly like a snake slithering about.  But, in the cartoon world inanimate objects can inherit animate qualities at the drop of a hat.  Peas being pulled across a table in an elaborate routine is child's play.

Gus showing a sandwich who's boss
      In this example, we see Gus shortly after he completely obliterated a gargantuan sandwich by shuffling it into his mouth like a deck of cards.  This is plausible in that a suitable amount of food being shoved down your throat at once will have a difficult time finding its way down your windpipe.  However, it most definitely would not extend your throat like an accordion (with even more accompanying sound effects) until your gulp it down.  (You would just choke to death, which is far from the most noble of deaths.)  This is (yet again) a cartoon, though, and that food will take its sweet time traveling to your stomach until you urge it along.  What would normally be a horribly undignified demise is changed to a comical moment due to this abandonment of the laws of nature.
Gus showing some spaghetti who's boss
      In this example, we see Gus masterfully knitting spaghetti into a sock before ending its noodle-y existence.  This is plausible in that spaghetti is very yarn-like, being very thin and stringy.  However, in reality, spaghetti would be a horrible knitting material, as it is far too weak and is not capable of being pulled tightly together (though I cannot speak from experience, this is purely theory).  In his cartoon existence, though, Gus is more than capable of weaving socks better than your grandmother using incredibly impractical material.  Anything can be used to make anything, as long as you put the right spin on it.