Analysis of Goodbye Christopher Robin (2017)

Background History

0221 Production® Films & Series Analysis

9 min readAug 21, 2024

Goodbye Christopher Robin offers a poignant look into the life of A.A. Milne, the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, and his family, particularly focusing on his son, Christopher Robin Milne, the inspiration behind the beloved character. The film is set against the backdrop of post-World War I England, a time when the nation was grappling with the aftermath of the Great War, and people were seeking solace in various forms, including literature. A.A. Milne, a successful playwright and author, found himself struggling with the horrors of war, leading him to retreat to the countryside with his family. This period of retreat, while meant to provide healing, inadvertently sowed the seeds of one of the most iconic children’s books of all time, but also led to profound personal consequences for the Milne family.

Pain vs. Happiness

The film masterfully juxtaposes the themes of pain and happiness. A.A. Milne, haunted by his experiences in the trenches, sought to create a world of innocence and joy in the Hundred Acre Wood. However, this pursuit of happiness was marred by the pain it caused his son, Christopher Robin. The character of Billy Moon, as he is known to his family, becomes a symbol of the dichotomy between public adoration and private suffering. The books brought joy to millions, but at the cost of Billy’s childhood, as he struggled with the unwanted fame and the burden of living in the shadow of his fictional counterpart. This tension between the joy brought to others and the pain inflicted on one’s self is a central theme in Goodbye Christopher Robin.

The Idea of Happiness

The concept of happiness in the film is explored through the lens of both creation and consequence. Milne’s creation of Winnie-the-Pooh was an attempt to reclaim happiness after the trauma of war. However, this pursuit was paradoxical, as the happiness created for the world came at the expense of his family’s happiness, particularly that of his son. The film suggests that happiness is not a simple, universal experience but is instead deeply personal and often comes with unintended consequences. The happiness of the readers contrasted sharply with the personal unhappiness of the Milne family, raising questions about the true cost of art and creation.

Daphne de Sélincourt Character

Daphne de Sélincourt, A.A. Milne’s wife, is portrayed as a complex character. She is shown as both supportive of her husband’s creative endeavors and deeply concerned with the family’s public image. Daphne’s character represents the societal expectations of women during the era — balancing the roles of a supportive wife and a mother while also managing the family’s social standing. Her ambition and desire for fame through her husband’s success often clash with her maternal instincts, particularly as she watches the impact of fame on her son. Daphne’s character adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics, as she navigates the fine line between ambition and the well-being of her child.

Alan Alexander Milne

A.A. Milne, known as Blue to his family, is the central figure in the narrative. His character is depicted as a man of great intellect and creativity, yet profoundly affected by the trauma of war. Milne’s transition from a successful playwright to a children’s author was not just a career shift but a means of coping with his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The film portrays Milne as a man who sought peace through writing but inadvertently projected his unresolved trauma onto his family, particularly his son. Milne’s character is a study in contrasts — an individual who created joy for millions but struggled with his own demons.

His Trauma and the PTSD Symptoms

Milne’s experiences in World War I left him with deep psychological scars, a fact that the film does not shy away from. His PTSD manifests in various ways throughout the film, from his retreat into the countryside to his strained relationship with his family. The trauma of war is shown to permeate every aspect of his life, influencing his interactions with his son and his approach to writing. Milne’s PTSD is a crucial element in understanding his motivations and the eventual creation of Winnie-the-Pooh. The film effectively highlights how Milne’s trauma was both a catalyst for his creative genius and a source of profound personal struggle.

Billy Moon

Christopher Robin Milne, affectionately known as Billy Moon, is at the heart of the story. As the real-life inspiration for the character of Christopher Robin, Billy’s life becomes a public spectacle, much to his detriment. The film portrays Billy as a child caught between his father’s creative vision and his own need for a normal childhood. The weight of his father’s legacy and the public’s expectations take a toll on Billy, leading to feelings of isolation and resentment. The character of Billy Moon serves as a poignant reminder of the unintended consequences of fame and the burden of living in the shadow of a fictional character.

The Role of Nou as a Nanny

Olive Rand, affectionately known as Nou, plays a crucial role in Billy’s life as his nanny. Nou is portrayed as a maternal figure who provides the emotional support and stability that Billy’s parents, particularly his father, are often unable to offer. Her relationship with Billy is one of the few sources of genuine warmth and care in his life. Nou’s character highlights the importance of nurturing and emotional support in a child’s development, particularly in a household where the parents are preoccupied with their own struggles. Nou’s presence in Billy’s life underscores the theme of surrogate parenting and the impact it has on a child’s emotional well-being.

The Role of Ernest H. Shepard as an Illustrator

Ernest H. Shepard, the illustrator of Winnie-the-Pooh, plays a significant yet understated role in the film. Shepard’s illustrations brought Milne’s characters to life, adding a visual dimension to the world of Pooh that would captivate generations of readers. The collaboration between Milne and Shepard is depicted as one of mutual respect and creative synergy. Shepard’s illustrations are not just drawings; they are an integral part of the storytelling, adding depth and emotion to Milne’s words. The film subtly acknowledges Shepard’s contribution to the success of Winnie-the-Pooh, highlighting the importance of collaboration in creative endeavors.

Creativity of the Story

The creativity behind Winnie-the-Pooh is depicted as both a blessing and a curse. Milne’s ability to create a world of whimsy and innocence out of the harsh realities of his own life is a testament to his creative genius. However, the film also suggests that this creativity came at a cost, particularly to his son, who became the unwilling face of his father’s creation. The film explores the tension between artistic creation and personal responsibility, questioning whether the joy brought to millions can justify the pain caused to those closest to the creator. The creative process is shown as both a means of escape and a source of conflict, reflecting the complexities of artistic creation.

Beauty of the Storytelling

The beauty of Goodbye Christopher Robin lies in its ability to tell a story that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The film’s narrative is woven with moments of tenderness, conflict, and introspection, all set against the backdrop of a changing world. The storytelling is enhanced by its visual aesthetics, capturing the idyllic English countryside and the contrasting darkness of Milne’s inner world. The film’s beauty lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, and to tell a story that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the consequences of creativity and fame.

‘Write About Him’ vs. ‘Write for Him’

One of the central conflicts in the film is Milne’s decision to write about his son rather than for him. This choice has profound implications for their relationship. Writing about Christopher Robin allowed Milne to create a world that brought joy to millions, but it also meant that his son’s childhood was no longer his own. The film explores the ethical dilemma of using one’s child as the inspiration for art and the consequences of prioritizing public adoration over private happiness. The tension between writing about and writing for reflects the broader theme of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of artistic success.

Billy’s Points of View

The film provides a unique perspective by showing the events from Billy’s point of view. This perspective allows the audience to see the impact of his father’s decisions on his life and understand his feelings of resentment and isolation. Billy’s point of view is crucial in understanding the full impact of Winnie-the-Pooh on his life. The film’s exploration of Billy’s inner world adds depth to the narrative, making it not just a story about A.A. Milne but also about the boy who inspired one of the most beloved characters in children’s literature.

What Pooh Means to Billy

To Billy, Pooh represents both a connection to his father and a source of pain. While the world sees Pooh as a symbol of innocence and joy, Billy sees him as a reminder of the childhood he lost. The character of Pooh is a double-edged sword for Billy — he is both a beloved companion and a symbol of the burden of fame. The film poignantly explores what Pooh means to Billy, highlighting the complex emotions that come with being the inspiration for such an iconic character.

The Reasons Why Alan Needed to Say Goodbye to Christopher Robin

Milne’s decision to say goodbye to Christopher Robin, both as a character and as his son, is depicted as a difficult but necessary choice. The film suggests that Milne realized the toll that fame had taken on his son and that the only way to give him a chance at a normal life was to let go of the character that had come to define their relationship. This decision reflects Milne’s growth as a father and his recognition of the importance of putting his son’s well-being above his own creative ambitions. Saying goodbye to Christopher Robin was both an act of love and a recognition of the mistakes he had made.

The Journey to Walt Disney

The journey of Winnie-the-Pooh from the pages of A.A. Milne’s books to the big screen with Walt Disney is a testament to the enduring appeal of the characters and the world Milne created. The film touches on this journey, showing how Winnie-the-Pooh became a global phenomenon, transcending its origins as a children’s book. The partnership with Disney ensured that Pooh and his friends would continue to delight new generations of children, but it also marked the commercialization of Milne’s creation. The journey to Walt Disney is depicted as both a continuation of the story’s success and a further distancing of the characters from the personal world in which they were born.

Conclusion

Goodbye Christopher Robin is a film that explores the complexities of creativity, fame, and family. Through its portrayal of A.A. Milne and his son, the film delves into the ethical dilemmas of using one’s personal life as inspiration for art and the consequences that come with it. The film is a poignant reminder of the human cost of creativity and the sacrifices that are often made in the pursuit of success. The beauty of the film lies in its ability to tell a story that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, making it a powerful exploration of the tensions between pain and happiness, creation and consequence.