Jared Bush, the director of Encanto, offers a small detail from the film that highlights Bruno’s loneliness and causes him even sadder. Encanto, one of Disney’s first theatrical movies during the Covid-19 pandemic, did not perform particularly well at the box office when it appeared in 2021. However, the film’s popularity grew so quickly once it was released on Disney+ a month later that it was rereleased in theaters. Encanto’s gorgeous animation and catchy melodies by Lin-Manuel Miranda catapulted the picture to pop culture prominence.
The film centers on the shattered dynamics of the magical Madrigal family, which is embodied in large part by the figure Bruno. Except for Mirabel, every member of the family is endowed with a gift. However, not all of those abilities are universally recognized. Bruno was given the ability to see into the future, but his negative predictions lead to those who link him with bad results. People’s impression of Bruno’s powers led them to reject and even fear him, as demonstrated in the musical number “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
Yes. Bruno did that himself.👀
— Jared Bush (@thejaredbush) October 17, 2022
Casita, the Madrigal’s home, has various rooms that are adapted to the family members’ talents. While most of the rooms pictured are bright and inviting, Bruno’s is quite the contrary. It’s cold and empty, much like Bruno’s connection with his family. Although his room is unnerving, one creepy detail has drawn the attention of viewers: an etching of Bruno with his eyes gone. Throughout a recent Encanto Q&A session via Twitter, director Jared Bush was questioned about the carving. Some were horrified by his response to the backstory, which added to the tragedy of Bruno’s narrative.
Bruno’s Rats Go Much Further Than Comic Relief
Bush’s disclosure that Bruno had scraped out the eyes provides an intimate look into that character’s mind. Bruno secluded and confined himself within the walls of his house for years because he believed his forecasts were causing his family unneeded anguish and trouble. Bruno, like everyone around him, saw his powers as a burden rather than a blessing. It is likely that he removed the eyes from his picture to symbolize how tormented and burdened Bruno was by his bad visions.
Bruno’s internal difficulties are portrayed in various aspects of the film, including the portrayal of his pet rats. While the rodents are amusing, their representation actually aids in revealing the depths of Bruno’s loneliness. Many people thought the rats were sentient, like the ones in Cinderella, but Bush said such was not the case. Anything the rats are shown doing is only because Bruno taught them to do so. Bruno’s extensive acts demonstrate how much effort he put into making acquaintances. Despite Bruno’s traumatic history, fans can rejoice in the knowledge that he eventually found his happy ending in Encanto.
Source: Jared Bush