Fairy tales have delighted audiences for hundreds of
years. Perhaps no fairy tale maintains the enduring popularity of the original
rags to riches tale Cinderella.
Despite, or perhaps because, of its simplicity, each generation has not one,
but several, variations of the tale to choose from. While each of these
adaptations holds its own charms, all of them share the same enduring message
that regardless of how dark today might be, with kindness and hard work there
is always hope for a brighter tomorrow. In honor of this classic tale this
week’s spotlight will be turned on not one but three of my favorite adaptations
of Cinderella at its most charming,
romantic, and ultimately inspiring.
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| If the shoe fits, wear it! |
Cinderella
1950: For a traditional take on the fairy tale there is no beating Disney’s
1950 animated adaptation. The film was Walt Disney’s personal favorite in the
studio’s canon, and for good reason. With dazzling visuals, endearing
characters, and an iconic score, the film epitomizes all that audiences
continue to adore about Disney films. The film is largely faithful to the
original tale and includes such staples as the wicked stepmother, the charming
prince, and the magical fairy godmother. While this version may not break new
ground in the retelling of Cinderella,
it does bring the story to life in a way that reinforces its hopeful central
message. The film’s only real drawback is its gross lack of focus upon the
prince, who is relegated to a plot device rather than developed as a three
dimensional character. Fortunately, the film’s supporting characters and
leading lady more than make up for what its hero lacks. Disney’s Cinderella
remains an ideal role model through her kindness, patience, strong work ethic,
and refusal to either give in to self-pity or give up hope. While she make lack
the girl-power of the studio’s later heroines, her optimism in the face of
constant adversity provides an inspiring example of resilience. Over half a
century after its debut, and Disney’s Cinderella
continues to remind us all to get better, not bitter, and that with hard work
and patience the dreams that we wish can come true.
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| Move over, Disney |
Ever
After: 1998’s Ever
After provides Cinderella with a feminist flare by transforming the fairy
tale into a historical drama. In this film, Cinderella is a 16th century
orphan named Danielle De Barbarac who is forced by her stepmother to live as a
servant in her own home before she eventually wins the heart of the prince of
France. That premise is where any resemblance to past adaptations of Cinderella
end. In this retelling, which the prologue presents as the ‘real’ story before
embellishment gave way to legend, the only magic is that which is found in the
human heart. The film keeps the story firmly within its historical setting and
highlights the daunting social and gender barriers that Danielle must overcome
before reaching her happy ending. The greatest pleasure in viewing this film is
watching its spirited heroine maneuver around the restrictions of her era by
using the very qualities that Cinderella is commonly criticized for lacking;
independence, gumption, and grit. Despite the script’s emphasis upon her more
modern traits, the script wisely puts equal emphasis upon Danielle’s
traditional Cinderella qualities including her generosity, kindness, and patience.
This multi-faceted portrayal makes her a heroine that audiences, much like the
prince cannot resist. One of Ever After’s
most unique features is the depth with which Prince Henry and his relationship
with Danielle are portrayed. While he is charming, he is also very much a man
of his time and social class. As a result, when he meets the very ahead of her
time Danielle debates and arguments ensue that ultimately lead him to question
the norms that he’s always taken for granted. It is through this intellectual
and emotional journey that he becomes just as complex and compelling a
character as his leading lady. The many interactions between the pair lend both
credibility and chemistry to their romance that the majority of Cinderella
stories sorely lack. The film also imbues its supporting characters with such
depth and nuance that the entire cast of characters possess their own
motivations and flaws that make them believable, if not always likable. While
it may lack such fanciful elements as fairy godmothers and coaches made of
pumpkins, Ever After weaves a
Cinderella story that is cinematic magic.
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| Always arrive in style |
Cinderella
2015: The greatest rival to Disney’s animated adaptation is its live action
remake from 2015. Like its predecessor, the film is largely faithful to the
source material and revels in the original tale’s more whimsical elements. The
remake does improve upon the 1950 film, however, through the additional focus
it places upon both Ella’s life with her parents and the prince. While these
additions do not impact the events of the plot they do provide vital insight
into both Ella and her prince that adds depth and nuance to their budding
relationship. The film also wisely relegates less screen time to the supporting
characters, allowing the central characters time to grow and develop. The
film’s visuals verge on eclipsing those of the animated film through
well-executed CGI effects as well as costumes and sets that are truly a feast
for the eyes. This film also diverges from its predecessor in that it abandons
the studio’s signature songs in favor of traditional storytelling. Despite
their differences, the heroine of the 2015 film follows in the footsteps of her
predecessor and inspires today’s audiences through her own resilience and her
steadfast belief that a brighter tomorrow will arrive if only we have courage
and be kind.
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