Disney’s latest wish to adapt its animation classics (The beauty and the Beast AND The Lion King I’ve been there) in real filming, The little Mermaid was expected at the turn. Released in 1989, the animated adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale rocked several generations of young women, and for good reason. It was approx one of the first Disney to tell the story of women’s empowerment : Teenage Ariel rebels against her father and makes her own choices.
Since 2019 and the announcement of Métis singer and actress Halle Bailey in the lead role, Rob Marshall’s film has faced a racist controversy. After several years of development, has the bet to modernize this cult cartoon been accepted?
If the digital versions of the talking animals – Flounder, Seb and Eureka, with such cute faces in the cartoon – have teased us a little – the colossal technical challenge represented by the staging of a magical and musical underwater world is met hands down . The universe of live action mermaids is as magical as that of the cartoon.
Best response to nauseating reviews, Halle Bailey is perfect as Ariel. She infuses him with her strength, her playfulness and her sublime voice. This Ariel is destined to become the new children’s idol and we are delighted!
Under the ocean, diversity
If the story generally remains the same as the cartoon (which differs from that of the original story), in 34 years the company has evolved slightly! Rob Marshall then made various changes to modernize the job, starting with new songs.
Prince Eric now has the right to his solo, entitled “Beyond the horizon”, to sing his wishes, just as Ariel still has his legendary “Leaving there”. This sequence helps to better characterize this rather bland character from the cartoon. Eric has a real personality here and expresses his feelings. It exudes a non-toxic masculinity which, we hope, will feed young kids with new imaginations. Like Ariel, the adopted prince is suffocating under the pressure of family, in this case that of the black mother and queen of this imaginary Caribbean island. The two lovebirds also share a taste for adventure.
Shortly thereafter, the two young men are drawn into the heart of a colorful market for a musical sequence, where racialized and white characters dance together in general jubilation. The story The little Mermaid he has always carried within himself the theme of welcoming the other and the need to live together. This version, led by a black siren, continues this message that invites tolerance and sounds like a hymn to the mixing of cultures. Of course, it all may seem naive, but the Disney film is intended above all for the new generations and must convey positive and universal messages.
A Mermaid kindly green and feminist
The subtle changes made throughout the film reflect the changes in our society. Played by Javier Bardem, King Triton explains his hatred for humans for the ecological disaster they are responsible for and which has a major impact on the underwater world. For his part, Ariel is making a more thoughtful transition into adulthood. He realizes more about what she’s giving up (her identity as a mermaid) and wonders if she’s making the right decision. A way to emphasize its agency. Even if she momentarily loses her voice, Ariel is not a character who takes the action. She chooses her destiny and fights alongside Eric to defeat the witch Ursula.
Tastefully embodied by the brilliant Melissa McCarthy, this iconic villain is faithful to her animated version. We would have seen the addition of some scenes that go back to the reasons why Triton’s sister turned to the dark side (Maleficent, the witch of Cinderellawas entitled to his redemption in two films!).
The last major change involves the ending of the film. Rob Marshall skips the wedding stage for a beautiful scene of reconciliation between the human and marine people, which accompanies the adventure of the explorers Ariel and Eric. This tale could end with the epitaph: “And they lived happily and explored the world”. For marriage and children, we’ll see later!
To those who would cry heresy, remember this in the original tale, Eric marries a woman of his rank, while the little mermaid (whom he is not in love with, sniffs), sacrifices herself for him. Hello Sadness…
This new iteration of The little Mermaid it reminds us of the ability of fairy tales to be reinterpreted at will according to the anxieties and customs of an era. Very smart anyone can predict what it is The little Mermaid in thirty years.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
