Of all the
Disney properties, nothing has grown in both popularity or marketability then
Disney’s princess line up. Whenever I think of Disney animation, the princesses
tend to be some of the first characters that instantly come to mind. Weather
deserving of the attention is up for debate, but there’s no denying that
their individual movies rank among some of the studios absolute best, and most
significant. Heck, it was thanks to “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
that we even have animated movies to begin with. However, while that was the
movie that started it all, I firmly believe that 1950’s “Cinderella” is
the reason we still have Disney animation to this day. This film was actually a
big gamble for the studio, as they were short on money due to previous movies
under-performing, as well as the financial costs of World War 2. “Cinderella”
naturally went on to become a smashing success, one of the studios highest
grossing hits, and was hailed as a beloved masterpiece. Had that not been the
case, the studio would have likely been bankrupted, shutdown, and the Disney we
know today would not exist. Speaking personally, “Cinderella” is one of
those movies I admire more then I love, but it’s unmistakably still a good
film, and one that’s held-up better than some give it credit for.
The story is so famous, it really needs
no introduction, but I wouldn’t be doing my job without a proper lead-in.
Cinderella is a young woman forced into servitude to her wicked step-mother,
and cruel step-sisters. The one thing keeping her strong is a dream that one
day things will be better. One magical night, her wish is granted, as a Fairy
Godmother gives her a beautiful dress, sends her off to a majestic ball, but
warns that the spell will end at midnight. While there, she catches the eye of
the Prince, and just maybe, this will be the start of the happy life Cinderella
has been dreaming of. However, not paying attention to the time, she runs off in a haste, and leaving only a glass shoe behind. Thus, the royals go on a search to determine with whom the shoe may fit. Right off the bat, the animation has aged beautifully with this film
… not only are the colors warm and pleasant, but there’s a lot of dimension and
scope to the locations. A good 90% of the movie is spent indoors, but it never
feels claustrophobic, as the interiors feel so wide and appealing in their
presentation. However, pretty visuals are one thing … how dose everything else
hold up?
I find it interesting that the character
of Cinderella has both inspired so many, and has equally become the subject of
some controversy. The con’s come from people viewing her as a week role model …
the pretty damsel who does nothing but wish away her problems, and get rewarded
for doing little herself. I for one say that she’s a far better role model then
those people give her credit for. Yes, she technically fits the brand of the
damsel that needs rescuing, but she also displays a great sense of endurance. Someone who will still find joy and positivity in her life, despite being stuck
in a horrible place.
Even in her positive mindset, she still isn't a one-note character, as she displays her emotional limits, and has her times when she contemplates to herself ... "just get through it", "just make the best of it". She even has a good deal of personality, one that she has to keep reserved due to her situation. One of my favorite little details is when the Fairy Godmother finally takes notice of her beaten rags, and with just a little nod of the head from Cinderella, it highlights that she's brimming with personality. Plus, the message of holding onto your dreams or your happiness, even when faced with impossible odds, is still something that can inspire people on some general level. Now, I'd be lying if I said Cinderella ranked among my favorite characters, but I will say this ... of the three original Disney princesses, I think she's the only one to surpass being a stereotype of the time, and can be viewed as a genuinely strong role model for viewers both young and old.
Let’s cut to the chase, my absolute
favorite thing about this movie, both as a kid and an adult is the ensemble of
adorably little mice. Had it not been for these characters, the movie just
wouldn’t be as entertaining as it is. The two lead mice named Gus & Jaq
have always ranked among the lovable side-kicks that straight-up steal the
show. Although, the critic in me has to acknowledge that they do more than
standout … they flat out high-jack the movie from the admittedly more important
characters. Yeah, players like the films titular prince are noticeably under
developed in favor of lengthy scenes in which the mice need to out-wit the
wicked cat named Lucifer. While I find their little ventures very entertaining,
they do admittedly overstay their welcome, which results in both the story and
characters being weaker than they should be. Still, I couldn’t imagine myself
enjoying the film as much as a kid, or looking back on the experience with as
much fondness if it weren’t for these lovable side characters. Also, I think
the nasty cat Lucifer is the best animated character in the film, as the facial
expressions and body language of the character at times are priceless. On a
side note, I distinctly remember my mother was none to fond of the name Lucifer
in a children’s animated movie, so she drilled in my head that the cats name
should only be referred to by the mice’s pronunciation … which was
“ru-ci-fee”.
On that note, let’s talk about the
villains of the picture, who’ve likewise remained Disney icons over the years.
Truthfully, The Evil Stepsisters never left any kind of impression on me, as I
always felt they should be either crueler, or funnier, and I just felt neither
from them. Although, the scene when they destroy Cinderella’s dress was very
effective, and certainly bothered me whenever I watched this as a kid. Of
course, the big one is the evil step-mother known as Lady Tremaine. This is a
case in which simplicity can go a long way, because on the surface, she’s kind
of one-note villain … but man dose she play that note well. Everything from the
way she’s animated, to the way she’s voiced gives the character an imposing
presence. Voice actress (as well as model actress) Eleanor Audley finds that
perfect middle ground of conveying a sense of dominance, without acting too
over-the-top. That wicked smirk of hers says more than any maniacal evil laugh
ever could. More than anything, this character gets my blood bowling more than
any other Disney villain. Of course, she also has that shadowy glare, which was
the stuff of nightmares for us kids. By simply having control over one person’s
life, she’s remained one of the most iconic of Disney villains.
One detail of the movie that has been
criticized over the years is Cinderella’s under developed relationship with the
Prince … who I think has about two lines of dialog in the whole film. I don’t
think the Prince even has a name, although I’ve heard many refer to him as
Prince Charming … which sounds more like a brand to me. Plus, we also have
dozens of scenes solely focusing on both the goofy King and clumsy Grand Duke,
as opposed to the prince himself. Unlike the lovable mice, the antics of the
King were filler that I could have done without. It goes without saying that
the romance is not one of the films strengths. However, I give the movie a get
out of jail free card, because Cinderella’s journey wasn’t about finding love …
it was about finding happiness. When she finally makes it to the ball and has
her waltz with the prince, I just feel happy for her that she’s finally having
a positive experience. Walt Disney always viewed Cinderella as a model representation
of himself, as someone who through lots of patients, and hard work can
transform themselves from rags to riches. So, I feel there’s always been more
to the story of Cinderella then a romance. It’s a story of hope, and keeping
your dreams alive. I should also note that, of all the Disney fairy-tales, this
one has the least magical elements, yet still feels like a very magical
experience. Once the Fairy Godmother appears and we get the famous
transformation scene, it always seems to catch me off guard, like … “oh yeah, I
forgot this was a fantasy”.
Disney’s “Cinderella” also
received three Oscar nominations, including best sound design, best music
score, and of course best original song with “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo”.
While the tune is unmistakably bouncy and fun, I really just enjoyed the scene
on its own. The Fairy Godmother, despite only appearing once in the film, is
still one of the movies most delightful additions, and this song punctuates
just how lovable the character is. Actually, I find myself liking the musical
numbers more for their individual scenes as opposed to the songs themselves. “Oh, Sing Sweet Nightingale” would have
honestly been a downright forgettable song, had it not been for the colorful
layout and visual design of the sequence. The famous song “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” is good,
but it’s just never stuck with me as a memorable highlight, mostly because the
song is set to our lead girl simply getting out of bed. My favorite musical
number of the whole film is actually “The
Working Song” provided by the mice, when they put together a special
dress for Cinderella. I’ve always loved my song numbers with a lot of bustle
and activity, and when paired with the adorable squeaky voices of the mice, it
helps this song stand out as an especially up-beat sequence.
Now I didn’t know where else to fit this
in my review, but there’s one scene that I find unintentionally hilarious … and
it’s the famous stroke of midnight scene. We all remember Cinderella losing her shoe on the stairs, but what
amuses me to no end is the Grand Duke reacting in such a panic that he
dispatches these scary looking horse riders to chase her down … as if she’s a
fugitive. Even as a kid I found myself chuckling at how over that top that was.
Now what did work in building suspense was the climax, in which Cinderella gets
locked in her chamber room, just as her hopes for a better life are waiting
downstairs. Of course, this is where people complain about Cinderella’s damsel
status, but those people are missing-out on just how suspenseful and exciting
this finale is. We have another mini-venture with the mice trying to get the
door-key up to her, all while battling the cat Lucifer, and lengthy flanks of
stairs. I think the bit with the stairs is the funniest joke of the whole film,
and something “Kung Fu Panda” probably drew inspiration from. Also, as
far as villain defeats are concerned, there’s nothing quiet as satisfying as
seeing the cat Lucifer get pushed out a window. My one issue is that the Prince
should have been there to put the glass slipper on her, like … it kind of robs
the moment of its impact if he’s not there to rediscover the woman he fell in
love with.
In the end, of all the animated Disney
princess movies, “Cinderella” is the one I’ve loved the least, but
that’s splitting hairs, as this film obviously stands as a great achievement
for the studio. I still wouldn’t go so far as to call it a personal favorite,
as there are more involving stories, and more magical experiences then this,
but I’d never sweep this one under the rug, like some dated product of the
time. Like I said, it is largely thanks to “Cinderella” that Disney
survived the war times of the 40’s, and the character has still inspired many
to follow their dreams. The songs are still nice, the colors are great, the
experience is charming, and its further proof that simplicity can go a long way
for an engaging experience.
