First, evaluate the films for the sake of the films. In other words, analyze the films. What do you notice about the hand-drawn animation of each film? Is the animation in 1937 (Snow White) different from the animation in 1950 (Cinderella)? How do film elements like the music, lyrics, etc. impact your experience of the films? Remember, this first paragraph should be about BOTH movies.
Then, compare the film to the literature. You can choose either Cinderella or Snow White for this part of the post. Name three differences between the literature versions (be clear which one you’re writing about) and the film counterpart. Is plot different? Portrayal of characters? Setting? Other? Break this part of the discussion into three smaller paragraphs–one for each thing you are contrasting/comparing.
End your post with a conclusion–what have you enjoyed most about reading/watching the fairy tales?
When evaluating both Snow White (1937) and Cinderella (1950) as films, it becomes evident that each has its unique qualities in terms of hand-drawn animation. Snow White, being one of Disney’s earliest feature-length animated films, showcases animation techniques that were groundbreaking for its time. The hand-drawn animation in Snow White exhibits a charming and slightly more traditional style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail in the characters and their surroundings. In contrast, Cinderella’s animation, released over a decade later, shows advancements in the medium. The characters in Cinderella have a more fluid and refined look, and the overall animation is smoother, with greater emphasis on conveying emotions through movement.
Film elements such as music and lyrics play crucial roles in both movies. Snow White is renowned for its memorable musical numbers, including “Heigh-Ho” and “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” which add depth to the storytelling and create a strong emotional connection with the audience. The music in Snow White helps establish the film’s timeless appeal. On the other hand, Cinderella also features captivating songs, such as “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” and “Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo,” which enhance the enchanting atmosphere of the story. The use of music and lyrics in both films elevates the overall experience, creating a lasting impact on the viewer.
Now, let’s compare the literature version of Cinderella to its film counterpart. One significant difference between the original Cinderella story and Disney’s animated adaptation lies in the portrayal of Cinderella herself. In the Grimm Brothers’ version of the tale, Cinderella’s character is somewhat passive, enduring her hardships without much agency. In contrast, Disney’s Cinderella is portrayed as a more proactive and hopeful character, who actively dreams of a better life. This change adds a sense of empowerment to the character.
Another notable difference is the portrayal of the magical elements in the story. In the original tale, Cinderella’s transformation is a one-time event performed by her mother’s spirit at her grave. Disney’s adaptation introduces the Fairy Godmother, who plays a more active role in Cinderella’s transformation, adding a touch of whimsy and magic to the story.
Lastly, the setting of Disney’s Cinderella is more stylized and fantastical, with elaborate castle architecture and magical elements, while the original Grimm Brothers’ story retains a more subdued and realistic tone. Disney’s version brings a fairy-tale quality to the setting that enhances the film’s enchantment.
In conclusion, what I’ve enjoyed most about both reading and watching these fairy tales is the timeless and universal appeal of the stories. They offer a sense of escapism and enchantment that can captivate both children and adults. The combination of rich animation, memorable music, and the adaptation of classic literary tales has allowed these films to endure for generations, continuing to bring joy to audiences worldwide.