Spoilers Down Below… You have been warned.
Walt Disney’s 1950 Cinderella not only saved his studio, but it enchanted little girls for several decades and continues to be the base for dreams of a life happily ever after. Today’s Disney company did a phenomenal job recreating the magical tale of a poor girl becoming a princess, er I mean queen. With breathtaking scenery and outstanding performances by the cast, Cinderella is already enchanting today’s audiences. Within the audience young and old were gasping, tearing up, laughing and sighing throughout the entire movie. Well, not all at one time.
There are three staples to the Cinderella story that audiences look forward to in every rendition of the tale. The glass slipper, the magical ball gown, and the dance between the prince and Cinderella herself are the elements that separate each Cinderella movie from each other. In Disney’s live-action version the glass slipper is beautifully crafted, and although it’s placed on Lily James’ foot through the magic of CGI, the affect is wondrous. Ella’s ball gown was a perfect mate to the glass slippers and was even more fuller (or puffy if you prefer) than Disney’s iconic animated Cinderella’s gown.
As gorgeous as the deep sky-blue, fit-for-a-princess the gown is, it was clear Miss Lily had a difficult time dancing in it. The anticipated first dance between the prince and Ella was awkward and unfeeling. The usual emotion felt during this scene in other films, was lacking when Cinderella and the charming prince opened the ball with their dance.
When two people who have fallen in love dance, it is expected that their performance would show their feeling for each other. Instead, the two lovebirds held each other at arms length and danced with rigid movements. It’s hard to tell if the choreographer wanted to create a dancing style unique to the kingdom in the story, or if the actors had to literally dance around the gown. At least the portrayed romance could be seen in their faces and the rest of the movie.
The stepsisters and Lady Tremaine are portrayed exactly as they should be, but with a bit of back-story. Lady Tremaine was once married to her own true love until his untimely death ended her happily ever after. With her daughters now fatherless and no source of income, she marries Ella’s father hastily. Her gambling and partying debts partially drive Ella’s father into a warn state and the stepmother doesn’t care. The coldness towards her new husband causes him to only confide in Cinderella, which naturally makes Lady Tremaine insanely jealous towards her new charge. This small explanation makes Cate Blanchett’s character more believable and gives reason for her evil treatment of Cinderella.
Lady Tremaine’s dresses and hairstyle reflect the glamorous 1950’s socialite styles while Cinderella continues with the provincial look (until her transformation into a princess/ queen). Having the various collection of period clothing, from the neoclassical to the 1950s and 17th century province look, visually shows the audience how Cinderella’s tale is truly timeless. This rendition of the beloved Cinderella tale would make Walt Disney himself proud to see the amazing job the entire cast and crew did to bring the story as old as culture itself to the silver screen once again. For all the Disney fans, Cinderella is the perfect treat for children and dreamers of every age.