That title is a description of the page on which new Hollywood ideas get written. Here is a pointless new live-action musical version of theSnow Whitemyth, a kind of un-Wicked approach to the story and a merch-enabling money machine. Where other movies are playfully reimagining the backstories of famous villains, this one plays it straight, but with carefully curated revisionist tweaks. These are all too obviously agonising and backlash-second-guessing, but knowing that at some basic level the brand identity has to be kept pristine. This is particularly evident in the costume design, with which the wicked witch gets a pointy dark crown and skull-hugging black balaclava and Snow White is lumbered with a supermarket-retail tweenie outfit with puffy-sleeved shoulders. Those otherwise estimable performers Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are now forced to go through the motions, and they give the dullest performances of their lives.Traditionally, the heroine’s name refers to her skin, with lips red as blood and hair dark as ebony; now it refers to the snowstorm that accompanied her birth. Zegler’s Snow White had loving parents in the King and Queen but after her mother’s death her father becomes infatuated with a witchy new noblewoman at court; Gadot’s lips are at all times seductively and contemptuously pursed. But later the King simply vanishes from the story and the script ties itself into a few pretzels explaining what is supposed to have happened to him and when. The stepmom-witch keeps Snow White in Cinderella-style serfdom below stairs where the poor child wanly sympathises with the population’s poverty. As Snow White grows up, the magic mirror breaks the bad news about a change in the prettiness-ranking; Snow White is then forced to flee to the forest and stay there once the huntsman has lied to the witch about killing her. And then she meets her seven new best friends …There are some changes: the hero is no longer a prince, but a more democratic citizen who leads a Robin Hood type insurgency from the forest against the witch’s tyranny with SW joining in on a Maid Marian basis. But he still gets to do the controversial non-consent kiss once our heroine has gone into her picturesque coma. But the dwarves? Will this film make them look sort of like everyone else, like the Munchkins in Wicked? No. This Snow White feebly makes them mo-cap (motion-capture) animated figures, but it also – heartsinkingly – duplicates their presence by giving the prince his own gang of seven live-action bandits, in which people with dwarfism are represented. This fudged, pseudo-progressive approach is so tiring you’ll want to put your head in your hands.Admittedly, the basic story has a strangeness of its own. The wicked queen tries to kill Snow White by getting the huntsman to stab her, and then tries again by feeding her a poisoned apple which has an, erm, antidote in the form of a true love’s kiss … and then leaving the corpse in the company of people who love her? Weird.This new Snow White has one or two nice musical moments, but it’s basically in the unhappy tradition of revisionist-lite rebootsMirror MirrorandSnow White and the Huntsmanwith Julia Roberts and Charlize Theron respectively as the witch – and theequally ropey prequel The Huntsman: Winter’s War. Hollywood could in theory reinvent Snow White with some passion; instead, the only decent revival has beenPablo Berger’s surrealist Blancanievesfrom 2013. This feels like a very hard day’s work in the IP diamond mine.Snow White is out on 20 March in Australia and on 21 March in the UK and US.
Snow White review – Disney’s exhaustingly awful reboot axes the prince and makes the dwarves mo-cap
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Disney's New Snow White Adaptation Criticized for Weak Story and Character Changes"
The Guardian
5.1
TruthLens AI Summary
The new live-action musical adaptation of Snow White presents a revisionist take on the classic tale, but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. In this version, the traditional elements are altered significantly, most notably by removing the prince character and introducing a new democratic hero who leads a Robin Hood-esque rebellion against the wicked queen. The storyline shifts to portray Snow White as a sympathetic figure trapped in servitude under her stepmother, who is depicted as a tyrannical ruler. As Snow White grows, she faces challenges that include fleeing from the huntsman and confronting her own changing beauty in a world that values superficiality. The film's attempts at modernizing the story are evident, but they often feel forced and lack the charm that has defined previous adaptations. The performances by Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot are particularly criticized for being lackluster, as they grapple with a script that seems to prioritize brand identity over character depth and development.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent review of Disney's live-action reboot of "Snow White" critiques the film for its lack of originality and what the author perceives as misguided attempts at modernization. This analysis highlights several underlying themes related to the broader cultural conversations surrounding film adaptations, representation, and audience expectations.
Cultural Commentary
The review points to the film’s approach as a reflection of current societal trends where traditional narratives are often altered to fit modern sensibilities. The shift from a prince to a more democratic hero, along with the reimagining of Snow White's background, suggests an attempt to appeal to contemporary audiences who may seek more relatable and diverse storytelling. However, this effort is portrayed as superficial, with the review indicating that the film does not successfully balance its nostalgic roots with innovative storytelling.
Performance and Characterization
The performances of the lead actors, Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, are described as lackluster, suggesting that the script and direction may not have provided them the opportunity to fully embody their roles. This critique could imply a broader issue within the film industry regarding how ambitious projects sometimes fail to deliver on the potential of talented performers when the material is lacking.
Narrative Changes and Backlash
The review expresses concern over the narrative changes, particularly how they may alienate fans of the original story. The decision to alter character dynamics, such as the absence of the prince and the portrayal of Snow White’s family, is framed as a misguided attempt to modernize the fairy tale. This could lead to a backlash from audiences who feel that the essence of the beloved original has been compromised.
Manipulative Elements
The language used in the review suggests a deliberate effort to provoke strong reactions from readers, potentially manipulating opinions about the film before it has been widely seen. By highlighting elements that could be perceived as missteps, the review may aim to generate controversy and discussion, which could drive viewership out of curiosity.
Implications for Society
The portrayal of Snow White’s challenges and her sympathies towards the poor could resonate with current social issues regarding wealth disparity and representation. As audiences increasingly demand more socially conscious narratives, the film’s attempts to engage with these themes could be seen as either a progressive step or a shallow endeavor.
Audience Reception and Community Engagement
The review may appeal more to critical viewers who prioritize depth and authenticity in storytelling. It addresses a community that is increasingly wary of corporations like Disney rehashing classic stories without meaningful exploration of their themes. This audience likely seeks films that challenge norms rather than reinforce them.
Economic and Market Influence
While the review itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or financial trends, it reflects broader sentiments that could influence box office performance. Discontent with major studio releases could lead to decreased ticket sales, affecting Disney's market position.
Global Context
In a broader geopolitical context, the film's attempt to modernize a classic fairy tale can be seen as part of a trend in global cinema to reflect changing societal values. This aligns with ongoing discussions about representation and the cultural shifts in storytelling.
AI Influence
It is difficult to ascertain if artificial intelligence played a role in the review’s writing. However, if AI were involved, it might have influenced the tone or structure, aiming to provoke specific emotional responses from readers. AI models often analyze audience data to suggest engaging narratives, which could be reflected in the review's emphasis on controversy and critique. In conclusion, the review serves to provoke thought and discussion about the evolving nature of storytelling in film, particularly regarding beloved classics. Its critical tone seeks to highlight perceived flaws in the reboot, potentially influencing public perception and reception of the film before its release.