Essay Examples

2.

Cinderella 1997

Everyone knows the tale of Cinderella. A young girl whose father dies, leaving her stuck with an evil stepmother and sisters. Until she receives help from her fairy godmother who assists her in going to the ball and finding the prince, her one true love. Over 40 films have been produced surrounding this story, along with thousands of written versions. Everyone loves the girl who is saved from her wretched life by a beautiful prince. But while many of these stories may jumble together, one stands out in a big way. “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (1997) is a first of its kind musical fantasy television film that tells Cinderella a different way, giving the heroine slightly more power and individualism than most stories. The director’s choice in casting, its soundtrack, as well as its fidelity to past novels are reasons why this Cinderella is the best and most important.

The beginning of this movie was always written around a multi-ethnic cast. The producers wanted to exhibit a diverse world that reflected 1997. Something that viewers could relate to and see themselves in. That of course was a big move for many ethnicities since under-representation was such a huge thing back then. Whitney Houston(singer/songwriter/actress) was the brainchild of the movie. Originally it was supposed to be her who played Cinderella, but because of how long it to until the movie would actually be made, she stepped down and gave the role to Brandy Norwood, an up and coming singer. This role would soon become an important mark in Brandy’s career. Ultimately, they chose a Filipino prince, African American stepsister, queen, and fairy godmother, and the remaining characters were Caucasian. Even the dancers were a diverse choice. “Everyone skin color was merely incidental, as it should be.” (Richmond, 1) Throwing in multiple cultures while not making it a focal point pushes the normalcy of diversity the way all films should. Even while choosing who to cast, the ugliness of the world still poked its head out, with resistance to a black princess and black fairy godmother. Craig Zadan, one of the executive producers noted the struggle many still had, “People were still clearly thinking, ‘Multicultural is one thing, but do we have to have two black leads?’ “(52) Because of this the decision for such a diverse cast was very monumental.

The soundtrack was by far 10 out of 10, in style, context, and choice. Every song used in the 1997 remake was taken from other Rodgers and Hammerstein productions, like Falling in Love with Love, which came from “The Boys From Syracuse”, and The Prince is Giving a Ball, taken and modified from the Julie Andrews version in 1957. The decision to reuse old songs gave familiarity to those who had seen past R&H productions, while it gave the music a story of its own. In my Own Little Corner is a tune about all of the things Cinderella dreams she could be. This addition brings individualism to Cinderella that many past stories never did. Even the Stepsisters Lament gives a look at the insecurities that the stepsisters struggle with, as do many young girls. And Houston’s character, the fairy godmother, is constantly reminding Cinderella that nothing is ever out of her grasp, and that she controls her future with Impossible-Its Possible.

Of course, Cinderella’s not Cinderella without the main plot. And Houston along with four other executive producers were able to capture the true essence of Cinderella while broadening the landscape and adding a certain degree of depth. It showed the parents want for their son to be happy while successful, by telling him to follow his heart. Its broadened Cinderella’s potential, showing her capabilities as more than a maid. And of course, it added humor and music, all tying into a fantastic movie. It gave us the story we all love (the struggling princess finding happiness with her prince) along with the story we all need (a brave young women recognizing her worth in a diverse world).

Because of these main decisions on the executive’s part, R&H’s Cinderella is by far the best Cinderella to watch. It displays a positive and diverse world where anything is possible. it gave some of the most memorable songs to date, adding and enriching the plot. And it kept to the classic Cinderella while telling its own story. Because of these reasons, I would recommend this film to anyone with eyes and/or ears.