Disney’s Snow White, the latest live-action adaptation from Walt Disney Pictures, represents an ambitious yet contentious retelling of a cherished fairy tale. Directed by Marc Webb and with a script by Erin Cressida Wilson, the film grapples with the enduring legacy of the iconic 1937 animated classic while attempting to modernise its narrative. However, instead of infusing the story with vitality, the film descends into a superficial interpretation that fails to surpass its established foundations, diluting its message with unimpressive performances.
Featuring a star-studded cast, including Rachel Zegler as Snow White, Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, and Andrew Burnap as Jonathan, a new bandit character, the film aims to introduce fresh dynamics. With a hefty budget estimated between $240 and $270 million, Disney’s Snow White seeks to be a visually striking and narratively complex masterpiece. However, the investment in glamour does not guarantee rich storytelling; it’s clear that merely dressing an old tale in new clothes cannot mask the inherent risk of monotony.
The film opens with a meticulously crafted fantastical kingdom, designed to evoke both wonder and dread. However, while the contrasts between lush woods and cold castles suggest the classic struggle between virtue and evil, they ultimately serve as a backdrop for a narrative that struggles to engage, leaning too heavily on style without substance. The largely London-filmed venture, with additional shoots scheduled for 2024, fails to deliver a profound visual or thematic experience.
At its core, Snow White’s journey—the quest for survival and justice—remains intact, but the film’s attempts to add layers introduce surfaces rather than depth. Jonathan’s character, while intended to create a compelling narrative arc, often feels like an unnecessary addition rather than a meaningful counterpart. His evolution from friend to ally and romantic partner detracts from the gravity of Snow White’s fight against her tyrannical stepmother. Regarding all the attempts, the relationship never goes further than a teenage engagement.
Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White is a complex one; while she exhibits moments of spirit and tenacity, her overall performance fails to elevate the character beyond a stereotype of innocence. The film’s songs, crafted by Pasek and Paul, may aim to enhance her journey, yet they often feel more like obligatory musical interludes than integral components of the storyline. On the contrasting end, Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen is disappointing, reduced to superficial expressions and gestures that lack emotional depth. The comparison to Angelina Jolie’s compelling performance as Maleficent only highlights Gadot’s shortcomings, as her portrayal seeks validation without delivering anything substantial.
The film’s emotionally charged dramatic confrontations lack resolution, resulting in scenes that feel unearned. Focusing on wit over physical confrontation leaves pivotal storylines unresolved, leaving viewers disoriented. Snow White’s supposedly moral choice to spare her stepmother appears impractical, reducing the narrative tension to a shallow call for forgiveness that fails to resonate on a deeper level.
Disney’s Snow White has faced numerous controversies, particularly regarding the casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, which sparked debates on representation and authenticity, especially in light of her criticisms of the original film. These issues, amplified on social media, reflect wider discussions on diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the reimagining of beloved characters, including the dwarfs, has received mixed reactions from audiences across the spectrum.
Financially, Disney’s Snow White has struggled to meet expectations, grossing only $144.1 million by its second weekend against its exorbitant budget. Projected losses of $115 million expose the challenges of reinterpreting classic stories in a complex media landscape, struggling to attract both traditionalists and newcomers. Nevertheless, the narrative of the film may continue beyond its box office performance. A possible streaming release on Disney+ could broaden its audience and allow for a fresh re-evaluation of its themes. The film’s visual allure and attempts to address contemporary issues suggest that its cultural relevance might shift, potentially garnering more appreciation in the future.
Disney’s Snow White aspires to weave together themes of kindness and courage with modern reflections on identity and power. Despite its artistic ambitions and unresolved controversies, Disney’s Snow White struggles to establish its footing, reminding us that the core of storytelling lies in its ability to adapt and resonate meaningfully with both old and new audiences.
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