LITTLE MERMAID
This Disney's production shot in 1989 is an adaptation of a tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. For the first time, songs are part of the narrative plot, system used again in posterior films made by Disney.
Identification sheet:
USA, 1989
Running time: 84 minutes
Direction: John Musker and Ron Clements
Production: Disney
Sound Track: Alan Menken
Main characters:
There has been a slight change on the character's names. The little mermaid is called Ariel. The Prince, Eric and the king of Oceans, Triton, inspired in traditional representations of poseidon and Neptune. The nurse of all royal memaids disappears in the film.
The change in teh characters is the transformation of Ursula's role, the sea witch, who attempts to gain control and rule the ocean, and become the Prince's wife instead of our heroine. The original version of the tale just presnets her as a witch and the Pirnce is to marry a young aristocrat.
An adaptation without cruelty:
As usual (exception made with Snow White's step-mother!) Disney softens his versions and eliminates violent scenes. Andersen describes Ariel's transformation into a fully-human girl with preciosion and blood! Also, the price she has to pay is not only her voice, but her tonge, which the witch cuts off. And even worse, the poor girl cannot walk unless she stabs blades on her feet.
However, the film has been simplified. The compulsory happy ending arrives after a titanic final combat, and the little mermaid is given her voice back and can happily marry her Prince sorrounded by all cute animals and creatures.
That's far from Andersen's plot, in which the little mermaid, having failed in her love quest, becomes "the daughter of the air" sentenced to 300 years of etherial life.
Songs that break the narrative line:
It was a good idea to give Sebastian (the crab) a Caribean accent, which makes the song have a lot of rhythm. But pointless lyrics and lack of inspiration for the melodies make the sound track boring even for the youngest children.
Moreover, Disney must br turning in his grave for the easthetics of this film! You can state that Little Mermaid is often not only a nightmare for your ears but also for your eyes.