THATFILMGUY

One Disney tale that is sure to put children off eating their 5-a-day is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney has always prided itself as being an innovative production company and surpassed itself when creating this story, becoming the first American animated feature film created in full colour. To gain perspective of the reception Disney showcased the film once in December 1937 and then released it nationwide in Feb 1938, tweaks tweaked and edits smoothened. The American Film Institute ranked this the greatest American animated film of all time in 98, a huge achievement considering the many animated films produced from 1937 to 1998.

Walt Disney’s first classic creation see’s the beginning of the animated motion picture with a moral. Snow White begins with a text over imagery combination introducing the audience to Snow White’s life. Stuck with the ultimate Stepmother from hell, not only is she hell-bent on making Snow White’s life miserable but she also rules over the land as Queen. Why the crazy control “ part jealousy, part because the Queen enjoys having control over another person. The exertion of power over another individual is Godly and something she should never have; never the less things deteriorate.

With her Father recently passed and no longer able to look out for her well being, Snow White gets treated as a second class citizen. After being chased from her home for being the fairest in the land and hunted by a killer, courtesy of her step mother, she seeks refuge in the secluded woods. The house she stumbles across however is not inhabited by any strange, lonesome people but by 7 Dwarfs. Seven Dwarfs with their own unique personality traits depicted in their name. Snow White has her eyes opened to a life completely unlike her own, surrounded by people that now care and respect her. It can’t hurt that they fall victim to her beauty too.

Welcoming the change to housewife for the seven charismatic dwarfs; her life is taken over with cooking, cleaning and keeping the house running whilst the men happily mine for Jewels. One point to remember is that 1937’s social standards are forever present and a women’s place is still in the home. Disney likes to push the boundaries and create something unique; but ultimately their aim is attract, entertain and make their millions, not instigate the feminist revolution.

Her troubles forgotten Snow White finally feel’s somewhat content; however back in the Kingdom of Evil, the Queen once again asks the mirror Who is the fairest of them all? expecting her name to be announced. When Snow White is still the loveliest, she smells deception and concocts a plan to tempt the young girl to eat a poisoned apple resulting in a deep sleep that lasts forever. The cure “ a kiss from her one true love in great Disney style.

In a story of deceit, jealously and death, Disney’s first attempt at the animated feature film is rather dark and ominous for children. Never the less Snow White goes on to be one of the most successful American animated films ever produced. Using the good vs. evil concept, which they grow and integrate into all their ˜classic’ tales, they will always have a princess to save or a wicked women to stop. Good will ultimately conquer all.

Jordanna K. Virdee 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Ranked 6th in All Time Animated Films