Should Snow White’s character be updated?
Does the classic Disney heroine need an empowerment edit?
Snow White” by The Dress Up Place is licensed under CC
II’m not much of a movie-goer. Never was, as I prefer to read (and I also like to take a break, get something to drink or visit my favorite personal restroom). However, after all the discussion about Snow White, the revised version, I have an opinion and want to know the opinions of others who value and evaluate STORY. Rachel Zegler, the actress playing Snow White, has called the plot “…weird, weird, weird,” and redefined the 1937 animated version as the tale of a girl lacking power, one who needs rescuing by a “stalker.” For me, the brouhaha is a pivot point for American culture: will we appreciate classic stories for their timelessness, for their view of our culture at a particular time, or be swept along by fads?
Here’s my simplistic discussion, MINUS mentioning Zegler’s casting as the titular character or her politics, sticking instead to her controversial comments about the original Disney cartoon’s story, so beloved by many.
What I believe about the story of Snow White from the classic Disney movie and the remake:
1. The prince is not a hero, nor does he stalk Snow White.
He either comes upon her adventitiously or he hears about the possibility of her and investigates what might be a local legend. He doesn’t fight anyone for this but simply rides up on his charger (and I love pretty horses).
2. Snow White is a heroine
As a very young, inexperienced, unarmed woman, Snow White goes alone into the dismal, dangerous forest and makes her way successfully.
3. The classic Disney Snow White IS about power
The 1937 film is the classic battle between good and evil, but not as represented by the standards of masculine power, instead by refreshingly feminine power and a pure heart. The Evil Queen is obviously dark,: a murderous, towering, powerful presence, with appearance as her criterion for strength—”The Fairest of Them All”—classic womanly power, her beauty allowing her to rule despite her evil heart. Snow White could, but does not need to, dethrone her as leader of the queendom. Instead, she demonstrates a uniquely womanly power: caring. She takes care of the dwarves, improving their lives, ultimately winning over those little misogynists. The prince is her reward… in addition to not being dead.
Zegler, in her bow to fad-du-jour thought processes, makes points demeaning the unique contributions and strengths of women by insisting the only measure of power is the masculine one. The dwarves labor underground digging gold, while living in sad squalor outside the mine. Snow White opens the windows of their home (their souls?), letting in light, comfort, happiness, and love. She’s not weak, she’s motherly. The ultimate feminine power symbol.
So forgive if this seems silly. It’s just that I love exploring all sides of literature and maybe, now, a movie or two. Anyone want to voice an opinion?
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