Cinema continues to surprise with bold reinterpretations of classic tales, and “Blancanieves” is no exception. This Spanish film, released a few years ago, revisits the famous Snow White tale with a unique visual approach and captivating narrative style. Opting for a black-and-white silent format, it immerses viewers in a nostalgic atmosphere while offering a fresh perspective on the well-known story. However, despite its polished aesthetics and artistic daring, “Blancanieves” divided critics, not least because of its musical choices, which failed to convince everyone.
Live-action adaptations: reinventing Disney classics
Live-action adaptations of Disney classics are no longer a novelty, but they represent an effective strategy for modernizing and reinventing the studio’s iconic films. These reinterpretations, like those of Aladdin or Beauty and the Beast, have aroused the enthusiasm of several generations eager to see their childhood memories brought to life. Recently, however, the steady influx of such adaptations has been greeted with skepticism. By revisiting works such as Snow White, Disney strives to dust off the stereotypes of yesteryear to meet contemporary expectations, while navigating the inevitable controversies associated with such bold transformations.
Snow White: a bold and controversial modernization
Disney’s new adaptation of Snow White, scheduled for 2025, tackles one of the pillars of its cinematic legacy. By casting Colombian-born actress Rachel Zegler as the princess, the studio has sparked debate about the film’s faithfulness to the original character. The portrayal of the seven dwarfs, now computer-generated, also divided public opinion. While these choices reflect a desire to modernize the tale by discarding outdated stereotypes, they have also provoked mixed reactions. Conservative viewers criticized the changes, while others welcomed the evolution towards a stronger, more independent main character, in tune with today’s values.
A strong message for the younger generation
The new version of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, stands out for its commitment to transmitting essential values to younger generations. With an investment of $250 million, the film offers an impressive visual spectacle, particularly in the forest scenes. However, it’s the message conveyed that holds the attention: inner beauty, strength, justice, courage and authenticity are at the heart of the story. The soundtrack, though sometimes intrusive, supports this modern narrative. Compositions by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Jack Feldman reinvent the classics while introducing new melodies. In this way, Disney offers an inspiring heroine in tune with contemporary aspirations, despite the criticisms of purists.
