Encanto: Storytelling with Song
In my earlier analysis, “Hunchback of Notre Dame: Storytelling in Song,” I explored an example of how song can be used to inform the audience about a character or advance a story. Last month, I’ve watched “Encanto.” While my initial reaction was “it’s okay,” I grew to appreciate it more as it marinated in my mind. That said, I became obsessed with one of their songs, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” But why? Does it tell us about a character? Does it advance the plot?
Actually...it does both.
Often, a song will focus on one character. In this case, while the song may be about Bruno, we learn quite a lot more about the other side characters. Each character’s verse is sung differently and matches their personality.
Felix and Luisa share a cha-cha dance as they recall how Bruno ruined their wedding day. Their playful call and response, followed by duet, tells a lot about their loving relationship.
Dolores has a soft, rapid approach, as if sharing a deep, dark secret. This, of course, reflects her gift of enhanced hearing. Despite being kept largely in the background by her family, she has insight on Bruno’s effects on their family. This mirrors Mirabel’s fears that her actions could have a similar effect as Bruno. Her mantra passed from Abuela is to make her family proud. If Mirabel isn’t careful, she could end up like Bruno.
Camilo is the mischievous cousin with shape shifting abilities, which he takes full advantage of as he paints Bruno as an old wives’ tale to scare Mirabel. He utilizes a technique called syncopation, which is when notes are sung off the beats. It builds tension and adds to the distinction of his verse. This reflects his personality. He’s at an age where he’s trying to find himself, and his powers allow him to appear in many different forms. It’s also possibly the root of his mischievousness as he seeks distinction.
We then hear from different townspeople who were given negative prophecies that came true. The implication was that Bruno’s words caused these negative events to occur. Of course, that’s not how prophecy actually works, but that’s the public perception.
Isabella and Dolores, the eldest of their siblings, then follow with their verses. What’s interesting is that while Isabella received most of the family’s attention throughout the movie, Dolores was largely overlooked. This is reflected in their verses, which run with inverted notes. In this point of the song, both are positioned above people. Isabella is in the spotlight, much like a theater performance. This is a subtle foreshadow that her perfect princess persona is an act. In contrast, Dolores’ position is framed as a lonely distance. She can see her desire, but dances alone. Both share about the prophecy they received from Bruno. Isabella’s prophecy promises the life of her dreams. At the time, we think this refers to Mariano. Later, we find out otherwise. On the other hand, Dolores’ prophecy laments about the man of her dreams being out of reach, also referring to Mariano. Isabella then overlaps with Dolores, further pushing her to the background. If you listen closely, Dolores’ lines foreshadow Bruno’s whereabouts.
Tensions build as Mirabel becomes more desperate to understand Bruno’s prophecy about her while the clock is ticking down to Mariano’s arrival. This hits a crescendo with everyone singing their verses simultaneously, creating a chaotic but beautiful flow. The choreography as they set the dinner table matches the beat perfectly.
Mirabel heads towards her room, but stops at Luisa’s door. The door flickers, reminding us of what’s at stake. A brief look of guilt on Mirabel’s face tells us everything we need to know and pushes her to find the truth about Bruno’s picture. Mirabel goes to her room and assembles the picture pieces as everyone’s verses wrap around her in a chaotic fashion. When she finally sees the full picture, her tone drastically changes to horror. The song book ends as she understands why she shouldn’t have talked about Bruno.
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is rightfully the breakout song of “Encanto.” Interestingly, this song is also a subversion of the villain song. Many times in Disney movies, the villain song steals the show. I even wrote about one in my previous entry about storytelling through song. Generally, these songs are sung by the villain and reveals something about him/her. In “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” the song is sung by nearly everyone but Bruno. In addition, Bruno is later revealed to not actually be a villain. This adds yet another layer to this spectacular song. Time will tell how “Encanto” stands alongside classics like “Aladdin” or “Frozen,” but I’m betting this song will be well remembered.