Disney’s Cinderella (2015) Review
By: Claudia 'Estrella' Caceres
Cast: Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter
Director: Kenneth Branagh
Although this has been what feels like the twentieth remake, Disney has proved, yet again, that no one can pull off a remake of a Disney film better than Disney can. However, despite having excellent casting and modern costumes, there are certain aspects you do not change from the original.
The story of Cinderella, for those that do not know, begins with our lovely heroine Ella (Lily James) with her mother and father. All is well until her mother falls ill and (spoiler alert!) dies leaving Ella and her father to love and care for one another. The final life lesson that Ella’s mother shares with her: “Be honest, and be kind.” Throughout her life, Ella honors her mother’s final words to her especially when dealing with her eventual stepmother, Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett).
Casting proves to be one of the more thought out components of the film. James is able to embody the beauty and grace of Cinderella without overdoing the innocence of the character. Blanchett gives the character of Lady Tremaine a wonderfully wicked wit. Even when she isn’t speaking, Blanchett is able to fully portray the jealousy and rage Lady Tremaine possesses towards Ella (later dubbed Cinderella). Although short lived, Helena Bonham Carter’s role as the Fairy Godmother proved to be well worth the wait! Although it is a major contrast to her normally dark roles, Carter shines as the good, humorous Fairy Godmother.
Merely looking at the pictures provided doesn’t give Sandy Powell’s final costume design any justice. All of the costumes move so elegantly and suit each character’s qualities so well. Lady Tremaine’s costumes, for example, are more form fitting than others which amplifies the slyness and almost snake-like quality in her character.
Although casting and costuming were done exceptionally well, there are some choices made by Branagh that seemed a bit questionable, whereas others helped further the story. Although Cinderella is meant to be a live action, James and Carter recorded their characters’ respected songs and were included during the end credits of the film. If the songs are recorded, why not include them in the film to give a nod to the 1950 classic? Their remakes were beautifully done. Why not use them to further the film? When looking at the relationship of Ella and her father, they almost seem too close for words. When he is about to depart for his final trading trip, Ella’s father asks her what she wants back from his travels. Ella’s response resembles a line a Shakespearean heroine would tell her lover. Eavesdropping on the duo’s intimate conversation, the spark of Lady Tremaine’s jealousy and rage is seen. By seeing this spark and later hearing more of her story, Lady Tremaine almost makes you sympathize with her.
Despite questionable aspects, such as keeping well known songs for the end credits and giving the relationship between Ella and her father a near incestuous vibe, Disney and Branagh bring a fresh look to a classic through wonderful casting and costumes.
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