As Disney shows us gods and monsters with Marvel, and prepares to take us to a galaxy far, far away with Lucasfilm, quaint things like glass slippers and fairy godmothers might seem terribly old hat. Cinderella is proof that some stories truly are timeless, and when treated with equal measures of wit and respect, can still find ways to surprise and delight.
The plot requires little recapping, Cinderella follows the plot of the 1950 animated version fairly closely, making a few small, smart alterations. This isn’t some post-modern reimagining in the vein of Enchanted, or a complete ret-con like Maleficent, instead Director Kenneth Branagh focuses on taking a well known tale and telling it really well.
The major success of the film is its cast, Casting director Lucy Bevan has put together a fine ensemble where the main roles are given gravitas by fantastic performances, and minor roles are elevated into real characters, additions such as Hayley Attwell and Stellan Skarsgard (interestingly both Marvel alumni) make the film a rich tapestry. Obviously the key to the film was finding the right Cinderella, a role which Lily James completely inhabits. Sweet and innocent might be the hardest sell in all of acting, play it too straight and it can be sickening, playing it with a wink at the camera would have undermined the whole film. James manages to find the middle ground, a Cinderella who embodies the film’s message of being kind and having courage, while being fun and likeable - a lead we can root for.
Our Prince Charming (or Kit) is ably played Richard Madden, best known as Rob Stark from Game of Thrones. He proves a worthy love interest for James, and crucially the two are given a chance to build some chemistry before they are supposed to fall in love, seeming more like genuine lovestruck youths than cardboard airheads. Madden makes the best of a supporting role, thankfully the script gives him personality and motivation, and so he manages to make an impression on screen. It’s also nice to see Rob get to sit on the throne.
Cate Blanchett is have a ball as the wicked stepmother, carefully nibbling at the scenery in a way which fits the character rather than steals the scene. Similarly the ugly sisters (Sophie McShera and Holliday Grainger) romp around in the most fantastic pantomime outfits, mining comedic gold out of mean spirits. Helena Bonham Carter’s Fairy Godmother may potentially split audiences, she seems to be channeling Joanna Lumley in Absolutely Fabulous, personally I found her funny and felt she added a twist to a familiar scene.
Director Kenneth Branagh has been described as a safe pair of hands, but he is so much more than that. It takes a director of Branagh’s confidence to trust in the appeal of fairy tales, to believe that audiences will be invested in ball gowns and pumpkin carriages. Branagh has a great understanding of slapstick, and the film is patient in the way it earns such satisfying moments as an entire ballroom falling silent as Cinderella arrives at the top of the stairs.
There are some things that didn’t quite work for me. The world of Cinderella, while visually stunning, would not hold up to scrutiny. It is an age old Disney trick of cobbling together aspects from different areas to create a fairytale world, however unlike the world of Tangled or Frozen which feel as though you could step right into, the patchwork of Cinderella doesn’t quite fit. Also, and I realise this is an odd thing to pick up on, the mice characters seem undeveloped. Perhaps it is a hangover from the original, which is unfair to bring to the new version, yet they seemed to be there for fan service and as a plot device and not much more. However, while these elements stuck out to me, they are still well made, and the fact I mention them at all speaks to the excellence of the rest of the film.
There was a point in Cinderella that I realised I had a huge grin on my face, it is a film that hits all the right notes, with a few interesting new melodies thrown in. Branagh and co have delivered more than could be expected, a real family film with a kind and courageous heart.
WHO: Lily James never gives anything less than a performance worthy of a princess.
WHAT: The dance. And I never thought I’d say that.
WHY: To see Rob Stark on the throne!
WHEN: A timeless story, it will delight whenever.
No comments:
Post a Comment