Disney's animated classic 'The Little Mermaid' first captured our hearts in 1989 and continues to be a timeless treasure. Now, the live-action adaptation released in 2023 adds a new layer of vitality to this celebrated tale. The remake subtly reshapes Ariel's journey while keeping the essence of the original intact. As it deftly balances tradition with innovation, the film provides a richer narrative that aligns with contemporary sensibilities. Let's embark on a journey to discover the five principal ways the live-action 'The Little Mermaid' diverges from its animated forerunner.
Ariel Takes the Reins
Ariel, the intriguing Little Mermaid and one of King Triton's seven daughters, possesses an insatiable curiosity about the world above the ocean waves. While her fiery red hair and luminous eyes are visually striking, it is Ariel's courageous heart, ready to venture into the unknown, that sets her apart. Although her existence is deep beneath the sea, she nurtures an endless fascination for the human world above. In the original animation, her longing for terrestrial life and love propels her to make a distressing bargain with Ursula, the Sea Witch. She sacrifices her voice to experience life as a human, a poignant testament to her daring pursuit of her dreams.
In the updated live-action version, Ariel's character experiences a significant transformation. This Ariel isn't merely a passive figure waiting for events to unfold; she's more proactive and decisive. Instead of Prince Eric defeating Ursula, Ariel herself takes charge to end the conflict. Her character has evolved to become stronger and more independent, moving beyond the need for romantic love to define her. Instead, she seeks self-worth and identity through her pursuit of freedom and exploration. Additionally, her yearning for the world beyond the sea expands beyond her love for Prince Eric. She also desires to break free from her father's rule and discover a larger world.
The two versions of Ariel are strikingly different, with the new Ariel embracing modernity. She meets the expectations of today's audience by being more adventurous, taking control of her destiny, and embodying the spirit of female independence.
Beyond the Bonds of Marriage
The original 'The Little Mermaid' mostly revolved around the concept of marriage - will Prince Eric marry Ariel? Or will he marry Ursula's human alter ego, Vanessa? Much of the climax took place aboard a ship, with a series of comical incidents preventing the wedding from taking place.
However, the theme of marriage takes a backseat in the new live-action adaptation. While there are rumors of Prince Eric and Vanessa's engagement, no actual wedding occurs, and Ariel and Prince Eric do not wed at the end.
Audiences may miss the chaotic, uncontrollable climax of the original movie when all sea creatures unite to stop the wedding. However, life isn't all about marriage, right? This shift aligns the story with a modern societal perspective that believes relationships can exist beyond marriage, not necessarily culminating in wedlock. This change also accentuates Ariel's autonomy and independence. She doesn't need a marriage to define her but shapes her destiny through her choices and actions, prompting viewers to rethink the role and significance of marriage in life.
A More Diverse Cast of Mermaid Sisters
In the original 'The Little Mermaid,' Ariel has six sisters named Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, and Alana, all living with her under the sea in the kingdom of Atlantica. While they don't play significant roles in the story, the song "Daughters of Triton" provides audiences with some understanding of who they are.
However, in the new live-action version, Ariel's sisters take on new names: Tamika, Perla, Caspia, Indira, Mala, and Karina, and they no longer reside in the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. Instead, each sister reigns over one of the seven seas and returns home for the celebration of the Coral Moon.
Each sister now has a different nationality or ethnic background, emphasizing the idea that mermaids can hail from anywhere and look like anyone. Consequently, the song "Daughters of Triton," which introduced the daughters of King Triton in the original, has been removed from the film. Adding a darker element to the plot, the new story reveals that their mother was killed by humans, introducing a more somber tone to the narrative.
Expanded Portrayal of Prince Eric
In the original 'The Little Mermaid,' Prince Eric's backstory was relatively simple. He found Ariel stranded on the shore, they fell in love, and his chef attempted to kill Sebastian. However, in the new live-action film, the director provides Eric and his kingdom with a much richer background story.
In the new narrative, Eric, played by an adopted prince under the queen's (played by Noma Dumezweni) guardianship, is making efforts to expand his kingdom. His efforts aren't manifested in terms of colonial expansion, but rather in opening up borders to allow new ideas and viewpoints into his country. He also has a solo song in the film, and his castle showcases the Mediterranean characteristics of his kingdom.
Addition of Three New Songs
The original 'The Little Mermaid' had an unforgettable soundtrack, featuring classic songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl." These songs, with their catchy tunes and heart-touching lyrics, successfully captured Ariel's dreams, hopes, and curiosity and longing for the unknown world.
In the new version of 'The Little Mermaid,' three new songs have been added alongside the classics.
The first is "Wild Uncharted Waters," sung by Eric. This song accompanies Eric's richer backstory and expanded screen time. However, it's not an uplifting, aspirational song as one might expect.
The second song is "For the First Time" by Ariel. This song ingeniously resolves the issue in the original where Ariel can no longer sing after losing her voice, allowing her to imagine herself singing as she experiences the novelties of the human world.
The last song, "The Scuttlebutt," is performed by Scuttle and Sebastian. It has Lin-Manuel Miranda's distinctive rap style and serves as part of the story.
Conclusion
These changes not only offer us new perspectives but also make this beloved story resonate more with modern values and social viewpoints. Some changes might be hard to accept for fans of the original, but they're part of the story's progression over time. The live-action version of 'The Little Mermaid' gives us a chance to rediscover and dive deeper into the story we love, and to see how old narratives can shine anew in a new context.
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