Why Rob Marshall’s The Little Mermaid is a musical achievement

Composer Alan Menken has repeatedly mentioned that writing music for an animated film Mermaid It was a miracle because it allowed him to combine emotion with an interesting story. A mix that can be seen in one of the studio’s most memorable soundtracks. However, the big challenge director Rob Marshall faced with his 2023 adaptation was respecting the classic film’s music while at the same time making changes to appeal to a new generation.

In 1989 Mermaid Ron Clements and John Musker revolutionized animated film. At the same time, it revitalized a studio that was going through the worst moment in its long history. The so-called Disney Renaissance began with the red mermaid. Part of the film’s success was due to the fact that it was a musical, opening the door for subsequent appearances The beauty and the Beast And Lion King, among the others. So your live action he had a significant responsibility to replicate the magic of the original without giving up on building his own identity. And to achieve both, music is needed.

Something that producer John DeLuca understood from the very beginning of filming. It was important to the director and the talented cinematographers to maintain the integrity of the original soundtrack, so they decided against making any drastic changes. What they did consider was adding songs that would give a fresh twist to the context of the actual action. A decision that allowed the music to delve deeper into characters like Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) and target a younger audience with raps performed by Awkwafina, the voice of Scuttle.

Mermaid restore strength with your music

The combination manages to maintain a balance between old and new. But also that the new adaptation Mermaid Capture the magic of the original without imitating it frame by frame. Although many scenes and tunes are very similar to the animated version, additions were made live action You will find your own voice.

A triumph that was achieved despite significant pressure experienced by the creative team. The story of how Jodi Benson, the voice of the animated Little Mermaid, wowed with her singing Part of your world to the original composers is already part of Hollywood history. It was clear that music was important. Halle Bailey chose to perform the same song at her audition, and her vocal abilities amazed the executives in attendance. In addition, the young performer will give the main character a new tone and a different character.

The significance of the actress’s talent was central to the analysis of the connection between music and new history. Songs from both versions Mermaid They are the same, although some aspects have been adapted to the new era. An example would be the song kiss the girl, sung Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina and Jacob Tremblay. In the original version, the text encouraged Prince Eric to take the initiative. The most recent reports emphasize agreement and make it clear that Ariel has the final say in this gesture.

In addition to controversial issues, the music of the new adaptation Mermaid He delves into the experiences of his protagonist, discovering new experiences. For the first time allows Halle Bailey to showcase her vocal talents. Bye Wild uncharted waters explores Eric’s personality and winks at the prince in a new dimension. Except, Scuttlebutt allows Lin-Manuel Miranda to make his mark on the soundtrack with an entertaining rap.

Improved version of the classic

Despite its changes, music in Mermaid remains central. This allows the adaptation to offer a new perspective. The film, which is closer to a drama than a musical itself, uses chords as a bridge to tell a larger story. But also to make their characters more human, and not just flesh-and-blood versions of classics.

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Designed to celebrate the history of animation, Rob Marshall’s film demonstrates that you can capture the magic of Disney classics without sacrificing the ability to give new versions your own character.