Today Alex and Jonathan look at three of the common ways that fairy tales are modified from their original setting to fit various modern sensibilities. We talk about the fairy tale mashup through the lens of Shrek (2001), the science fiction angle via A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001), and the misunderstood villain as portrayed in Maleficent (2014). We also discuss how to expand on and subvert fairy tale themes based on a common story bank, the need for strong creative and directorial vision, and the pitfalls of using fairy tales as a shortcut to audience appeal.

Skip to:

• (6:15) – Shrek
• (35:01) – A.I. Artificial Intelligence
• (59:23) – Maleficent
• (1:22:06) – Overall
• (1:24:33) – Coming Attractions

Coming Attractions:

• The Red Shoes (1948)
• Ponyo (2008)
• Undine (2020)

For more information, visit the blog: https://thefilmlings.wordpress.com/2023/10/27/fairy-tales-with-a-twist
Join us on Discord for ongoing film discussion: https://discord.gg/MAF6jh59cF