This live-action remake of Cinderella was released on February 13, 2015. The film was directed by Kenneth Branaghm, and it was shot in Buckinghamshire, England. Disney remained very loyal to the original animated version of Cinderella; in fact Mark Romanek was supposed to be director, but because he had a dark version in mind, he was replaced by Branaghm. Costume design was the aspect of the mise-en-scene that impressed me the most. Sandy Powell, who is a three-time Oscar winner, was in charge of the costumes. Each costume served as a mirror to the characters’ personalities. The stepsisters, for example, wear strident colored dresses that are ridiculously accessorized. In addition they sport tight, pompous curls and excessive make-up. Their dresses reflect their obnoxious attitude and reveal the ugliness of their souls. Ella, on the other hand, wears simple sky-blue dresses, natural looking make-up, and loosely braided curls. The most important costume of the film is Ella’s ball dress. Powell said she “wanted her to look like she was floating, like a watercolor painting”. The final product is composed of more than a dozen fine layers of fabric, more than 270 yards of it too, and around 10,000 crystals. It captures Powell’s intentions perfectly, and makes for some of the movie’s most beautiful scenes.

Though it was not my choice to watch Cinderella, I enjoyed it. As with all fairy tales it was rather superficial, but adequate for its target audience. Looking at it as such, a children’s movie, I can appreciate it more. Every shot was charged with beautiful seemingly natural light, enchanting decor and floral motifs, and expressive costumes.

Whose points of views are being told in this story?

Mainly, the story is told from Ella’s point of view. It offers small insights into other character’s thoughts, such as the explanation for Lady Tremaine’s bitterness.  It approaches the theme of abuse in a very subtle way, and sends a simple message about the importance of love, kindness,courage, and forgiveness.

For the art I made a drawing with watercolor and ink.