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"Snow White and the Huntsman" draws you into the nuanced clash between beauty and innocence within this darker take on the classic fairy tale. This cinematic gem, earning a solid four stars, entices me to explore the characters, aesthetics, and the subtle themes shaping the narrative.
The film, from the producers of "Alice in Wonderland," weaves a tale of treachery, magic, and the pursuit of eternal youth. The Evil Queen Ravenna, played masterfully by Oscar winner Charlize Theron, employs deception, seduction, and regicide to ascend to power, ruling through intimidation and dark magic.
Ravenna's source of power lies in draining the life force from other beautiful young hearts and souls, a macabre quest for perpetual beauty. The narrative pivots around the emergence of Snow White, the late king's daughter, as the key obstacle standing between Ravenna and her elusive immortality.
Confined to a tower in the castle since childhood, Snow White's innocence becomes the inadvertent weapon against Ravenna's quest for everlasting beauty.
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"Be warned," the tale whispers, "her innocence and purity can both destroy and save."
The heart of this tale beats with the flawless acting of Charlize Theron as Queen Ravenna. Known for her previous roles in "Monster" and "The Italian Job," Theron displays a versatile performance, transitioning from revengeful characters to the narcissistic queen who craves unmatched beauty. The mirror scenes, particularly the second one, epitomize Theron's prowess. The Queen queries, "Mirror, Mirror on the wall, who is fairest of them all?" The mirror's response exposes Ravenna's defiance of nature and her insatiable desire for unbridled beauty.
Theron's authenticity as an actress is palpable, but it's her powerful actions that speak volumes, even conveying entire conversations through subtle movements.
Ravenna's character depth is accentuated by her conviction, manifested in her last words to the murdered king. "Men use women. They ruin us and when they are finished with us, they toss us to the dogs like scraps," she declares. Even in her moments of vulnerability, such as dragging herself out of the black goop after killing Snow White, her narcissism shines through, a basic yet powerful need for power and prestige.
Adding another layer of depth to Ravenna's quest for beauty is the film's main soundtrack, "Breath of Life" by Florence and the Machine. The music, with its drum beats and endless-midnight orchestral sweep, becomes a metaphor for Ravenna's relentless pursuit of vitality. The lyrics, "I was looking for a breath of life, a little touch of heavenly light," resonate with Ravenna's desperation to maintain her ethereal beauty. The soundtrack encapsulates the internal struggle of a character fighting against the inevitable passage of time.
However, the brilliance of Theron's casting stands in stark contrast to the major flaw in Kristen Stewart's portrayal of Snow White. Known for her role as Bella in the Twilight saga, Stewart falters in carrying the weight of a lead actress role. Unlike her Twilight character, Stewart's Snow White lacks the support of main characters to bolster her performance, resulting in a drained portrayal of innocence. The "fight to the death" scene between Snow White and Ravenna highlights this deficiency, where Theron's fire and elegance overpower Stewart's inability to evoke a believable character.
On the flip side, Chris Hemsworth's portrayal of the Huntsman injects life into the film. His character, a mix of life and death, presents a refreshing take on the contrast between the two main roles. Whether dragged out of a dirty tub with a hangover or pleading for forgiveness in the face of death, Hemsworth adds a layer of complexity to the narrative.
A significant contributor to the film's allure is Colleen Atwood, a name synonymous with exceptional movie design. With BAFTA and Oscar nominations under her belt, Atwood's influence on the film's visual aesthetic is undeniable. Renowned for her work in "Dark Shadows," "Alice in Wonderland," "Edward Scissorhands," and "The Silence of the Lambs," Atwood's epic fantasy costumes elevate the film to a new level of dark allure.
From the ancient attire of the Huntsman to the modern flair of Snow White's traditional dress, Atwood's mastery is evident. Yet, it's Ravenna's wardrobe that steals the spotlight. A floor-length silver dress worn in a pivotal stabbing scene becomes a piece of art. The exquisite details, flared sleeves, fitted body, and square neck breathe life into the vintage era setting. Ravenna's accessories, from a black and silver choker to a purple pendant, contribute to her regal persona. However, the most powerful accessory remains the claws on her right hand, a simple yet vicious prop used to chilling effect, such as eating a raven's heart.
This dark, evil, and beautiful movie garners its well-deserved four stars. Despite Kristen Stewart's inability to rise to the occasion, the story of Ravenna's demise more than compensates for the lack. The narrative weaves a tale of beauty, lust, pride, and a relentless quest for fairest blood. Theron's impeccable performance elevates the film, making it a must-see for 2012.
As the fairy tale goes, "Lips red as blood, hair dark as night, bring me your heart, my dear, dear Snow White."
"Snow White and the Huntsman": Beauty, Innocence, and the Dark Twist. (2017, Jan 03). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/snow-white-and-the-huntsman-essay
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