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.
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Skip to: Shrek (6:15), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (35:01), Maleficent (59:23), Overall (1:22:06), Coming Attractions (1:24:33)
Resources referenced in this episode:
- READ: “On Fairy Stories” by J. R. R. Tolkien
- READ: “Supertoys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss
- WATCH: The BEAST | A.I. ARG Mystery | DEEP CUTS on YouTube
- READ: “Sleeping Beauty” by the Brothers Grimm
- READ: “Sleeping Beauty” by Charles Perrault
Coming Attractions – Fairy Tales in the Modern Day
- The Red Shoes (1948)
- Ponyo (2008)
- Undine (2020)
Intro/outro music:
Ash by Mike Braudrick
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