Introduction
2013 3D animated fantasy movie Frozen is one of the latest productions by Walt Disney Animation Studios. It is often regarded as Disney’s most successful and influential piece amongst animated films that were produced over the last decade. With an alternative approach to writing leading characters, Disney has made a great effort to improve and rethink its female protagonists. While most of the older leads depicted gentle and dreamy girls who were in need of help from strong male characters, the new generation of Disney’s “Princesses” makes their path. Frozen’s main characters – Anna and Elsa represent this new generation denying any help from male protagonists except few cases, therefore affecting the production.
Female Leading Characters of Frozen
From 20th to the 21st century, Disney’s contribution to the animation was of utmost influence. As stated by Morrison, while following a seemingly similar plot, the princess series that Disney created remained hugely influential across the decades from 1937 (Snow White) to 2013 (Frozen) (2). In fact, when the titles of famous fairy tales emerge in the dialog, most of the participants would recall the shots from Disney’s animations. Therefore, it becomes apparent that the statement about Disney’s influence is not an exaggeration.
Furthermore, Disney’s influence has grown to the point where it has become a necessity. The meaning of that is that Disney’s products must now cope with the trends of modern society and, therefore, adjust its productions. Disney took notice of the growing feminist movement and adapted their characters to be more appealing to this part of the society. Disney’s main characters are overwhelmingly feminine, and they have always reflected certain traits that women of different times and cultures had. In order to stay relevant, character’s design always had to undergo certain adjustments. These adjustments led female characters created in this decade to become stronger and more independent (Streiff and Dundes 49). This point is further supported by Garabedian when she observes the gender roles that Disney characters had earlier and the roles that they have now; it is Frozen that breaks all stereotypes regarding gender roles including not one but two strong female leading characters in its plot (24).
To summarize, while growing feministic trends may not be the sole reason for Disney’s characters’ changes, it is obviously one of the main grounds of the alterations. Female leading characters have developed to be more powerful, strong, and independent from male characters to the point when they consciously deny their help or even their presence.
Examples from the Animation
Over the course of the animated film, the abovementioned influence takes form. Both main characters (Anna and Elsa) have a background of growing together and relying solely on each other (“Frozen | 2013 | Opening Scene,” 2016). They had to develop strong character and willpower which is especially evident for Elsa as she demonstrates that she can stand on her own even against great dangers (“Elsa Battles the Guards- Frozen 1080p HD,” 2014). However, what is most important is Anna and Elsa’s dedication towards each other. With Anna serving as an example, one can see that the modern leading characters of Disney are not only capable physically but are strong in their hearts as well. For example, when Elsa shows selflessness and dedication to her sister (“Frozen-Anna save Elsa,” 2014). Both sisters are in contrast, and they represent both power and compassion towards each other and their loved ones.
Conclusion
Creation of Disney’s Frozen was greatly inspired by the modern topics of interest. These topics are then conveyed through the characters of the animated movie. Furthermore, characters are presented from the new perspective that corresponds with current trends. Had it not been for Anna and Elsa’s dominant personalities, the plot of the movie would have been entirely different focusing on the older models of lead female protagonists.
Works Cited
“Elsa Battles the Guards- Frozen 1080p HD.” YouTube, uploaded by DrDman2000, Web.
“Frozen | 2013 | Opening Scene.” YouTube, uploaded by Tons of Cartoons, 2016, Web.
“Frozen-Anna save Elsa.” YouTube, uploaded by Wolfine Clarisa, 2014, Web.
Garabedian, Juliana. “Animating Gender Roles: How Disney is Redefining the Modern Princess.” James Madison Undergraduate Research Journal, vol. 2, no. 1, 2015, pp. 21-25.
Morrison, Danielle. “Brave: A Feminist Perspective on the Disney Princess Movie.” Semantic Scholar, 2014, Web.
Streiff, Madeline, and Lauren Dundes. “Frozen in Time: How Disney Gender-Stereotypes Its Most Powerful Princess.” Social Sciences, vol. 6, no. 2, 2017, Web.