SNOW WHITE

The principal element in every version of Snow White is the contrast. Going full throttle in its resolution, completely dripping in contrast.  I firmly believe Snow White is more about contrast that it supersedes even its theme. A theme about vanity, and well, arrogance. Even the multiple versions the Brothers Grimm published, as well as, Disney’s version of the story. Snow White’s  story when it is light, it is feather light, when dark it is, it is black hole dark. WIth such strong contrast in theme and characters central to the story, it can be a challenge to ignore it or add to it. This film decides to add another theme to it, the contrast of delicacy and durability. This film wants to show things that are beautiful can be delicate or durable. That is a fallacy to think it’s one or another. Here the evil stepmother assigns weakness to delicacy and strength in durability. A belief that masks the arrogance with her. With that added theme and musical numbers this version doesn’t quite hit the bullseye, but it’ still on target. 

Directed by Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) it stars Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman). This film admirably attempts to adjust the major flaw within Snow White herself. A character being completely dependent on others for her rescue and her survival. The crux, that Snow White not even the hero in her own story.  Once again, a Disney film with fantastic production design, rich in texture. The songs and singing are equally terrific. What it struggles with is a wooden script, most notably with its love story that doesn’t have any spark to it. It would have been great to include more in the status quo start of the film. The true constant in this film is the rush pace.  The presentation of the dwarves is effective, there is a sense that Snow White once living with them has the ability to be more of a counselor  to them than just a domestic assistant. 

Without Rachel Zegler as Snow White I don’t know it would have ever worked. She is essential of course playing the title role, and her performance is beyond just effective. Everyone else in it is kind of forgettable. There’s nothing in this film that is outstanding or dismissal, it’s just effective filmmaking. But I don’t think Disney cares if they can get you in the seat and sing the songs after seeing it,