Presentation Due Today
Es-d
BraveFinalpresentation.pptx
Brave is set in the highlands of medieval Scotland where princess Merida employs a compelling character with the purpose of challenging the typical idea that is found in most Disney films. Which usually narrates a story about young women finding their ‘prince charming’ and the ultimate 'happily ever after’ ending.
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How pixar deviated from the stereotypical princess, and created a brave one
Tamara Naoura
Pixar’s previous films such as Cinderella, beauty and the beast, sleeping beauty and many others illustrate the misogyny inherent in children’s movies which is disheartening to realize how young children aspire to become a ‘princess’. These films manipulate young children since their lives are so perfectly constructed in the films with the typical ‘happy ending’ unlike Brave, which was the first film with a female lead which contrasts to the typical Disney film, seeing as men were seen as the heroic figure. On the other hand, Brave explores the consequences irrational behaviour.
Previous Disney films following the stereotypical ending with their “ prince charming” giving the wrong idea to viewers about their future aspirations.
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Merida is far from the passive pretty princess beloved by traditionalists. The focal point throughout the film is to combat stereotypes set by society to empower young females.
Merida clearly combats this by showing a sense of dominance over her parents and rebels against their wishes in order to prove her strength as a female.
In the film Brave, Merida fights for her independence and teaches young girls to be content within their own self, rather than a ‘happily ever after ending’ with their prince charming. Medieval Scotland was a patriarchal society, where authority was invested in men, and in which women had a very limited legal status. Daughters were meant to be subservient to their fathers, and wives to their husbands. Merida clearly combats this by showing a sense of dominance over her parents and rebels against their wishes in order to prove her strength as a female.
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Her hair is covered up to make her well presentable and neat. Her identity is being taken away from her to look attractive.
She is wearing makeup, since her mother wanted her to look pretty for the wedding ceremony.
Merida's facial expressions portray her being unamused, and is avoiding facing the reality.
She is forced into wearing a necklace to look more feminine and appealing to men
Merida's facial expressions portray her being unamused, and is avoiding facing the reality, as a result she is closing her eyes. She seems discontent and her hair is covered up to make her well presentable and neat. Her identity is being taken away from her to look attractive to the men wishing to marry her
A generalization of attributes or personal traits can be seen as stereotyping through repetition of motifs. As for the self-fulfilling prophecies that may be led by stereotypes, this is conveyed through the way Merida is expected to dress because of her ’ princess’ status and her mother’s pride . despite having their difference in the way Merida chooses to dress. Girls succumb and bind to pressure which is clearly evident through Merida’s unpleasant facial expressions. Thus implementing a reoccurring Motifs which is noticeable and plays a significant role in defining the nature of the story.
She has vibrant hair that stands out, symbolizing power and dominance . The bright orange represents her personality illustrating bravery and power. suggesting she is wild and fierce, thus challenging the typical princess look.
She is forced into wearing a necklace in order to make her appeal more feminine
Her dress is tight, to show off her body. This degrades women as the mum is showing off Merida's body in order to be appealing to the men. Which defeats the purpose of empowering women
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She has vibrant hair that stands out, symbolizing power and dominance . The bright orange represents her personality illustrating bravery and power. suggesting she is wild and fierce, thus challenging the typical princess look.
She is content and pleased, as she is representing her power and strengths by implementing her own style and wearing whatever she pleases, rather than dressing to impress
Merida is wearing a loosely fitted dress showing she does not have to sexualize herself to be a attractive to men, nor a ”woman”
She is content and pleased, as she is representing her power and strengths by implementing her own style and wearing whatever she pleases, rather than dressing to impress
Merida is wearing a loosely fitted dress showing she does not have to sexualize herself to be a attractive to men, nor a ”woman”
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Merida is using weapons despite her mothers dissatisfaction and unimpressed facial features. Merida shows a sense of dominance over authority, despite her mothers orders and rebels against the demands that come with the dubious honor of being born into royalty
This is evident since she knows how to ‘ use a bow and arrow, as well as being skilled in riding horses.’ Stereotypically, this is not a common trait that a woman proudly carries. Therefore, she is portrayed into being a wild and fierce persona, similarly to connotations of the ‘horse’ she rides on, which is associated with freedom and dignity. However, this juxtaposes the central point of the struggles Merida faces seeing as she is controlled by her mother’s expectations and in fact she is restrained from expressing her hobbies. Moreover, the use of repetition ‘Merida, Merida’ suggests society is reaching out to her in order to obtain her attention and empathy with the purpose of empowering other females carrying similar traits as herself, thus emphasizing the significance Merida has on her kingdom. To further extend, Merida aspires to be as mighty as her father, employing traditionally masculine traits. The use of onomatopoeia ‘ RAWR’ when her father is narrating an anecdote signifies the lack of elegance, and femininity employed in this ‘ princess’ therefore challenging typical stereotypes as a princess is expected to carry herself gracefully
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The use of the personal pronoun suggests how she is independent, and is capable of leading her own life without anyone interfering, which also conveys the extent to which her ambitions are exceeding her limits, seeing as the sky is without limits, which reflects on her behaviour.
Merida clearly has dreams and ambitions which make her unique ‘I will rise, I will fly, chase the wind and touch the sky’ The use of the personal pronoun suggests how she is independent, and is capable of leading her own life without anyone interfering, which also conveys the extent to which her ambitions are exceeding her limits, seeing as the sky is without limits, which reflects on her obnoxious behaviour. Moreover, the implementation of ‘ chase the wind’ personifies the wind making it seem as if it moving, which could imply that the gender stereotyping is progressing and moving forwards, however; pathetic fallacy could also be applied showing how her attitude is going against her parents’ wishes, therefore this is conveyed through the use of ‘ wind’ by suggesting the wind is harsh, which reflect on the brutal reality and how she is going against her parents, therefore suggesting a disaster such as heavy wind which could potentially ruin property, symbolizing ruining their family bond.
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Referneces
Digitalcommons.calpoly.edu. (2018). [online] Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1178&context=comssp [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
Flynn, C. (2018). Merida From 'Brave' Is The Most Feminist Princess. [online] Bustle. Available at: https://www.bustle.com/articles/107099-fact-merida-from-brave-is-disneys-most-feminist-princess [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
Libertyhippie.com. (2018). Brave Gender Roles. [online] Available at: https://libertyhippie.com/2017/09/17/brave-gender-roles/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
prezi.com. (2015). Gender Roles In Brave. [online] Available at: https://prezi.com/pkgukghimf34/gender-roles-in-brave/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
References
prezi.com. (2018). Progression of Gender Roles in Disney Movies. [online] Available at: https://prezi.com/sfnnczkolwyb/progression-of-gender-roles-in-disney-movies/ [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
Suarez, A. (2018). The Evolution of Disney Films From Snow White to Now. [online] Hollywood.com. Available at: http://www.hollywood.com/movies/the-evolution-of-disney-films-from-snow-white-to-now-60557826/#/ms-22719/6 [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
Tjitrosoediro, S. (2018). An Analysis of Gender Stereotypes and Performativity in Brave Disney Movie. [online] Academia.edu. Available at: https://www.academia.edu/12854890/An_Analysis_of_Gender_Stereotypes_and_Performativity_in_Brave_Disney_Movie [Accessed 30 Nov. 2018].
Mourya, S. (2012). BEST SCENE from the movie Brave.2012. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfDyiCY57eo [Accessed 12 Dec. 2018].
