Once Upon A Dream The Making Of Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty is a classic fairy tale that has been enjoyed by generations. The story of a princess who falls into a deep sleep after being cursed by an evil fairy, only to be awakened by true love's kiss, has captured the hearts of many. However, the making of the film was not as simple as the story may suggest. In this article, we will take a closer look at the making of Sleeping Beauty and the challenges faced during its production.
The Inspiration Behind Sleeping Beauty
The story of Sleeping Beauty dates back to the 14th century and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years. However, the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty came from a ballet performance of the same name that Walt Disney attended in 1951. Disney was so impressed with the performance that he decided to adapt the story into an animated feature film.
The Challenges Of Creating Sleeping Beauty
Creating Sleeping Beauty was a massive undertaking for Disney. The film's production took six years and cost $6 million, making it the most expensive animated film at the time. One of the biggest challenges was creating the intricate background art for the film. Disney wanted the film to have a unique look and feel, so he hired artist Eyvind Earle to create the backgrounds. Earle's style was inspired by medieval art and he spent months researching and creating the beautiful backgrounds that are a hallmark of the film.
Another challenge was the film's music. Disney wanted Sleeping Beauty to have a classical music score, so he hired composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's music as inspiration. However, the score was not completed until after his death, so the film's composers adapted his music to fit the film's needs. The result was a beautiful score that perfectly complements the film's visuals.
The Legacy Of Sleeping Beauty
Despite the challenges faced during its production, Sleeping Beauty was a critical and commercial success. The film's unique art style and classical music score set it apart from other animated films of the time. It has since become a beloved classic and has inspired countless adaptations and spin-offs.
Sleeping Beauty's legacy can be seen in Disney's current lineup of films. The company has continued to produce animated fairy tales with visually stunning backgrounds and memorable music scores. The influence of Sleeping Beauty can also be seen in other forms of media, such as video games and merchandise.
Conclusion
The making of Sleeping Beauty was not an easy task, but the end result was a beautiful and timeless classic. Its unique art style and classical music score have inspired countless adaptations and spin-offs. The legacy of Sleeping Beauty can be seen in Disney's current lineup of films and other forms of media. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the creativity of those who bring those stories to life.