Music and the Fictive Dream: A Deep Dive into the Musical Alchemy of Tangled
Biographical Information:
"Tangled," released in 2010, is a Disney animated film that reimagines the classic tale of Rapunzel. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, the film's musical score is composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. Menken, renowned for his work on other Disney classics, brings his musical expertise to create a diverse and emotionally resonant soundtrack for this enchanting tale.
Role in the Story:
The musical elements in "Tangled" play a multifaceted role in shaping the narrative. The opening number, "When Will My Life Begin?" introduces Rapunzel's routine in the tower through a lively and rhythmic melody. This song not only establishes the character's longing for freedom but also sets the tone for the entire film. The use of upbeat tempos and catchy tunes reflects Rapunzel's optimistic and adventurous spirit.
As the story progresses, the ballad "Mother Knows Best" showcases the darker side of Mother Gothel's character, with Menken's music incorporating a mysterious and foreboding atmosphere. In contrast, the lantern scene, accompanied by "I See the Light," employs a romantic and sweeping orchestration, heightening the emotional impact of Rapunzel and Flynn's connection. The film's musical diversity, ranging from folk-inspired tunes to Broadway-style ballads, contributes to the richness of the storytelling.
Musical Elements:
1. Melody and Harmony: The film's score is characterized by memorable melodies that capture the whimsy and emotion of the story. The harmonies, whether in the uplifting "When Will My Life Begin?" or the tender "I See the Light," enhance the emotional resonance and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the scenes.
2. Instrumentation: The choice of instruments reflects the film's fairy-tale setting. From the use of traditional orchestration in grand moments to folk instruments in scenes of adventure, the instrumentation adds depth and texture to the storytelling. The incorporation of subtle motifs and leitmotifs also aids in character development.
3. Lyricism: Glenn Slater's lyrics seamlessly intertwine with the narrative, offering insight into the characters' emotions and motivations. The wordplay in "Mother Knows Best" and the heartfelt expressions in "I See the Light" showcase the lyrical prowess that enhances the storytelling experience.
Social Commentary:
While "Tangled" doesn't explicitly delve into social commentary, its underlying themes of self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams resonate with audiences navigating their own paths. The music serves as a conduit for these themes, reinforcing the importance of individuality and resilience through its expressive and evocative elements.
Opinion:
The intricate musical elements in "Tangled" captivate me. The nuanced interplay of melody, harmony, and lyrics elevates the emotional impact of the story. Menken's ability to adapt his musical style to fit the diverse moods of the film showcases his mastery in enhancing the fictive dream through music.
In essence, the musical alchemy of "Tangled" is a testament to the power of a well-crafted score in animated storytelling. The careful attention to musical elements not only enhances the audience's connection to the characters but also contributes to the film's enduring charm and appeal.
Hello Rodric. I remember Tangled so well. I watched it many times. As I was listening to the “Mother Knows Best” song, I started laughing as I remembered my mom singing, “Skip the drama, stay with mama. Mother knows best!” LOL Well, I was five years old at that time, so I am glad I stayed and listened to my mama. I agree with you that the melodies are so memorable and they really make these songs unforgettable. I also agree with you when you state that the lyrics offer insight into the characters' emotions whether it is “skip the drama, stay with mama” or “now I'm here, suddenly I see, standing here, it's all so clear, I'm where I'm meant to be.” Here is an interesting fact about “I See the Light.” This song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011. It did not win; "We Belong Together" from Disney Pixar's Toy Story won that year.
ReplyDeleteHi Rodric! I really loved your take on the music setting the tone for the rest of the film, the lyrics as well as her overwhelming attitude to explore really do show her sheltered nature and gives the audience a glimpse into what the movies plot is going to be. Something I noticed would be all of her movement and activities during the many scenes where she is singing about seeing the rest of the world show that she is overly experienced in her environment and suffering with the boredom that comes along with having nothing new to do. For example she swings from the castle using her hair as if she has done it thousands of times before, and ending the song with more of a sad tone exclaiming that she still needs more from life than just these experiences. I find this to be oddly common between other Disney films that want to tell the story of a child wanting to grow with parents that are unsupportive of the idea, maybe look into the Croods beginning musical where the main character sings about wanting to explore. It almost seems identical with most of the same characteristics this movie contained, such as knowing the environment to the point of boredom.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy watching “Tangled” and I can’t believe that it was released about 13 years ago. I kind of agree with your statement that “Tangled doesn’t have a focused social commentary but if I had to determine one, I would think it would be young adults, mainly young women, stepping out of their comfort zone and exploring the world. This can be shown in the song “Mother Knows Best” because it is showing a parent figure that it is usually most appealing to do the things that we are familiar with. Another movie that has a message about stepping out of your comfort zone is “The Lion King” with the song “No Worries.”
ReplyDeleteThe music in "Tangled" goes beyond just being a soundtrack; it's like a secret weapon for storytelling. Alan Menken's ability to tweak the tunes to fit different moods in the movie shows how music can pull us into the character's emotions. It's not just about catchy beats; it delves into themes like self-discovery and chasing dreams. This passage reminds us how, when done right, music adds that special touch to make an animated tale unforgettable. It's not just about visuals; it's about emotions, and "Tangled" nails it with its music.
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