Comparing Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (1959) and Maleficent (2014): Character Development and Story Evolution

The character of Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, undergoes a significant transformation across the 1959 Disney animated film and the 2014 live-action adaptation, Maleficent. This evolution, while not drastic, is pivotal in understanding how Disney has cultivated the character over time, and how her story has evolved.

Character Overview in Sleeping Beauty

Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (1959) is introduced as a young, innocent, and vulnerable girl. This character stands as a victim whose fate is sealed by the enchantment cast by the evil fairy Maleficent. Aurora is portrayed as a damsel in distress, waiting for a knight in shining armor to come and rescue her. Her primary traits include naivety, purity, and a deep appreciation for the simplicity of nature. Her curiosity and youthfulness make her easy prey for the sorceress's curse, which dooms her to fall into a deep sleep upon her sixteenth birthday.

Character Development in Maleficent (2014)

Aurora in Maleficent (2014) marks a significant shift. Here, Aurora is depicted as a young adult, more sophisticated, and poised. She is no longer a passive character but rather a person growing into her identity. Her transformation is evident in how her character’s personality and relationships have evolved from the innocence of her childhood to the maturity and strength she exhibits as a young adult. Aurora is no longer seen as merely a passive protagonist but as a heroine with agency over her own life. She shows a complexity that hadn't been present in the 1959 film, reflecting a character development arc that was both rich and nuanced.

Character Traits and Personalities

While Aurora's physical elegance is a common thread between both films, her personality is slightly different. In Sleeping Beauty, Aurora is characterized by her childlike wonder and dependence. She is often seen with a sense of awe, interacting with nature and animals as if they were friends. There's a clear sense of vulnerability, which makes the audience root for her to emerge from the curse.

In Maleficent, Aurora is more elegant in her movements and demeanor, embodying a sense of maturity that stems from her experiences and the lessons she has learned. However, this elegant presence does not imply a loss of her childlike charm and wonder. Instead, it highlights her ability to balance innocence and maturity as she navigates more complex emotions and situations. Her character in this film is driven by a deeper sense of purpose and determination, making her more than just the object of Maleficent's curse. She is a force that Maleficent must reckon with, adding layers to her role as the protagonist.

Comparative Analysis

The confusion about Aurora's personality between the two films can be mitigated by recognizing the distinct periods and intentions of their production. The 1959 film aimed to create a classic tale with a simple storyline and clear-cut villains and heroes. Aurora was thus created as an innocent character whose purity and goodness contrasted with the wickedness of Maleficent. On the other hand, Maleficent sought to humanize and explore the character of Maleficent. In doing so, it also provided a more in-depth look at Aurora, revealing a character who is mature yet retains elements of her youthful innocence.

Moreover, the 2014 film includes elements that guide the audience to understand Aurora's development. For instance, in Maleficent, Aurora is a young adult living in an intertwined and complex world where interpersonal and mythical bonds are significant. The progression of her character is a result of the narrative's need to explore the multi-faceted relationships in the story. It demonstrates how her role as a protector and the one who is ultimately capable of breaking the curse against Maleficent's expectations plays a crucial role.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Aurora's character in the 1959 and 2014 films is intricately woven and serves different purposes. The 1959 film focuses on a young, elegant, and vulnerable girl, while the 2014 film presents a more complex and mature character. Aurora’s role was evolved to match the narrative's needs and to reflect the changing cultural and artistic landscape. This evolution adds depth to her character and broadens the audience's understanding of her beyond the simple princess archetype.