Introduction

To unravel the mystery behind why the Ariel in ldquo;The Little Mermaidrdquo; has such wide-set eyes, it is crucial to understand the character design philosophies that shaped her portrayal throughout the history and various adaptations of the story.

Character and Animation Design

When considering the animated The Little Mermaid (1989), it is important to recognize that the character design in animated films is often driven by stylistic choices aimed at creating expressive and visually appealing characters. In the case of Ariel, her wide-set eyes are a hallmark of Disneyrsquo;s animation style. This design choice serves multiple purposes: it enhances the characterrsquo;s emotional expressiveness and makes her more visually engaging to the audience. The large, expressive eyes draw viewersrsquo; attention and amplify her personality and the overall visual appeal of the character.

Live-Action Adaptations

In live-action adaptations, such as the more recent version of ldquo;The Little Mermaid, rdquo; the positioning and distance between the eyes can naturally vary among actresses. This variability is more about the individualrsquo;s facial structure and less about a specific design choice. For instance, if a particular actress in the live-action film has eyes that are farther apart than the usual standard, it is due to her natural features and not as a deliberate decision to emulate the animated versionrsquo;s style.

Genetics and Facet Meadow

The distance between an actressrsquo;s eyes can be influenced by genetic factors. This means that the specific positioning of the eyes on the face, such as being further apart, is often a result of the DNA passed down from her parents. This hereditary factor contributes to the unique facial features of each individual, making them distinct and varied.

Historical Context

To understand the specific characteristic of Arielrsquo;s wide-set eyes, we need to delve into the historical and aesthetic context of the character. In Hans Christian Andersenrsquo;s original story, published in 1836, the illustrations by Edmund Dulac depicted a creature with facial features that did not conform to conventional beauty standards of the time. The wide-set eyes in his illustrations gave Ariel a distinct and somewhat wild look, aligning with the ethereal nature of the character.

Disneyrsquo;s Animation

When Disney decided to adapt Andersenrsquo;s tale for their animated film in 1989, they meticulously incorporated this unique facial feature into Arielrsquo;s appearance. The large, saucer-like eyes became a central aspect of her cartoonish style, which further enhanced her expressive qualities and visual appeal. Additionally, Disney employed makeup and color techniques to accentuate and enhance these features, creating an unforgettable and iconic character.

Interpretation and Influence

While the wide-set eyes of Ariel may seem controversial or even unsettling to some viewers, they have endured thanks to their resemblance to a cultural phenomenon of the 1980s. The punk culture, embodied by bands like The Misfits and their exaggerated monster designs, likely influenced the choice of Arielrsquo;s appearance. This real-world inspiration added another layer of intrigue to the character, making her more than just a standard animated princess.

Modern Interpretation

Today, Arielrsquo;s wide-set eyes are a testament to the creative storytelling of Disney and the influence of cultural trends. While there may be makeup techniques and digital effects contributing to her look, her wide eyes ultimately represent a blend of artistic vision and unexpected inspiration from the punk movement.

Conclusion

The wide-set eyes of Ariel in The Little Mermaid are a complex blend of historical narrative, artistic vision, and cultural influence. Whether in the animated or live-action forms, these unique features have made Ariel an enduring character in popular culture, captivating audiences with her mysterious beauty and wide-eyed charm.