Why Disney Continues to Call the Live-Action Adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves 'Live-Action'

Disney’s live-action adaptations of classic stories have sparked a lot of discussion and debate, particularly regarding the changes in casting and character elements. One such adaptation is the landmark 2014 release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Despite the casting of a Latina actress as Snow White, and the significant absence of the famous seven dwarves, the film is still referred to as a live-action adaptation. This raises the question: why does Disney persist with this term, despite the notable departures from the original narrative and cultural elements?

Representation and Identity

Disney’s choices in the 2014 adaptation highlight a broader issue of representation and identity. The description of Snow White’s skin as 'just as pale as anyone’s, with her skin more prominently colored if she had less melanin' provides a scientific and anthropological perspective on human skin tones. This detail challenges simplistic notions of race and emphasizes the complexity and diversity of human identity.

The term 'more colored if she had less melanin' suggests that a light-skinned individual would appear to have more pronounced features and colors, drawing parallels to how Hollywood often portrays white actresses in roles that traditionally require darker skin tones. This underscores the issue of whitewashing in the film industry, where lighter-skinned actors are favored to play characters of color.

Disney’s Strategic Representation

Disney has faced criticism for maintaining certain elements of its classic stories while altering others. The continued use of the term 'live-action' can be seen as a strategic decision, designed to ease audience reception. By keeping the term familiar, Disney avoids alienating viewers who are used to the traditional animation. At the same time, the brand can use the adaptation to promote diversity and inclusivity without fully breaking from its established legacy.

Engaging the White Supremacist Crowd

A significant point of debate is the use of such portrayals to bait and engage the white supremacist crowd. According to several sources, Disney is leveraging the predictable anger and reaction of those who feel marginalized from mainstream discourse by deploying them on social media. The logic is that these individuals themselves become a promotional tool, as their anger and outrage spread the news about the adaptation. This tactic not only reduces Disney's advertising costs but also taps into a community that is more likely to vocalize its opinions.

The Removal of the Dwarves

The absence of the seven dwarves in the 2014 adaptation is another area of controversy. The dwarves are a crucial part of the original story, and their removal challenges long-standing interpretations. However, many argue that the dwarves have been portrayed in a variety of sizes and designs throughout Disney’s history, and that this characterization is not entirely inconsistent with the story.

Disney’s decision to focus on a different narrative element, such as Snow White, while maintaining the term 'live-action' showcases its strategic approach to storytelling. This approach allows the company to navigate the shifting landscape of cultural expectations and political correctness, all while upholding the integrity of its brand.

The Larger Conversation

These complexities highlight the ongoing debate about representation in media and the role of major studios in shaping cultural narratives. The 2014 adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves serves as a microcosm for larger issues: how to balance tradition, innovation, and social responsibility in the modern entertainment industry.

Ultimately, Disney’s decision to refer to the live-action adaptation as 'live-action' in the face of significant changes to the story and characters reflects a nuanced strategy that navigates the challenges of maintaining brand recognition while promoting diversity and inclusivity.

It is clear that the term 'live-action' will continue to evoke certain expectations, and Disney is using this to its advantage. However, the broader conversation around representation and identity in media remains a vital and evolving discourse.