A Feminist's Take On: "Maleficent".

Disney has done it again; managing to re-write a classic fairytale with a modern day twist. Except this time, they change a fundamental part of their animation history. In their latest project, the juggernaut tackles one of the most classic stories from their vault; Sleeping Beauty. But be warned, Disney movie classicists, this is not your grandmother's fairytale. In fact, this is not your grandmother's villain! Maleficent is a wicked woman for the ages; a true, 21st century renaissance woman…with wings to boot! Be Warned, SPOILERS from here. 

From the very first moment she appears, as a young woodland creature we realize one fundamental fact; this is a woman as sharp as her cheekbones. Fine, they may have started her off as a 10 year old cutie with perfect hair; but she isn't to be played for a fool either. She calls out a young Stefan (yes, that Stefan) and reminds him of his place in the strange and darkly beautiful Moors. This is not a place for you, she reminds him, and warns him never to return. Sadly, as we watch the story play out, one realizes that Stefan is not the stuff of kiddy movies. He toys with her heart and her trust. Leading her on for years before finally committing the ultimate act of injustice against the title character. It would have to take a truly wicked act to cause Maleficent to take out her rage on an innocent child. And indeed, the act is both violent and goose bump worthy. With a gut-wrenching cry into the dark, the movie enters it's second act… and the other-worldly fairy becomes the Mistress of Darkness.

I could go on here to say how a very real love story develops as Maleficent watches the young princess grow from afar. How she grows a heart and soul once again… and the re-imagined meaning behind "true love's first kiss" in this version of fairy tale events. However, I'd much rather focus on the merits of Angelina Jolie's performance. Her portrayal is both deliciously wicked and generally aloof. There are  very little scenes of dark scheming and staff-pumping. In fact, other than that one, titular moment in the great hall where she imbues her "gift" upon a young Aurora (a beautiful nod to Sleeping Beauty, by the way) she is basically detached from the events of the original movie that inspired it. She much prefers to remain perched in a tree, her humanoid henchman at her side. Eating fruit and pursing her lips. "I don't like children" she chides like a true diva. She is above it all. Her green eyes aloof but also filled with vulnerability. She battles herself throughout; unsure of her motives but still reeling from her heart breaking loss early on.

"Before the sun sets on her sixteenth birthday, she will fall into a sleep-like death!"

This isn't about a woman scorned by a man. No, instead this is about being betrayed and then injured from within. She is no longer the woman she was before; she is unsure if love exists and therefore if she is good or bad by default. This is her movie, and she rules over it with an iron if not slightly disconnected fist. She doesn't need to rant and rave. Or deliver heavy handed monologues. Her eyes tell the story. The subtlety behind Jolie's performance gives it more merit. It helps an ancient story feel modern and real. Maleficent isn't the manifestation of pure evil. She is only human. Or, as human as a fairy can be, I suppose. She is messy and cruel at times, but also capable of realizing the reality behind her decisions. Whether she realizes the error of her ways or not, I'll leave for you to see for yourself as you enjoy the movie on the big screen.

At the end of the day, Jolie looked like she was having a blast. And so did we in the process. As I sat there enjoying the ride; watching her soar through the clouds with complete freedom I found myself wishing that I had wings too. That I could fly away with her and inhabit the Moors. I was transported to a time where magic was real, possibilities were endless; and the lines between fantasy and reality were blurred. Even, if only for an hour and a half.