Appropriation - This term describes when something is used
as a deliberate attempt to emulate past styles, reflect past icons etc. Sometimes as a
social/political comment, for a fresh look on the subject or to parody the original subject.
Appropriation in Shrek
Why are they being used? How are they being used? To what
affect are they being used? What is being referenced? Do they differ from their
original?
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| Traditional example of Sleeping Beauty |
Sleeping beauty - Shrek takes a fresh new look at fairytales and re-interprets the female role. Not only does it create comedic satire out of Sleeping Beauty but it also incorporates countless other fairytales into one pastiche. It questions the original fairytale’s values, hierarchy on beauty and the importance of such in a relationship.
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| Fiona in Ogre form |
In regards to its mergence of children's fairytales it also incorporates appropriation from other well-known films such as The Matrix. In the scene where Fiona and Shrek fight off Robin Hood and his Merry Men Fiona at one point freezes as if in slow-mo and this is taking reference from the matrix's use of slow-mo action scenes, which display the fine details of the fights. Fiona having the braided ponytail hairstyle reminds me of Lara Croft in this scene, therefore referencing the princess to a fierce, brave and empowered women's role model. This is a bright contrast to the helpless damsel in distress the story tales usually depict and is further deepened by the princess's "curse".
Expectations vs Reality.
From the outset we are introduced to expectations of how the story should unfold, before aptly disregarding the notions. The princess Fiona has been brought up with the expectation of a "handsome young prince" with the name of Charming to come and rescue her from her tower. So when encountered with Shrek's less then gentle awakening she is at a dismay as to how he doesn't understand the romance of the moment. However, Fiona has a curse to which she becomes an Ogre at night and due to this she has security issues in regards to her looks and although Shrek is himself an Ogre she becomes scared that he wont like her true image. In hearing a mere snippet of the conversation between her and Donkey, Shrek presumes she is talking about his looks to which Shrek is visibly affected emotionally and later in the film all is resolved as the truth is revealed and Shrek explains that she still looks beautiful to him. This is challenging cultural concepts of beauty and love and also that of the female role model.
The inner narratives such as described above are what creates interest and also challenges an adults' way of thinking while watching the film. While at the same time for the kids it is an all-round fairytale adventure, but with some good principles to display. The demonstration of beauty and looking like a "princess" being not definitive to whether a person loves you or not sends out a good message to children and also helps in building body confidence.
Post-Modern
Due to the collaged like mesh of fairytales and the appropriation of different sources, there is a post-modern feel to the film. It is post-modern in its sense of subject matter and satire as it makes fun of known reality TV shows, Celebrities and also of itself. It makes fun of itself particularly in the extra scenes on the DVD, one example being the karaoke clip in which Shrek directly addresses the audience. He also talks to the audience when introducing the film, as he narrates the traditional fairytale story opening.
