What Does Hayao Miyazaki Have To Do With The Little Mermaid?
It seems that The Little Mermaid’s origin goes deep into Japanese animation.
Ariel, a beloved mermaid and the youngest daughter of the Sea King Triton, is considered one of the most beautiful Princesses of Disney World. Her pale skin, flowing bright red hair, and large blue eyes with highlights set her apart from other Disney characters.
While she possesses the classic beauty and grace associated with Disney princesses, Ariel's design also reflects the influence of East Asian culture.
In an interview with Nostalgia Critic, Philo Barnhart, an animator who worked on the original The Little Mermaid, revealed some interesting facts about the process of creating Ariel.
Barnhart explained that Glen Keane, the supervising animator, suggested the idea of drawing the underwater princess as an inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki 's work.
Keane suggested creating their own version of an anime girl character, with a distinctive triangular face shape, a pointed chin, and large eyes, just like the anime girls.
While the Little Mermaids animators didn't end up incorporating as many of the highlights into Ariel's final design as they had originally planned, the team still kept the inspiration of Miyazaki's anime style in mind. Barnhart explained that Ariel was partly based on their interpretation of what a Disney anime girl would look like.
The blend of different artistic styles and nationalities, including Miyazaki's influence and French actress Emmanuel Barrett as the inspiration for Ariel's appearance, and now Halle Bailey's performance in a live-action remake, created one of Disney's most beloved princesses.
After many years Ariel remains one of the most charming and iconic Disney characters, whose legacy will live on forever thanks to the magical creators and actors who brought the underwater Princess to life.
And though the live-action Little Mermaid may not look like the original, and it lacks the princess's essential wardrobe item — the shell bra — that didn't stop Halle Bailey from completely nailing her role as the young and determined mermaid Ariel.
In addition, the original voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, gave the actress her stamp of approval, calling her performance "absolutely amazing".
And since the original Ariel showed her support, couldn’t it finally be enough for the viewers?
Sources: Nostalgia Critic, Entertainment Weekly