Disney's Aladdin

Right off the bat, the song about Arabian nights is problematic. “Its barbaric, but hey its home” is quite problematic, however according to this article, the line was worse, but they changed it. Diamond in the rough is a common saying in movie, I wonder what the meaning behind it is, other than someone with good intentions, unlike anyone else- ie Aladdin. It is first said in the very beginning by the merchant. The portrayal of the guards as dim witted is interesting, further emphasizing that Aladdin is quick witted and worthy of being the protagonist. The film makes it very clear that Aladdin only steals to eat, unlike the less worthy thief in the beginning of the movie who is greedy. It is interesting that during Aladdin’s plight to escape he keeps getting the various street performers injured in some way. When Aladdin jumps on rug to escape it is foreshadowing the magic carpet. Aladdin giving the bread to the children is the sign of his pure heart and worthiness. Of course the mother is no longer there any more of either Aladdin or Jasmine, a typical Disney trope. Jasmine wanting to be free is mirrored by her letting out the birds. I like that Jasmine has a tiger, since tigers represent power. The sultan being easily manipulated is similar to the original story, and also contrasts Aladdin’s quick wit and instincts. The ‘love at first sight’ trope is very clearly present when Aladdin first sees Jasmine, interesting because when Jasmine sees the disguised ‘prince’ Ali, she does not fall into that. Aladdin and jasmine are foils in some ways, since Aladdin is free to do as he pleases but is poor and jasmine is not free but very wealthy. Both Aladdin and jasmine’s only friends are their animal. Jafar disguising himself as an old man is very Disney, the villain usually are magical and are able to disguise their appearance, which also reflects the original story.  In fact, mistaken identity is common in this film. Jafar’s ‘golden rule’ is actually quite applicable in real life, since those who are wealthy truly do ‘make the rules’, for themselves at least. The theme of ‘things aren’t always what they seem’ is common in the movie, from the beginning merchant talking about the lamp and Aladdin, and disguised Jafar pointing out the exit from the prison. Wealth is clearly also important in the film, similarly to the fairytale, the cave’s lavish riches are evidence of that. Giving personality to a rug is a very Disney thing to do. I wonder if the concept of a magic carpet originates from this film? Abu is clearly very greedy, perhaps to contrast Aladdin’s lack of greed, as he is always thieving, while Aladdin is usually more noble intentioned. The Sultan actually seems like a decent father, unlike in the fairytale, even though he is naive and easily manipulated. Robin Williams is such a gem. The never had a friend like me song is a little ironic since Aladdin doesn’t really have any friends before this (except Abu). Interesting that Jafar calls Jasmine a shrew, I wonder if this is a reference to Shakespeare's taming of the shrew, where a female character constantly rejects suiters. Freedom is a common theme in the film, both jasmine and the genie want to be free. Of course the happy ending ended up with everything working out for both Aladdin and genie.

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