Disney updates a classic fairy tale and places an iconic villain as the star
Remember this devious character, Maleficent, that put a spell on young “Sleeping Beauty” in the old animated feature released by Disney?
Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie is perfectly cast as the new incarnation of this vile character and brings to life her fierce desire for revenge and to protect the moors in which she presides. Maleficent also intends to place an irrevocable curse upon the king’s new-born infant, Aurora (played by Elle Fanning from Super 8).
As the princess grows, she is inevitably caught in the middle of a conflict between the forest kingdom she adores and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. The plot thickens when Maleficent realises that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land, so she’s compelled to take drastic action that will forever change the fate of both worlds.
A Power Team
Believe it or not, the film took ten years to make. It is directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar and Alice in Wonderland) who, in his directorial debut, is led and produced by Joe Roth. Jolie is also an executive producer.
The film’s beautiful costumes are handled by none other than Anna B Sheppard (Schindler’s List and The Pianist). The movie cost US$6 million to make and it is the most expensive movie the studio had made up to that point.
Amazing Sets
An astonishing 40 sets had to be built, such as a 12-foot square room to a 5,000-sq ft Great Hall. The most challenging was erecting the castle – think grand-scale marble floors and 16th Century materials, finishes and furniture.
An army of 250 people took 14 weeks to build this leviathan architecture replete with ornate interiors.
Artisanal Thatchers
Another feat was erecting the thatched cottage of Aurora’s childhood which was actually built on the back lot of Pinewood Studios in London. Traditional thatchers had to be roped in to build the authentic thatched roof and timber frames, and there are only 1,000 bona fide, full-time thatchers at work in the United Kingdom. Sadly, it is an artisanal skill that’s fading.
The film has renewed interest in preserving historic buildings and deploying more sustainable building materials, especially in the UK.
Hats off to Milliners
A more painstaking task was sewing all the 2,000 costumes by hand. That was a challenge relished by Sheppard and her team.
Jolie even had a go with working with milliners who helped design the six headdresses she wears in the film.
With that much dedication and passion, it’s no wonder the trailers are gripping. Don’t miss it in theatres this weekend.
MALEFICENT [PG13]
DIRECTOR: Robert Stromberg
STARRING: Angelina Jolie & Elle Fanning
GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure
RUN LENGTH: 98 min
RELEASE: May 29
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