The songs of the small “live” mermaid were modified to correspond to the time
Composer Alan Menken admits having changed certain words for the film in real shots, in order to be more in tune with the new current societal standards.
This went perfectly unnoticed in the cartoon in 1992, rings differently in the 2020s.
The time has changed, Metoo has been there and 30 years later, The little mermaid must review his copy so as not to make a false note.
This is what Alan Menken confided, the original composer of the songs of the animated film when the film was released.
Back in the baguette for the “Live Action” version – broadcast this evening in clear on M6 – The composer has updated his words. For two songs.
“There are some changes in terms of words. In” Kiss “(” Kiss the Girl “in VO) in particular. Because people have become very sensitive to the idea that Prince Éric can impose themselves in any way in Ariel”, admits Menken in an interview with Vanity Fair.
It must be said that in the original version (sung by Henri Salvador with us), we indeed hear the crab singing to Eric:
“Don’t be afraid ; Only thinks of happiness; Go ahead, kiss her, don’t hesitate since you know you don’t think about it; It’s so good; Decide, kiss it; Go ahead …“”
The composer therefore included an idea of consent in these words revisited for the new version of The little mermaid.
And he also reviewed “”Poor souls in perdition“” (“Poor Unfortunate Souls“In VO). Because according to Menken, his words at the time”Could make young girls feel that they should not speak, that they should not express themselves … Even if in this case, Ursula clearly manipulates Ariel so that she renounces her voice … “
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxRtrc0p_xs
Beyond these changes, The Little Siren in Live Action Also offers three new new songs, composed by Menken, at the request of director Rob Marshall:
“One is Prince Eric’s song, entitled” Wild Unchartered Waters “. Then there was the song for Ariel when she has her legs and she sings her thoughts because she lost her voice (…) I had already made a new song,” Her Voice “, for the Broadway show. But Rob really wanted a new song for this moment. The films are really the medium of a director.. “
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-s_u-mpgio
The latest unpublished song present in the film will be called “Scuttlebutt” and will be interpreted by Polochon and Sébastien, an air “wacky“.
Finally, Alan Menken says that a fourth song entitled “Impossible Child” for King Triton was composed, without passing the cut:
“”Dramaturgically we didn’t really need it. But it was so great to work with Javier Bardem on this song and people will certainly hear it in the DVD! “
