Pocahontas

In the 1990s Disney was facing a rising tide of criticism that charged them of being behind the times. The 90s were the era of political correctness, and Disney's traditionalist slantings had done little to endear their films to more a equality-conscious public. After Aladdin and The Lion King, Disney were accused with exploiting racist stereotypes (yes, even in The Lion King) by critics. Pocahontas was to be the film to set things right... the first animated Disney film to be based on a true story, it featured a Native American heroine and sought to spread an anti-racist message of goodwill. It was seen by Disney as their 'prestige' picture (as opposed to the populist and more cartoonish Lion King) and I think it could be pinpointed as the moment when the worm starts to turn during what has come to be known as the 'Disney Renaissance' period (1989-1999).

When I say 'based on a true story', Pocahontas is really only a loose retelling of the story of Pocahontas and English adventurer John Smith. The real life Pocahontas may not have even had a love affair with John Smith, she developed something akin to Stockholm Syndrome after being kidnapped by English colonials, and died at the tender age of 22 from European disease. Pocahontas mercifully changes these plot points by having her remain with her people, a forgiveably happier ending (and one that also sees her part ways with John Smith, so it doesn't feel too much like a cheat). Due to this true story element though, this Disney animated feature has a heightened sense of reality - the language barrier and historical context are both taken into account. There are some rather adult (if hokey) themes of civilisation vs. savagery (EG. Just who are the savages? The good-natured Native Americans? Or the gun-toting English invaders?), and none of the comic relief animal character have the ability to talk. Even the magic/fantasy elements are (vaguely) based on Native American culture and spiritualism.

As much as their heart is in the right place, Disney falls a little short of the mark with Pocahontas. Apart from the opening number, the songs are mostly unremarkable and don't really fit with the tone the filmmakers seem to be going for. The politically-conscious character design (a more flat/angular approach to the traditional Disney animation style) is more than a little jarring, and the character of John Smith is far too two-dimensional and underdeveloped. It also feels like they're trying so hard to make an admirable statement that they forgot to also make this film a fun adventure, which is what often makes the true Disney classics so memorable and longlasting.

DIRECTOR: Mike Gabriel, Eric Goldberg
WRITER/SOURCE: There are 26 seperate writing credits on this film. That's a bit ridiculous, isn't it? I refuse to list them. Suffice to say, the 'source' of this story is the true story of Pocahontas.
KEY ACTORS: Irene Bedard, Mel Gibson, David Ogden Stiers, Linda Hunt, Christian Bale, Russell Means, Billy Connelly

RELATED TEXTS:
- This was followed by a direct-to-video sequel, Pocahontas II: The New World, which details Pocahontas' trip to England. Unsurprisingly, the story in the sequel ends shortly before Pocahontas gets sick and dies.
- For a more accurate representation of these historical events, check out Terence Malick's beautiful film The New World.
- Another live-action film was the 1995 Canadian film Pocahontas: The Legend.

AWARDS
Academy Awards - won Best Song (Colours of the Wind) and Best Music.
Golden Globes - won Best Song (Colours of the Wind). Nominated for Best Music.