mirandamovies.net – Released in 2010, Tangled marked a significant turning point in Disney’s animation history, blending classic fairy tale elements with cutting-edge technology to create a vibrant, action-packed, and emotionally resonant film. Directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, Tangled is a loose adaptation of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel. The film not only stands out for its stunning animation, particularly its innovative use of computer-generated imagery (CGI), but also for its well-developed characters, humor, music, and universal themes.
The Princess and the Frog (2009) had been a successful return to traditional hand-drawn animation, but Tangled firmly established Disney’s ability to use modern CGI to bring new life to its timeless fairy tale stories. The film is often considered the beginning of Disney’s “Revival Era,” where the studio regained its footing as a leader in animated storytelling. In this article, we’ll dive into the creation, plot, characters, themes, and lasting impact of Tangled on both Disney and the broader animation landscape.
The Making of Tangled
The Journey to Reinvent Rapunzel
Disney’s interest in adapting Rapunzel into an animated feature dates back as far as the 1930s. However, the story proved difficult to translate into a feature-length film due to its simple narrative structure—essentially a girl trapped in a tower, waiting to be rescued by a prince. Early story treatments struggled to find ways to expand the plot and modernize the tale for contemporary audiences. It wasn’t until Glen Keane, a Disney animation legend responsible for characters like Ariel (The Little Mermaid) and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast), began developing the project in the early 2000s that progress was made.
Keane initially envisioned Tangled as a hand-drawn animated film but later decided that CGI would offer new opportunities for depth, lighting, and movement, especially for Rapunzel’s long, flowing hair. Keane remained involved as an executive producer and animation supervisor, ensuring that the film maintained the emotional depth and artistic integrity of Disney’s hand-drawn classics while pushing the boundaries of technology.
Advancements in Animation Technology
One of the most challenging and impressive aspects of Tangled was the animation of Rapunzel’s hair. Her magical golden locks are not just a key part of the narrative but also a technological marvel. Animators had to develop new tools and techniques to realistically simulate the movement and texture of over 70 feet of hair. This involved complex physics simulations and intricate attention to detail, as Rapunzel’s hair had to interact with the environment and characters in ways that felt natural yet magical.
In addition to the technical breakthroughs in hair animation, Tangled is notable for its use of dynamic lighting, lush landscapes, and painterly textures that give the film a unique, warm, and immersive aesthetic. The team aimed to create a “Disney fairytale in 3D,” blending the softness and beauty of hand-drawn animation with the flexibility and realism of CGI. The results were visually stunning, with each scene feeling like a living painting, particularly the lantern sequence, which is now iconic in animation history.
The Title Change
Originally titled Rapunzel, the film was renamed Tangled as part of a marketing strategy aimed at broadening its appeal. Disney executives were concerned that a film named after a princess might not attract a wide audience, particularly boys. By giving the film a more gender-neutral title and emphasizing the action-adventure elements of the story, Disney hoped to reach a broader demographic. The decision sparked some controversy among fans, but it ultimately paid off at the box office.
The Plot of Tangled
Rapunzel’s Tower
Tangled begins with the introduction of Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore, a young princess who was kidnapped as a baby by the wicked Mother Gothel (voiced by Donna Murphy). Gothel, a vain and manipulative woman, discovered that Rapunzel’s hair possesses magical healing properties, which can restore youth when sung to. Desperate to retain her own youth, Gothel keeps Rapunzel locked away in a secluded tower for 18 years, using the power of the girl’s hair to stay young.
Rapunzel grows up believing that Gothel is her real mother and that the outside world is too dangerous for her to explore. Her only contact with the outside world is a yearly event where floating lanterns are released by the kingdom in honor of the lost princess—though Rapunzel doesn’t know the significance of this celebration, she is enchanted by the lanterns and dreams of one day seeing them in person.
Flynn Rider: The Charming Thief
Meanwhile, the dashing thief Flynn Rider, voiced by Zachary Levi, is on the run after stealing a valuable crown from the royal palace. While fleeing from the royal guards and his former partners in crime, the Stabbington brothers, Flynn stumbles upon Rapunzel’s hidden tower. Seeking a place to hide, he climbs into the tower, only to be knocked out by Rapunzel, who uses a frying pan as a weapon.
Rapunzel, having just turned 18, sees Flynn’s arrival as an opportunity to leave the tower and explore the world. She strikes a deal with Flynn: if he takes her to see the floating lanterns, she will return the stolen crown that she’s hidden from him. Though reluctant, Flynn agrees, setting the stage for a journey filled with adventure, self-discovery, and romance.
A Journey of Discovery
As Rapunzel and Flynn travel through the kingdom, they encounter a host of colorful characters, including a group of lovable thugs at the Snuggly Duckling tavern and a determined palace horse named Maximus, who initially seeks to capture Flynn but eventually becomes an ally.
During their journey, Rapunzel’s naïveté and innocence contrast with Flynn’s world-weary cynicism. However, as they grow closer, they begin to influence each other in profound ways. Rapunzel learns to trust her instincts, embrace her dreams, and discover her true identity, while Flynn, whose real name is revealed to be Eugene Fitzherbert, starts to shed his cocky, self-centered persona and open his heart to others, particularly Rapunzel.
The Reveal of Rapunzel’s True Identity
Mother Gothel, who has been manipulating Rapunzel for years, eventually discovers Rapunzel’s escape and plots to bring her back to the tower. In the film’s dramatic climax, Rapunzel uncovers the truth: she is the long-lost princess, and the lanterns are released every year in her honor. Gothel, desperate to regain control over Rapunzel’s magical hair, tries to imprison her again, but Rapunzel is no longer willing to be a victim.
In the final confrontation, Flynn/Eugene returns to save Rapunzel but is mortally wounded by Gothel. In an act of love and sacrifice, Eugene cuts Rapunzel’s hair, severing its magical powers and causing Gothel to age rapidly and fall to her doom. Without her magic, Rapunzel is unable to heal Eugene, but her tears—imbued with the same healing power—revive him, and they are finally able to live happily ever after.
A Happy Ending
The film concludes with Rapunzel returning to the kingdom and reuniting with her parents, the king and queen, in an emotional scene. Rapunzel and Eugene, now in love, begin their new life together, and the kingdom celebrates the return of their long-lost princess. The film ends with the message that dreams can come true, but they often come with unexpected challenges and growth along the way.
The Characters of Tangled
Rapunzel
Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore, is a refreshing take on the traditional Disney princess. While she embodies many of the traits associated with Disney heroines—kindness, curiosity, and beauty—she is also resourceful, brave, and independent. Rapunzel’s character arc is centered on self-discovery, as she learns to assert her autonomy, embrace her dreams, and challenge the lies she has been told her entire life. Her long, magical hair is not just a symbol of her captivity but also of her strength and resilience.
Flynn Rider/Eugene Fitzherbert
Flynn Rider, voiced by Zachary Levi, is a charming and roguish thief with a heart of gold. Initially motivated by selfish desires, Flynn’s journey is one of redemption and self-realization. As he falls in love with Rapunzel, he learns that true happiness comes not from wealth or fame, but from meaningful relationships and acts of kindness. Flynn’s wit, charisma, and vulnerability make him one of Disney’s most beloved male protagonists.
Mother Gothel
Mother Gothel, voiced by Donna Murphy, is one of Disney’s most manipulative and cunning villains. Unlike many Disney antagonists who seek power or revenge, Gothel’s primary motivation is vanity and self-preservation. She uses emotional manipulation to control Rapunzel, pretending to be a loving mother figure while keeping her captive for her own selfish purposes. Gothel’s character serves as a powerful representation of toxic relationships and emotional abuse.
Maximus
Maximus, the palace horse, is a fan-favorite character known for his determination and loyalty. Initially, Maximus is focused on capturing Flynn, but over time, he develops a begrudging friendship with the thief and becomes one of the film’s comedic highlights. Maximus’s personality, conveyed entirely through physical animation, adds humor and heart to the film.
Pascal
Pascal, Rapunzel’s loyal pet chameleon, is a small but important character in Tangled. Though he doesn’t speak, Pascal’s expressive reactions and supportive nature make him a key ally to Rapunzel. His friendship with Rapunzel symbolizes the emotional support she needs as she embarks on her journey of self-discovery.
Themes and Messages
Self-Discovery and Independence
At its core, Tangled is a story about self-discovery, independence, and breaking free from emotional manipulation. Rapunzel’s journey from the tower to the kingdom mirrors her internal growth as she learns to trust her own instincts, challenge authority, and take control of her own destiny. Her decision to leave the tower represents a broader theme of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to pursue personal freedom and happiness.
The Power of Dreams
Like many Disney films, Tangled emphasizes the importance of following one’s dreams. However, it also acknowledges that dreams come with challenges and that the path to achieving them is often fraught with difficulties. Rapunzel’s dream of seeing the floating lanterns evolves into a deeper desire for freedom, self-identity, and love.
Redemption and Love
Flynn Rider’s character arc is a testament to the power of love and redemption. Through his relationship with Rapunzel, Flynn transforms from a selfish, cynical thief into a caring and selfless individual. His journey shows that love can inspire change, and that true happiness comes not from material wealth, but from meaningful connections.
The Legacy of Tangled
Critical and Commercial Success
Tangled was both a critical and commercial success, earning over $590 million at the global box office. The film was praised for its animation, music, humor, and emotional depth. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi’s vocal performances, as well as Donna Murphy’s portrayal of the villainous Mother Gothel, were particularly lauded.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Disney legend Alan Menken with lyrics by Glenn Slater, was also well-received. The song “I See the Light,” performed by Moore and Levi during the lantern sequence, became one of Disney’s most iconic songs and was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Influence on the Disney Revival Era
Tangled is widely considered one of the films that helped launch Disney’s “Revival Era,” a period marked by a renewed focus on high-quality storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative animation. The success of Tangled paved the way for other critically acclaimed films like Frozen (2013), Moana (2016), and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021). Its blend of modern sensibilities with classic Disney elements set a new standard for animated films in the 2010s and beyond.
Cultural Impact
Beyond its box office success, Tangled has had a lasting cultural impact. Rapunzel quickly became one of Disney’s most popular princesses, admired for her strength, determination, and relatability. The film’s message of self-discovery and the importance of following one’s dreams resonated with audiences of all ages.
In addition to its impact on Disney’s princess lineup, Tangled also left its mark on the animation industry. The technological advancements in hair animation and CGI lighting set new benchmarks for animated films, influencing how future animated movies were made.
Conclusion
Tangled is a landmark film in Disney’s animated canon, blending the studio’s rich legacy of fairy tales with modern animation techniques and storytelling. Through its engaging characters, stunning visuals, and heartfelt themes of self-discovery and love, Tangled revitalized Disney animation and set the stage for a new era of animated classics. Today, the film remains a beloved favorite, continuing to inspire audiences with its message that dreams can be pursued, no matter the obstacles.