Body Modification to Win a Prince: The Cinderella Tale of Enhancement in Modern Society

Abstract

Disney fairy tale films have historically included a wide spectrum of transformations, modifications and metamorphoses as a part of the natural progression of the characters and their storylines. The techniques are synonymous with their brand and are used to create a depth that enhances viewer engagement and draws them into the tales. Disney showcases these transformations through the movement or change from the image of the everyday into something new or magical, or where the status quo is interrupted by some unforeseen or supernatural force. Warner (2014) contends that these occurrences are certain and consistent, often presented as an unexpected or astonishing surprise within the tales. Disney also uses morphosis and modification to show the physical manifestation of the character’s inner true dark self, or as a representation of their thoughts and devious intent. The result is a new form of character, where, for example, the man becomes the monster, or the woman turns into a witch. In other forms of transformation, Disney reinvents dull and unimpressive characters into new and improved versions of themselves. This chapter discusses the use of body modification within Disney fairy tale films and uses the film Cinderella (2015) as a base study to look at how the characters are transformed. Furthermore, the story can be seen to mirror modern-day notions about the value placed on physical bodies, where modification wins the heart of the prince. While these alterations are made to enhance, adjust, and embrace the physical form, they also show an increased (or decreased) worth to the characters. Over the past century, Disney has continued to create this appealing yet problematic narrative that influences ideology and expectations about the physical form.