Disney's Snow White Remake: Comparing It To The 1987 Horror Version

Mei Lin

5 min read

Post on May 14, 2025

4.1

Share

Plot and Character Differences: A Tale of Two Snow Whites

The narrative structures of Disney's Snow White remake and the 1987 horror version differ significantly. Disney's film, like the original animated classic, centers on romance and the triumph of good over evil, culminating in a fairytale wedding. The 1987 film, however, emphasizes survival and psychological horror, creating a far more unsettling atmosphere.

• Snow White's Character: Disney’s Snow White is portrayed as a somewhat naive, though kind princess, relying on the help of others. In contrast, the 1987 Snow White is a more resourceful and independent heroine, forced to rely on her own wits to survive the Evil Queen's machinations. This difference significantly impacts the overall tone and pace of each narrative.

• The Evil Queen: The Evil Queen's depiction also varies wildly. Disney's Evil Queen is a classic villain driven by vanity and a thirst for power, maintaining the archetypal fairytale antagonist. The 1987 version presents a more nuanced, psychologically driven antagonist, adding layers of complexity to her motivations and making her a more terrifying presence. The difference in the Queen's portrayal alters the viewer's perception of her and the overall threat level.

• Supporting Characters: The Prince Charming and the Seven Dwarfs play relatively minor supporting roles in the 1987 film, serving more as plot devices than fully developed characters. Disney's remake, however, places more emphasis on their roles, expanding their backstories and interactions with Snow White. The dwarfs are also given more individual personalities. This showcases how a directorial choice can drastically shift the importance of characters.

Visual Style and Tone: Fairytale Fantasy vs. Gothic Horror

The visual styles of the two films couldn't be more different. Disney's Snow White remake employs a vibrant, saturated color palette and dazzling CGI effects, creating a visually stunning fairytale world. The cinematography is bright and airy, emphasizing the fantastical elements of the story. In contrast, the 1987 film utilizes a darker, grittier aesthetic, with a muted color palette and a distinct gothic horror influence. The cinematography focuses on creating a suspenseful and unsettling atmosphere.

• Set and Costume Design: The set designs reflect the contrasting styles: Disney's world is lush and vibrant, full of magical forests and opulent castles. The 1987 version presents a far more claustrophobic and ominous setting, reflecting the film's darker themes. Similarly, costume design reflects the tone, with Disney's featuring lavish and colorful garments while the 1987 film utilizes simpler, more practical clothing.

The Impact of the Evil Queen's Portrayal

The Evil Queen's portrayal is the linchpin of the differing tones and impacts of each movie. In Disney's remake, she's a melodramatic but ultimately one-dimensional villain. The 1987 version, however, delves into the psychological aspects of her villainy, exploring the roots of her hatred and the intricacies of her manipulative tactics. This deeper exploration makes her a far more memorable and chilling antagonist, elevating the film's overall horror element.

• Character Motivation: The differences in motivation are striking. Disney’s Evil Queen is motivated by simple envy and a desire for power, fitting the classic fairytale trope. The 1987 version explores a more complex set of motivations, including psychological trauma and a deeper-seated insecurity. This nuance adds a fascinating layer to her character, while leaving the Disney version comparatively simplistic.

Themes and Interpretations: Exploring Fairytale Archetypes

Both films explore classic fairytale themes, but their interpretations vary greatly. Disney's Snow White remake focuses on a fairly traditional interpretation of the story, emphasizing romance, love, and the triumph of good over evil. The 1987 film, however, offers a darker, more complex take, exploring themes of female empowerment, survival, and societal critique.

• Feminist Interpretations: Disney's remake, while featuring a more proactive Snow White than the animated classic, still largely centers the narrative on a romantic relationship. The 1987 Snow White is a much stronger female lead, forced to fight for her survival, thereby providing a more empowering narrative that transcends the simple "damsel in distress" archetype.

• Morality and Societal Commentary: Disney's film leans towards a simplistic morality tale, while the 1987 version offers more subtle societal commentary, exploring themes of manipulation, power, and the darker aspects of human nature.

Conclusion

This comparison highlights the vastly different approaches to the Snow White story, showcasing how a classic fairytale can be reimagined in drastically different ways. Disney's remake offers a visually stunning and family-friendly interpretation, staying true to the classic fairytale romance. The 1987 film provides a darker, more psychologically complex take, exploring deeper themes and creating a genuinely unsettling viewing experience. Both offer unique value for the different audiences they cater to.

Have you seen both versions of Snow White? Share your thoughts on Disney's Snow White remake and the 1987 horror film in the comments below! Let's continue the discussion on these contrasting interpretations of this enduring fairytale. What are your favorite aspects of each version? Let's compare our perspectives on Disney's Snow White and other fairytale remakes!