Welcome to Screen Gems, our weekend delves into adjacent queer and queer headlines from the past that deserve a watch or re-watch.
The Flashback: Cinderella
With the world celebrating the release of Amazon’s reimagined new version of Cinderella, with Billy Porter in a dress, we think it’s time to turn back the clock for another reimagining of classic history … one that Porter and the director Kay Cannon cited as major inspiration.
Cinderella raised a few eyebrows when she landed on ABC in 1997 for unconventional casting choices. Critics criticized the series for using a diverse cast of actors and for choosing an African-American woman in the title role, calling the film “politically correct.” How little has changed in over 20 years, with libelers attacking the new version for casting a Latin American role and portraying the Fairy Godmother as a fluid genre.
But we move away.
The 1997 version, produced by Whitney Houston, starred Brandy in the title role and used classical music from the stage version by Rogers & Hammerstein. We don’t really feel the need to recap the story here, although we’ll note that this version reimagines Cinderella as a woman who longs for her independence and her Fairy Godmother as a sassy sibling figure, inspiring her less to earn a man that believe in his own abilities. The new version also borrows from an innovation introduced in this 1997 version: the Prince and Cinderella do not fall in love at first sight. On the contrary, they meet in advance and find each other attractive through conversation. The change improves the relationship, as well as the two characters.
As for the performers, who could resist? Brandy shows an unprecedented level of vocal gifts when tackling the score of Rogers & Hammerstein, and Whitney Houston arguably gives her best performance as a fairy godmother. The duo’s “Impossible” still gives us goosebumps. With a supporting cast that also includes Whoopi Goldberg, Jason Alexander, Bernadette Peters (counter type like the bitchy stepmom) and Victor Garber, this witty, bubbly version of the tale paints each character with a vibrant personality.
Seen over 20 years later, Cinderella still charms with her music, production design, and extraordinary performers, not to mention a few updates that enrich the characters. The movie doesn’t have to be literal when it comes to casting. This film knows how to find performers to embody each character who will undoubtedly delight an audience.
Impossible? We know what Whitney’s fairy godmother would say …
Aired on Disney + and Amazon.
