How does "Shrek" Undermine the Traditions of a ...
How does "Shrek" Undermine the Traditions of a Stereotypical Fairy Tale through contrasting the characters Shrek and Lord Farquaad? "Shrek" is undeniably an intelligent film that uses many devices to undermine the traditions of a stereotypical fairy tale. One of these devices is characterisation. As the main character and the hero, many of these devices are centred on Shrek - an ogre. Farquaad should be the hero figure of the story, since he is the only male figure of nobility in the plot. As Shrek's antithesis, however, he is the villain and therefore also has a great many unexpected aspects to him. Although there are many more things in the film that could have been analysed to show just how intelligent and wide ranging the subversion of the fairy tale genre was in the film, by analysing the important contrast between Shrek and Farquaad, it will be possible to provide an in depth explanation of one of the ways in which the makers of Shrek have subverted the stereotypical fairy tale. As with many Disney type fairy tale films, "Shrek" begins with the close up shot of a leather-bound book. It opens, as if by magic and an as yet anonymous character reads it. It is a fairy tale story about a beautiful princess held cap
Even though an ogre hero is unusual, Shrek is effectively portrayed as one by the skilful subversion of the stereotypes of the fairy tale genre. This fact is emphasised throughout their time together on screen with the use of close-up shots to show their happy expressions when together and therefore their feelings of love. The audience instantly wonders what kind of a character could want to do such a thing to innocent creatures such as Tinkerbell and Pinocchio? The first time we meet Farquaad, the first shot is a close-up of his chest, making him seem very strong and intimidating. The camera moves from ground level and then upwards to reveal his tower, making Shrek and Donkey appear small in comparison. The Lord's despicable nature is further revealed when he tortures the helpless gingerbread man, threatening to take off his buttons, then using his broken off legs to taunt him: 'Run, run, run as fast as you can. Shrek's antithesis in the film is the awful Lord Farquaad. Fiona's obvious surprise at Farquaad's shortness is revealed with a close-up of his face when he needs a soldier to lift him from his huge horse and out of his large legs of armour that conceal his stubby little legs. These shots both helped me imagine what the men must have been thinking of Shrek: first that he was an intimidating size, and then that Shrek might eat them! This is the stereotypical view of a fairy tale ogre. The fact that the title character - indeed the hero - of the film feels such contempt for the fairy tale genre emphasises the unusual take the film has on such traditions. As such, it was a very clever way of introducing the audience to Farquaad and influencing their opinions in such a powerful way. " I felt this was an unspeakable thing to do to a character in the gingerbread man's situation and instantly made me dislike Farquaad.
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