In the creation of Hercules Disney writers, Ron Clements and Don McEnery were ruthless in their usage –or rather nonuse - of the “actual” myth of Heracles. Most adults, with even a superficial knowledge of the myth, would not characterize the Disney writers’ portrayal as accurate. Tough decisions, about which details of the myth to include or skip entirely, given the constraints of the target audience’s age and maturity level, were necessary. Throughout the movie many scenes depict concessions by Clements and McEnery to partially include or allude to the “facts” of the Greek myth. The writers’ usage of one-liners and over-their-young-heads jokes makes the movie entertaining to the whole family. Though not a factual reenactment of the Greek myth of Heracles, the Disney version creates a wonderful introduction of characters and locations in Greek mythology for young children using what is suitable and fun for them.
The Disney movie starts off with a concession where Hercules is the natural son of Hera and Zeus taken shortly after birth thru the devious acts of Hades, Lord of the Underworld, and his sidekicks, Pain and Panic. Foster parents Alcmene and Amphitryon take on the raising of Hercule
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Clements and McEnery’s choice of wording such as “the Big Olive” when describing Thebes was classic as a maneuver to elicit a titter from adults. The writers presented a quick, superficial rendering of the Greek myth with these depictions, but it was consistent with the age of their viewers’ abilities to understand and accept what was put forth to them. Disney never set out to make the animated film to be a biography. Nymphs are mentions quickly with a satirical comment by Phil; voice done by Danny DeVito was a perfect match. Phil’s use of Achilles during his tirade about why he didn’t want to become Herc’s trainer and showing the way just a quick flick of fingers on the statues heel was perfect. Many of the main characters from mythology are included to be seen or heard of such as Hercules, Zeus, Hera, Alcmene, Hades, the Serpents, Nessus, Nymphs, the Amazons, King Augean and Megara. It is put forth as a family movie meant to entertain children and adults alike.
Disney’s version of Hercules packs several entertaining ideas on different levels into one fun for all film. Though the Fates are viewed as three characters in the Disney movie, they are not part of the myth of Heracles, but since Fate is part of mythology it was appropriate for their inclusion. Disney writers use the name for the ladylove interest that their hero will sacrifice all to save. Was this Disney story a documentary of the life of Heracles? No. The labor involving the cleaning out of the Augean Stables is mentioned as part of Hercules agenda during a scene at his home with his personal hero trainer Phil. Though in the myth Megara is the wife he marries early on and later kills during an uncontrollable rage sent to him by Hera. Disney’s ability to provide child animation and storyline with chuckles for adults enables Disney to keep the coffers full.
Approximate Word count =
907
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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