Review of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1938) by Bert P — 04 Oct 2013

While technically not the first, full length animated feature, Snow White was considered top-tier in its day still remains one of the greatest achievements in hand-drawn animation, though less complicated stylistically when compared to later works. The animators' skill levels weren't yet up to the task of capturing the heroic, masculine movements of the prince, so they relied on rotoscoping to render his movements. Even Snow White herself is inconsistently realized at times, moving cartoonishly in some scenes, and then realistically in others where rotoscoping was used.

By no means do these inconsistencies mar the film. When he set out to make Snow White, Old Walt envisioned a clockwork world; every element in movement, and indeed, this is a moving film is all respects. Both in terms of its animation and emotional power. It's a shame that it is most notably remembered (and often poked fun at) for its saucer-eyed animals and merry songs, when its strongest scenes are also its most dramatic. Yes, I'm talking about the forest scene. What a vision. I still don't know if the forest is really haunted, or just the projection of a fragile mind, whirling in terror. I lean toward the latter: that what we're witnessing is an example (and a very fine one at that) of post-modern horror--a window into the heroine's psyche as it molds and recreates the environment to match her emotional state. Other frightening scenes of note: hungry vultures, descending on the hag; and a thirsty skeleton, desperately reaching for the water-jug. Both scenes represent untold stories of unimaginable fear and horror.

I wish more people would acknowledge the darker side of Snow White, but this is not discount the charm of its lighter side. There are some lovely moments, and the songs are good too ("Whistle While you Work" and "Hi Ho" offer a sad little glimpse into some sorely-needed depression-era optimism). The film is to be enjoyed from every angle.