Pengaruh Budaya Barat dalam Adaptasi Film 'The Little Mermaid': Sebuah Analisis Naratif

The live-action adaptation of Disney's classic animated film, "The Little Mermaid," has sparked a wave of discussions, particularly regarding its cultural impact. While the film aims to stay true to the original story, it also incorporates elements of contemporary Western culture, raising questions about the influence of Western values on the narrative. This essay will delve into the narrative of the film, analyzing how Western cultural influences have shaped the story and its characters, ultimately impacting the overall message conveyed.

The Transformation of Ariel's Character

The adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" presents a more complex and nuanced portrayal of Ariel, the titular character. While the original animated film depicted Ariel as a rebellious and adventurous mermaid, the live-action version emphasizes her desire for independence and self-discovery. This shift in characterization aligns with contemporary Western values that prioritize individual agency and personal growth. Ariel's yearning for a life beyond the sea, her pursuit of human culture, and her willingness to defy her father's authority resonate with modern audiences who value self-expression and breaking societal norms.

The Incorporation of Modern Themes

The film also incorporates modern themes that are prevalent in Western culture. The emphasis on Ariel's desire for love and romance, her pursuit of a "happily ever after" with Prince Eric, reflects the enduring Western ideal of romantic love as a central element of personal fulfillment. The film's portrayal of Ariel's journey as a coming-of-age story, where she learns to navigate the complexities of love, loss, and self-acceptance, further reinforces the Western narrative of individual growth and self-discovery.

The Influence of Western Aesthetics

The film's visual aesthetics are heavily influenced by Western cultural norms. The costumes, makeup, and overall visual style of the characters are designed to appeal to a Western audience, reflecting contemporary Western beauty standards. The film's soundtrack, featuring pop music and contemporary musical arrangements, further reinforces the Western cultural influence. This integration of Western aesthetics contributes to the film's overall appeal to a global audience, while simultaneously reinforcing the dominance of Western cultural norms.

The Impact on the Narrative

The incorporation of Western cultural influences has a significant impact on the narrative of "The Little Mermaid." The film's emphasis on individual agency, romantic love, and self-discovery, while appealing to a modern audience, may also overshadow the original story's themes of family, tradition, and the importance of staying true to one's roots. The film's portrayal of Ariel's journey as a quest for personal fulfillment, rather than a journey of self-discovery within her own culture, may inadvertently reinforce the Western narrative of individual achievement over collective identity.

The live-action adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" demonstrates the complex interplay between cultural influences and storytelling. While the film aims to stay true to the original story, it also incorporates elements of contemporary Western culture, shaping the narrative and its characters. The film's emphasis on individual agency, romantic love, and self-discovery, while appealing to a modern audience, may also overshadow the original story's themes of family, tradition, and the importance of staying true to one's roots. The film's portrayal of Ariel's journey as a quest for personal fulfillment, rather than a journey of self-discovery within her own culture, may inadvertently reinforce the Western narrative of individual achievement over collective identity. Ultimately, the film's adaptation serves as a reminder of the power of cultural influences in shaping narratives and the importance of critically examining the messages conveyed through storytelling.