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A feminist reimagining of the classic story of Cinderella , Ella Enchantedis Gail Carson Levine ’s entry novel about a girl named Ella who is given the " giving " of obeisance by a fairy . This means that Ella has to do whatever anyone narrate her to do , and her quest to disembarrass herself of the whammy forms the basis of the tarradiddle . Along the way , she encounters a lovable cast of charming characters , not to refer her love interest , Prince Charmont . Miramax ’s motion picture adaptation of the book get along out in 2004 , star Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy as Ella and Char , severally . The photographic film does n’t follow the book closely , adding nefarious character and young setting . Still , it earned fans of its own .
The adaptation process was n’t the only obstacle in the way ofElla Enchanted ’s popularity , as the film get sundry brushup from critic and underperformed at the box office before finding a 2d life on place picture . No film ’s growing process is 100 % placid and easy , and a unequalled production likeElla Enchanted ’s was always bound to generate a few brow - arouse stories .
update on January 21st , 2022 by George Chrysostomou : Ella Enchanted is still a dear film , and as new fans find the motion-picture show on streaming platform , it ’s a great clock time to dive back into the product ’s behind - the - picture . Some of these details will definitely appall fans as the princess classic go forward to please hearing .
Anne Hathaway Did Her Own Singing
The producer ofElla Enchantedhad Hathaway do her own telling for the movie , which include multiple songs that ended up on the official soundtrack . In an audience withThoughtCoaround the time of the film ’s release , Hathaway say that doing her own telling was n’t her pick , despite her have a story of choral workplace . Hathaway did n’t volunteer to do her own telling , and she order in multiple audience after the fact that she had no plans to start a career as a pop star .
Hathaway did n’t want to be " obnoxious , " but the filmmakers had no such fear , so they compelled her to perform Ella ’s vocalizing part . Perhaps this is what give Hathaway the confidence to babble inLes Miserablesyears later . Fantineranks as one of Anne Hathway ’s best theatrical role , and it won her an Academy Award .
Kickboxing And Mime Training
Ella Enchantedisn’t an intermediate fairy fib , and that ’s reflected by how active its heroine is . by from the difficulty in physically portray a character whose body move against her will , Hathaway also had to execute in a dancing identification number and move in multiple fight scenes . To this end , the training she perform was astonishingly intensive .
Hathaway toldThoughtCothat she worked with a kickboxing instructor for a month , a professional mime for two week , and the show ’s choreographer , just to get ready forElla Enchanted . The actress assign her success to the fact that she was already fair athletic , having meet soccer for years . Said Hathaway at the time , " I ’m a pretty primed 21 - year - old . "
The Cast Pub Crawl
Friends and family might have noticed that Anne Hathaway came away from filming in Ireland with a noted taste for Guinness , and the reason was apparently Hugh Dancy . Hathaway toldThoughtCothat she and Dancy go on a " drinking spree " while in Ireland , checking out local pubs , and found out that she liked the celebrated Irish brewage .
Hathaway said she could n’t keep up with Dancy ’s pace . Asked by her interviewer , she made it clear that she did n’t match him booze for drink , remarking , " the hombre can go . " Details are thin on this arena of production , as no one but Dancy and Hathaway seems to know precisely what break on during their pub Australian crawl , and they are n’t incredibly forthcoming .
Anne Hathaway Was Only 16 When She Was Approached For The Movie
Fans of Gail Carson Levine ’s novel , on which the movie was based , must have been happy to find out that Anne Hathaway did readElla Enchantedbefore acting the part , according to her interview withThoughtCo . In fact , Hathaway read the rule book when she was just 16 , eld before the moving picture commence filming , because Miramax gave her the book of account .
Hathaway call back that Miramax tell her to just keep it in the back of her brain because " it might be a fun project somewhere down the line of products . " This means that Miramax had this movie planned out year in procession , and intelligibly thought Hathaway was a resurrect star in the making even when she was a stripling . Luckily for them , it turn , as Hathaway never draw a blank the book , saying she wish she had read it when she was 10 .
The Reasons For Filming In Ireland
Not every motion-picture fan realizes it , but location reconnoitring is almost as crucial as casting for pic likeElla Enchanted . Since the film was set in a magical , verdant land , they had to determine a location that would match . In an audience bring out onPhase9,Ella Enchanteddirector Tommy O’Haver said that , in the end , it came down to Ireland or Prague , and there are two compelling reasons they chose Ireland .
First , Ireland has the beautiful , fairy fib calculate the producer were go for . Second , it was trashy . Yes , the aesthetics of the home matter , and O’Haver tell that Ireland had a greener , brighter look than Prague , but we ’re fairly certain the budget mattered just as much as the atmosphere here .
The Release Date Was Delayed By Harvey Weinstein
Yes , it turns out that ill-famed Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein even influenced charming family plastic film . Ella Enchantedwas produced by Miramax , the caller Weinstein founded , and he was noted for get a tyrannical effect on all the moving-picture show he made . In this movie ’s cause , he specifically affected the release escort . In an interview published onPhase9 , O’Haver except when take to explicate why the moving picture was n’t free around the holidays in the U.S. , given that it was free at Christmastime in Ireland .
The picture show , being a nance tale , seemed to be a perfect fit for the holidays . While he also mentioned that the competitor on the two weekend might have charm the decision , O’Haver replied , " Well maybe you should ask Harvey . "
It Was Originally Much Darker
Nowadays , Tommy O’Haver might seem like an odd choice to direct a kin - friendly or young adult motion-picture show , given that his more recent work is a bit more matured . Having today incite on to biopics and criminal offense level , O’Haver on the face of it wanted to inject some darker material into his earlier work .
This was reliable ofElla Enchanted . In an interview published onPhase9 , O’Haver advert that the original cutting of the moving picture was much different , with darker , shuddery scenes that ended up on the cutting room floor . He pronounce that the ending was pretty much what he wanted , but it was edited to be a little " softer " than he had it in the beginning . He also adds that some flirtier phone line were in the original cut , but were too left out .
Hathaway’s Reason For Doing Another Princess Movie
Anne Hathaway seemed to be get a little tired of the princess writing style by the timeElla Enchantedwrapped , and so it seems to have been of import to her that the film did n’t take itself too severely . One cause she did the film that she explained in her 2004 interview withThoughtCowas the wayElla Enchantedmade fun of itself and the genre .
One of Hathaway ’s favourite fibre was Heston the serpent , the unreliable scoundrel who would undercut the thin-skinned - feely vista of the film with cut one - lining . She said that she could only go so long act princess without feeling ridiculous . It ’s safe to take over that one of the things that drew her toElla Enchantedwas its power to not take itself too seriously .
The Robin Hood Snake
Heston the snake , one of the characters original to the film , is a slipping , deceitful mate that stag on Ella and Prince Charmont to further the goal of King Regent Edgar . Fans have a go at it him , naturally . Voiced by Steve Coogan , Heston is a reprehensible sneak that bring just the correct hint of morally belly-up comic relief .
It should make sensation , then , that he ’s free-base on an super similar Disney character . In an interview bring out onPhase9 , manager Tommy O’Haver said that he like the serpent quality from the 1973 animated filmRobin Hood , one of Disney ’s most quotable films , and also a fairy story that featured anthropomorphized animal characters . That character , named Sir Hiss , is also the advisor and servant to a wannabe Billie Jean Moffitt King , meaning Edgar would be a match for the cowardly Prince John .
Hathaway Dropped Out Of School To Act
Anne Hathaway try out to have a calling as an faculty member while acting , and it did n’t work out too well . Ella Enchantedis part of a drawstring of projects Hathaway charter on while study at either Vassar or New York University ( she transferred ) , but either because she kept charter time off to act or for some other unknown intellect , Hathaway never finished her grade .
Hathaway analyse English and Women ’s Studies at Vassar , but according to University Herald , she has never regretted drop out , that she preferred being around masses trying to " spring up up . " Still , it ’s interesting to think that flick likeElla Enchanted , while professionally and creatively fulfilling , stopped her from becoming a college graduate .
Hathaway Changed Her Career Path Due To The Movie
When doing nothing but princess and poove tarradiddle movies , it ’s light to want a change . Anne Hathaway was just 21 whenElla Enchantedcame out , and she had already made a name for herself withThe Princess Diaries , which like a shot led to interviewer ask her if she was live to do all family - favorable princess picture show from here on out .
In an interview publish onBlackFilm.comin 2004 , Hathaway said no , and pointed to the next few projects she had delineate up : HavocandBrokebackMountain , the latter of which would become one ofthe most critically acclaim picture in which Anne Hathaway has come out . It ’s clear in that interview that the actress is eager to move on to more grownup function , and those two movies certainly offer that . WithoutElla Enchantedpushing her to fend off getting typecast in nance tales , her career might have look very unlike .
Hugh Dancy’s Classic Hollywood Preparation
When they were n’t out party together , Anne Hathaway and Hugh Dancy did have to do some established preparation for their part inElla Enchanted , and they did that by watching old Hollywood movies together !
The two actor wanted to have great romantic chemistry , and Hathaway said in an interview published onBlackFilm.comthat they examine up by watching Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn film . Hathaway also specifically articulate in that interview thatthey see the definitive romanceRoman Holiday , not to mention all her conversations with Dancy about how to achieve their want chemistry . In the conclusion , though , she say she just look into Hugh ’s eyes and hoped it would make for out . It ’s hard to have sex if Dancy was as relaxed in the moment .
Hathaway’s Favorite Side Character
Ella Enchantedintroduces a whole worldly concern full of fantastical creatures and side lineament , so of course interviewers ask which one was Anne Hathaway ’s darling . In an consultation put out onBlackFilm.com , Hathaway name Heston , the sarcastic snake , because she liked the cynicism he brought , but it seems her favourite to shoot with was Jim Carter ’s Nish .
Nish is a man - eating ogre with a raw side , and Hathaway say that watching Carter actually get rent in his eye for the worked up setting was slap-up . Carter , a veteran lineament histrion , in all probability enjoyed play the big dreary lug , but obviously not as much as Hathaway liked acting alongside him . Apologies to the other woodland fairy tale creatures , but no one can hold a candle to Nish in Hathaway ’s optic .
The Nod To The Princess Bride
The mod self - aware faerie story write up was popularized by Rob Reiner’sbeloved and highly quotableThe Princess Bride , and few can block Cary Elwes ' turn as Wesley , the perfect swashbuckling dearest interest . Elwes plays a part who was made to be the picture - perfect zep – so by nature , Ella Enchantedhad him play a villain who only cares about his epitome .
Elwes plays the treacherous Sir Edgar in Ella Enchanted , and his malevolent scheming is a sharp contrast to Wesley . Director Tommy O’Haver articulate part of the reason they vagabond Elwes in the role was because it was ironic to see the hombre who played Wesley return to the humanity of fairy tales as " a moustache - twirling villain . "
Big Names In Small Roles
Fans might not think of this , since they most probably reckon the movie back when they were a fry , butElla Enchantedboasts a surprisingly star - studded cast . Aside from the actors that go on to bigger things , such as Anne Hathaway , and the grownup name actors in pretty substantial roles , including Cary Elwes and Steve Coogan , there are also a few stars who make very brief cameos .
Vivica A. Fox makes an coming into court as the fairy that cursed Ella , Minnie Driver plays the clumsy queer Mandy , and Heidi Klum plays the giantess Brumhilda , who ends up falling in honey with Aidan McArdle ’s elf attorney Slannen . There are other significant actors , and it ’s a slip now to go back throughElla Enchantedand see all the liberal names in modest office .
They Tried To Avoid Comparisons To The Princess Diaries
In case rooter were n’t alive or pay attention to the former 2000s , it was an fantabulous time to make a fairy tale movie in Hollywood . Ella Enchantedwas far from the first movie to prove to cash in on the rage , as it was predate byShrekand Anne Hathaway ’s ownThe Princess Diaries .
In an consultation published onPhase9 , director Tommy O’Haver said that his whole team was cognisant of the connections betweenElla Enchantedand the other films , not to cite the first modern ego - mindful fairy narrative filmThe Princess Bride . The filmmakers advisedly sample to tell their project from these other films , so theirs would stand out . It ’s arguable whether it work – Ella Enchanteddidn’t do too well at the box office .
Hathaway Reminded The Director Of A Famous Actress
Miramax had their oculus on Anne Hathaway as a possible star from an other age , but they in all likelihood still needed the director ’s favorable reception to cast her as the lead inElla Enchanted . Tommy O’Haver get wind in the young actress a law of similarity to one of the all - fourth dimension corking ingenues : Judy Garland .
ThoughtCoquoted O’Haver as state Hathaway reminded him of theWizard of Ozactress , comment that she had " that mix of child - like purity but also the confidence and smarts of a mature young char . " This quality , combined with O’Haver ’s esteem for her comedic timing and singing ability , made Hathaway a whorl to win the main function in the film .
A Member Of Monty Python Narrates The Movie
Monty Python , the legendary British surrealist clowning company , has seen its members branch off into dozens– if not hundreds– of films over the year , and it grow outElla Enchantedis part of that tradition . Even snuff it - hard Monty Python fans may not already knowthat company fellow member Eric Idle is the teller ofElla delight .
He may not have the most outsize mien on the film itself , but Python fans likely recognized Idle ’s vocalism in the first few seconds of the movie . Still , for those of us who did n’t , finding out geezerhood after the fact the noted comic was the one who said the words " the end " at the finale can be a jounce .
The Pop Soundtrack
A high - powered variety of tonic stars does n’t always make for upright music . Ella Enchantedheavily featured pop music ( specifically pop covers ) in its soundtrack , even getting Anne Hathaway to join in for a few of them . away from Hathaway , the soundtrack also featured Kelly Clarkson , Jesse McCartney , and Raven - Symoné .
However , just because Miramax was capable to draw on the talent of tonic and Disney stars does n’t mean the soundtrack was good . The chemical reaction to the photographic film ’s music was mixed at best , with some critics saying the backup tracks sounded look sharp and can . Clarkson ’s binding of Aretha Franklin ’s " Respect " was still considered a highlight , though .
The Original Script Was Closer To The Book
Adapting a write body of work is always a guileful challenge for filmmakers , and sometimes it ’s easier just to stray away from the source fabric to make a good movie . That ’s apparently just what happened withElla Enchanted , as multiple masses familiar with the development mental process ( include Anne Hathaway , according to her audience withThoughtCo ) said the playscript was exchange to contain thing that never appeared in the original novel .
The first script that was passed around was much tightlipped to the author material , but it patently just would n’t have worked as a film . Some of the celluloid ’s most darling fiber , including Heston the snake and Sir Edgar , came from the rewrite , so fan should n’t be too broken they did n’t get to see a more close adaption .
NEXT:5 Ways The Ella Enchanted Film Adaptation Ruined The Original Story ( And 5 Things It Did Well )
