Unit 8 - Music and the Fictive Dream

 Aladdin - Speechless by Naomi Scott


Jafar wants to marry Jasmine


 The movie Aladdin, is about overcoming adversity and being true to yourself. Aladdin, a poor but kind thief, is known as a street rat to others in the city. He meets a man, named Jafar and gets told he is the "The Diamond in the Rough" and gets promised he will be able to impress the princess. Jafar, a greedy and villainous character, is the grand vizier of the Sultan. He used to be a thief just like Aladdin. He wants to take over the kingdom by marrying Princess Jasmine but she refuses to be used for power. Jafar puts others down especially the princess in order to get his way. In the end, Jasmine falls in love with Aladdin's true character. 



Speechless - Part 1

Speechless - composed in 2019 by Alan Menken and sung by Naomi Scott

Unlike the cartoon version, Princess Jasmine finally gets her own song. Princess Jasmine was told its "better to be seen not heard" by Jafar. Speechless is a two part song. The first part shows her in a more sensitive state, while the second part shows her taking control. The message shows her growth as a character. Her song was written to empower women and help them use their voice. Jasmine's voice was constantly shut down by the men around her, including her father and Jafar. The song was inspired by the #MeToo Movement. This movement was created by those who experienced sexual abuse and harassment. It encouraged women to speak up and to let them know they are not alone. 


Speechless - Part 2

I have grown up loving this movie, both the live action and cartoon. Usually I do not like the remakes of classic movies, but this movie was super good. Her song added more personality and understanding to the character. It gives a better perspective of her taking back control and finding her voice. Speechless is more about the lyrics rather than the other musical elements. Although, the calm beat and tempo in the beginning of the song, gives a sign of vulnerability. As the song goes on, these elements increase adding to her powerful message. 


SOURCES 

“Aladdin: Naomi Scott Performs Jasmine’s New Feminist Song.” Aladdin: Naomni Scott Sings New Feminist Song Speechless, https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/aladdin-premiere-london-naomi-scott-jasmine-feminist-song-speechless/268567   Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Gordon, Sherri. “This Is Why the #MeToo Movement Matters.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 28 Apr. 2023, https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-metoo-movement-4774817#:~:text=The%20History%20of%20the%20%23MeToo,had%20suffered%20the%20same%20experience.

Wiki, Contributors to Disney. “Speechless.” Disney Wiki, Fandom, Inc., https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Speechless Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.



Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 19, 2024 at 1:04 PM

    Hi Carmryn! I agree with what you said about not normally liking the remakes of classic movies, but I did love this Aladdin adaptation. I would've loved to know how/if the soundtrack for Aladdin changed between the cartoon version and live action, but I really loved reading your post!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ntxheeyees YangNovember 21, 2024 at 6:18 PM

    Hi Carmryn, I loved your explanation of this song! I also like how you choose to break this song into two parts! I agree with you, the first part shows Jasmine in a more timid and sensitive state, while part two is more powerful and shows that she is no longer the timid Jasmine from earlier.

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