How do the makers of 'Shrek' use presentational devices to reverse the tradition, and reveal the ogre as good, while the prince is evil?

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How do the makers of ‘Shrek’ use presentational devices to reverse the tradition, and reveal the ogre as good, while the prince is evil?

‘Shrek’ is an award winning animated film that appeals to all ages due to its unorthodox and interesting approach to a fairy tale.

        

        In traditional fairytales there will be an attractive young maiden; a handsome, brave man usually of high office, as the hero; and inevitably bitter, disfigured evil character.

Most plots will meander through a series of unfortunate mishaps, leading to the fair young maiden caught in a tower and in distress. The dashing young male risks his life to save her, but gets hampered by the wicked character who usually has some kind of connection to either the male or the female.

        Of course, the victorious young man rescues his damsel in distress and their true love is sealed with a kiss.

        ‘Shrek’s main aim is to break all the laws of tradition in fairytales, the alternative characters and humorous script are what make it a true blockbuster of a film.

        The first scene is an imitation of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Book. The first clue that ‘Shrek’ is not just going to be the same as any film is when you see Shrek himself place his huge green hand over the page, rip it out and use it as toilet paper, slamming the toilet door behind him.

Catchy, modern pop music starts up as we are introduced face to face with this huge, but instantly liked character.

Although Shrek is basking in mud and being disgusting on the whole, the way the animators have made his character look means the audience immediately warm to him. He was specially designed to be the good character. His non-angular features and huge grin make him funny, and not frightening.

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The audience know already by time the introduction music has ended, that they are not destined for a conventional fairytale story.

The setting for his home, with the soft morning sunlight filtering through the tree’s onto his woodland settlement is very similar to many fairytale settings, such as Snow White.

Villagers approach Shrek to assassinate him, for simply being an ogre. The director used up shots from the villager’s point of view, to make Shrek appear much larger and daunting. He appears unperturbed, and lets out an enormous, smelly roar, scattering the villagers away. The camera uses ...

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