Complex (Animation)

Tangled (English: Tangled) is a 3D computer-animated musical adventure and comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures on November 24, 2010. Adapted from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel, the film is Disney’s 50th full-length animated feature. The screenplay was written by Dan Fogelman, and the film is directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard. The voice cast includes Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Zachary Levi as Flynn Rider, and Donna Murphy as Mother Gothel. The story follows Rapunzel, a young princess with magical long golden hair, as she escapes her tower imprisonment and explores the outside world.

Plot

Tangled tells the story of Rapunzel, a young girl with magical long hair, as she escapes her isolated life in a tower and embarks on a journey to discover her true identity. Born with the powers of a magical flower, Rapunzel discovers that her hair possesses healing and youth-restoring properties. However, she is kidnapped by the malevolent Mother Gothel and imprisoned in a high tower. Gothel uses Rapunzel’s hair to remain young and keeps her isolated from the outside world. On her 18th birthday, Rapunzel decides to leave the tower and meets the charismatic thief Flynn Rider. Together, they set out on a journey to return to the kingdom and uncover Rapunzel’s true identity. Throughout the film, as Rapunzel discovers freedom and the truths of her past, Flynn transforms from a selfish thief into a selfless character. Their journey unfolds around themes of identity, personal freedom, and love.

Scene from Tangled (IMDb)

Themes

Tangled explores themes such as personal freedom, self-discovery, and family bonds. Rapunzel’s imprisonment in the tower symbolizes the desire of an individual to find their own path. Mother Gothel’s manipulative and controlling nature reflects toxic parent-child relationships. The film also emphasizes positive values such as courage and self-confidence. The romantic subplot, centered on the relationship between Rapunzel and Flynn, addresses themes of trust and mutual support.

Production

Tangled originated as a project proposed by Disney animator Glen Keane in 2001. With a six-year production process and a budget of approximately $260 million, the film became one of the most expensive animated films ever made at the time. It combines traditional animation with computer-generated imagery (CGI) techniques, employing a unique artistic style that evokes the feel of a painted canvas without striving for photorealism. The film’s music was composed by Alan Menken, an eight-time Academy Award winner, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The film premiered on November 14, 2010, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles and was released nationwide on November 24, 2010.

Book Adaptation and Development Process

The film is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Rapunzel, but the story has been reimagined with a modern perspective. Disney had previously attempted to adapt the tale in the 1930s and 1940s but abandoned the project due to concerns that the story was too “small.” Revived in 2001 following Glen Keane’s proposal, the project was initially planned as a computer-animated film titled Rapunzel Unbraided. However, after Keane withdrew from directing in 2008 due to health issues, Byron Howard and Nathan Greno were appointed as co-directors. To appeal to a gender-neutral audience, the film was marketed under the title Tangled instead of Rapunzel.

Scene from Tangled (IMDb)

Characters and Voice Cast

• Rapunzel – Mandy Moore: The film’s protagonist, Rapunzel is a young princess living in a tower with 70 feet of magical golden hair that has healing powers. Moore portrays Rapunzel as brave, curious, and determined, distinguishing her from traditional fairy tale princesses.
• Flynn Rider / Eugene Fitzherbert – Zachary Levi: Flynn is a charismatic and witty thief who helps Rapunzel escape the tower. Levi effectively voices the character’s humorous nature and transformative arc.
• Mother Gothel – Donna Murphy: A manipulative character who kidnaps Rapunzel to use her hair for eternal youth and imprisons her in the tower for years. Murphy powerfully conveys Gothel’s false maternal affection and controlling demeanor.
• Maximus – (Silent, but animated with expressive gestures): The royal horse Maximus relentlessly pursues Flynn and serves as one of the film’s comic elements.
• Pascal – (Silent): Rapunzel’s loyal chameleon supports emotional storytelling through expressive facial movements without dialogue.
• The Stabbington Brothers – Ron Perlman: These twin characters are Flynn’s former criminal partners who are after Rapunzel’s hair.
• Big Nose Thug – Jeffrey Tambor: One of the thugs at the Snuggly Duckling tavern.
• Hook Hand Thug – Brad Garrett: Another thug, notable for his artistic temperament and hook hand.
• Short Thug – Paul F. Tompkins: A short-statured and humorous supporting character.
• Captain of the Guard – M.C. Gainey: The commander of the royal guard who pursues Flynn.

Maximus (IMDb)

Box Office Performance

Tangled achieved a strong box office performance worldwide in 2010 and emerged as one of Disney’s most successful animated films. The film earned approximately $592 million globally, making it the eighth highest-grossing film worldwide in 2010.

With its high production cost of approximately $260 million, the film was among the most expensive animated productions of its time. Nevertheless, its box office earnings demonstrate both its commercial success and popularity among audiences.

Upon release, the film received significant attention from families and young viewers, and its impact continued in subsequent years through Blu-ray and DVD sales, television broadcasts, and short sequels.

Awards and Nominations

Oscars – 83rd Academy Awards (2011)

• Nomination: Best Original Song – “I See the Light” (Alan Menken, Glenn Slater).

Golden Globe Awards (2011)

• Nomination: Best Animated Feature Film
• Nomination: Best Original Song – “I See the Light”

Grammy Awards (2012)

• Winner: Best Song Written for Visual Media – “I See the Light” (Alan Menken, Glenn Slater)
• Nomination: Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Annie Awards (2011)

• Nomination: Best Animated Feature
• Nomination: Best Writing – Dan Fogelman
• Nomination: Best Character Animation and Design

Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

• Nomination: Best Animated Film
• Nomination: Best Song – “I See the Light”

Saturn Awards (Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films)

• Nomination: Best Animated Film

ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2011)

• Winner: Top Box Office Films – Alan Menken, Glenn Slater

Visual Effects Society (VES) Awards

• Nomination: Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture
• Nomination: Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture

Teen Choice Awards

• Nomination: Choice Voice – Zachary Levi