For
many people, Disney's “Hercules” is the definitive version of the
character. They may be wholly unaware, that the film's narrative
strays far from established mythology. It is commonplace, for changes
to be made in an adaptation to theaters. By now it should be
expected, but rarely is it explained.
Movies
are subject to strict time constraints, and a loose interpretation of
the source material, alleviates some of the burden. However, a great
number of liberties are taken by productions and they all can't be so
easily categorized. Ultimately, the story is subject to the whims of
the storyteller, and that person has their own motivations. The
reasons may not be immediately clear, but it's helpful to remember
that a tale is for its audience.
Classic
Movie Trailers – Hercules (1997)
Hercules
was born to Zeus and Alcmene, a mortal woman of great beauty. She was
deceived by the god, who laid with her in the guise of her husband.
The child was, by nature, a half-breed. He was also a living reminder
of Zeus's infidelity.
Hera
sent the snakes, to the infant's crib. She hated Hercules, from the
moment he was conceived. It was Hera, the wife of Zeus who schemed
and plotted against him. Her rage afflicted him with madness, and he
killed Megara, along with their children.
So
there's nothing family-friendly about those myths. Changes were going
to be made, but the decisions are interesting. One of the most
telling choices, is the depiction of Hades. The god of the Greek
underworld is not Satan's analogue, but here they are synonymous.
In
both manner and deed, the Hades of this film is unmistakably evil.
Gone is his firm, fair and just hand, in favor of a fiery persona.
The Devil is instantly recognizable, and his presence is easy to
understand. For a modern, moviegoing audience, that isn't well versed
in history, a predominant figure is a considerable comfort.
This
entire take on Hercules, was possibly meant to make him more
relatable. Instead of a man, that is born simply better than the
masses, we're given a god that is humbled to walk as a man. He earns
his name as a hero, and he strives to achieve greatness. In the end
however, he abandons that goal to settle down and love.
I
haven't met a person that would turn down immortality for marriage
and death. It is pretty silly, when you sit and think about it, but
our heroes are supposed to be those that we aspire to. That sort of
resolution also casts mortality, in a more favorable light. If
Hercules can choose the fate so easily, it must not be that bad.
It's
a feel good movie, with a predictable ending. There are no horrible,
tragic events to deal with, and the hero doesn't spend time laboring
for his sins. We're allowed to eat our popcorn and cheer him on. When
all is said and done, you don't have to think too much.
Personally,
I was inclined to consider the work for a long while. I've come to
the conclusion, that this is a different Hercules. He's akin to
Frankenstein, in the Universal classic; there is a separate base for
the character, but he stands on his own. Who am I to determine the
definitive version? It's hard to make a qualitative statement, in the
court of public opinion.
There
are at least three epics, called “Lord Of The Rings”. One is in
print and two are on screen. As I understand it, they are very
different things, but people are going to choose the version they
please. What came before doesn't matter ultimately; some will swear
by the books and others will disregard them.
Mythology
can be thought of, as an extension of oral tradition. How many times
has the story of Hercules changed through the ages? The original tale
is lost in time and it has little importance. Back then it was as it
is today, with the story at the whim of the storyteller.
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See
“Hercules” on Netflix!
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