When it comes to the realm of princess songs, Alan Menken stands out as a true luminary. Skydance Animation recognized his brilliance and entrusted him with writing music and scoring their captivating new animated musical, "Spellbound." Now streaming on Netflix, this film follows Rachel Zegler as Princess Ellian, a teenager on a quest to break a spell that has transformed her royal parents into monsters. With an ensemble cast including Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem, John Lithgow, Jennifer Lewis, Tituss Burgess, and Nathan Lane, the film is a whimsical fairytale epic.

Unlock the Magic of "Spellbound" with Alan Menken and Glenn Slater

Ellian's Unconventional Introduction

In crafting the introduction to Princess Ellian, Glenn Slater and Alan Menken were keenly aware of basing it on real family dynamics. As a 15-year-old girl in the modern world, Ellian would communicate through her phone and break the fourth wall. This sense of slanginess and social media interaction was integral to creating her character. The lively opening number, "My Parents are Monsters," set the tone for this unconventional princess. 2: This approach allowed the audience to connect with Ellian on a more relatable level. It showed that she was not just a fairy tale princess but a real teenager with real emotions and experiences. The fourth-wall-breaking element added a unique touch that made the character stand out from the traditional princess archetype.

The Emotional Core: "The Way It Was Before"

The broken piano and the drip of water hitting the notes in the animation set the stage for this poignant ballad. "The Way It Was Before" is a song of longing for what has been broken and the desire to put it back together. It was one of the first songs written for the film, even before the plot was fully nailed down. Sitting around a table, they discussed the character and her desires, and the words "longing and sad" combined with "hopeful and great" to form the essence of the song. Alan Menken's ability to capture these emotions with his music was truly remarkable. 2: As the emotional core of the film, this song tugged at the heartstrings of the viewers. It showed the depth of Ellian's feelings and her longing for the way things used to be. The music and lyrics worked together seamlessly to create a powerful emotional impact.

Choosing Rachel Zegler for Princess Ellian's Voice

Director Vicky Jenson's first choice for Princess Ellian's voice was Rachel Zegler, and it was a decision that paid off. Zegler grew up with Disney movies and had internalized what a Disney heroine looks and sounds like. But she is also a brilliant actress who was able to add her own spin to the character. She got into the studio and nailed the role, bringing Ellian to life with her talent and charm. 2: Zegler's performance added a new dimension to the character. She made Ellian feel like a real person, with her own fears, hopes, and dreams. Her voice was the perfect fit for the role, and it added an extra layer of magic to the film.

John Lithgow's Showstopping Number

John Lithgow's "I Could Get Used to This" is a standout number in the film. With lyrics like "It's more than marvelous / How have I lived my whole live larva-less?" and "I could get used to this / Somehow I can't help but shake my big fat caboose to this!" the song showcases Lithgow's great voice and comic timing. 2: Working with Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, they were able to create a production number that added a lighthearted and fun element to the film. It was a moment of relief in the midst of the more serious second act, and it left the audience laughing and entertained.

The Importance of Lyrics

The lyrics in "Spellbound" play a crucial role in enhancing the characters and the story. While some lyrics are clever and witty, like in the case of the more cultured characters, others capture the struggle of characters like the mother and father to express themselves. It's about finding the right words to make an emotional connection, rather than simply being flashy or clever. 2: The collaboration between Menken and Slater ensures that the lyrics enhance the overall experience of the film. They work together to create a balance between the music and the lyrics, making each song a memorable part of the story.