Disney’s Pocahontas hit theaters in 1995, and it was a huge success. It won two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Grammy. The animated musical tells the story of Pocahontas, a Native American princess who falls in love with John Smith, a British adventurer who is part of a group of colonizers who come to Virginia in search of gold and riches. The film features several iconic songs, such as “Colors of the Wind” and “Just Around the Riverbend”. However, there is one song that was originally planned for the film but didn’t make the final cut, and that is “If I Never Knew You”. In this blog post, we will explore why Disney removed “If I Never Knew You” from Pocahontas, how the song evolved and changed over time, and its impact on the film.
The Origin of “If I Never Knew You”
“If I Never Knew You” was written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. It was meant to be a duet between Pocahontas and John Smith, and it was supposed to be the film’s love ballad. The song was initially included in the film, but during test screenings, it became clear that it didn’t resonate with the audience. According to Menken, in an interview with Variety, the song was the “kiss of death” for the movie because it slowed down the pace and took the audience out of the story.
Despite the negative feedback, Menken and Schwartz believed in the song’s potential and decided to release it as a single. They recorded a version of the song performed by Jon Secada and Shanice, which was played over the end credits of the film’s theatrical release. The single was a hit, reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The Evolution of “If I Never Knew You”
The version of “If I Never Knew You” that was released as a single is different from the original version that was intended for the film. The original version was slower and more intimate, while the single version was faster and had a more pop-oriented arrangement. The lyrics were also slightly changed to make them more universal and less tied to the film’s specific storyline.
In subsequent years, Disney released several versions of “If I Never Knew You” with different arrangements and performers. In 2000, a reworked version of the song was included in the Disney movie “The Tigger Movie.” This version was performed by Boyz II Men and featured backing vocals by Pocahontas voice actress Judy Kuhn. The song was also included in the stage adaptation of Pocahontas as a duet between the characters.
The Impact of “If I Never Knew You” on Pocahontas
Despite being removed from the film, “If I Never Knew You” has become one of the most beloved songs from Pocahontas. Many fans have praised the song for its emotional resonance and for the way it captures the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. Some even argue that the removal of the song weakened the film’s impact and robbed the characters of a defining moment.
However, it’s hard to say whether “If I Never Knew You” would have worked in the context of the film. Many critics argue that the song’s placement in the film was awkward and that it disrupted the narrative flow. While the song might have worked as a standalone piece, it might have been too sentimental and unrealistic for the film’s tone and message.
Conclusion
In the end, the decision to remove “If I Never Knew You” from Pocahontas was based on audience feedback and creative choices. While the song has become a beloved classic, its original inclusion might have weakened the film’s impact. However, the song’s enduring popularity and its various reworkings and covers speak to its emotional resonance and the strength of its melody and lyrics.
FAQ
What is false about the Pocahontas movie?
Disney’s Pocahontas was released in 1995 and has often been criticized for its historical inaccuracies. The movie tells the story of the Native American woman Pocahontas and the Englishman John Smith and their supposed love affair. However, the movie plays fast and loose with the historical record.
One of the most glaring inaccuracies in the movie is the age difference between Pocahontas and John Smith. In the movie, the two appear to be around the same age and develop a romantic relationship. However, in reality, Pocahontas was only around 10 years old when John Smith arrived in Virginia in 1607, while Smith was 27 years old. There is no evidence that the two were ever romantically involved.
Another major inaccuracy lies in the portrayal of the Powhatan tribe, the Native Americans who lived in the region where the English first established Jamestown. In the movie, they are portrayed as a peaceful and harmonious people who are in tune with nature. However, in reality, the Powhatan tribe was a complex society with its own conflicts and power struggles. The movie’s portrayal of the tribe further reinforces the stereotype of Native Americans as simplistic and primitive.
Another point of contention is the portrayal of John Smith himself. In the movie, he is portrayed as a sympathetic and heroic figure who respects and understands Native Americans. However, in reality, Smith was a controversial figure who had a contentious relationship with the Powhatan tribe. Smith had a reputation for violence and aggression towards Native Americans, and he even referred to them as “savages” in his writings.
Finally, there is the issue of Pocahontas’s name. In the movie, her full name is presented as “Pocahontas,” but this was not her real name. Pocahontas was actually a childhood nickname that meant “little wanton” or “playful one.” Her real name was probably Matoaka. The use of her nickname instead of her real name further demonstrates the movie’s disregard for historical accuracy.
While Disney’s Pocahontas may be an entertaining movie for children, it is important to recognize it as a fictionalized account of history. The movie presents a romanticized and oversimplified version of events that erases the complexity and violence of the historical context.
What did Disney get right in Pocahontas?
Disney’s 1995 animated movie Pocahontas tells an adaptation of the story about a Native American woman who befriended English settlers in the 17th century. While some parts of the movie take liberties with history, there are significant parts that the film got right.
First and foremost, the film accurately depicts the character of Pocahontas in terms of her ties to the Powhatan tribe. The movie correctly portrays Pocahontas as the daughter of Chief Powhatan (real name Wahunsenacawh), which holds a key place in the story. The portrayal of Chief Powhatan is also accurate, depicting him as the supreme ruler of the Powhatan Confederacy, who was powerful and important in his own right.
Another aspect of the movie that Disney got right was the fact that Pocahontas had a child-like curiosity about the newcomers and was interested in learning about them. In the film, Pocahontas is shown as a brave and curious young woman who is drawn to explore and discover new things, which is reflected in her relationship with John Smith.
Moreover, Disney did an excellent job of depicting the setting of the movie and the details of life in the Powhatan tribe. The film successfully showcases the lush environment in Virginia and the day-to-day life of Pocahontas and the tribe. It can be observed that the characters are wearing historically accurate clothing, and the film also included the rituals and ceremonies unique to the Powhatan tribe.
Lastly, the film accurately portrays the clash of cultures that happened between the Powhatan tribe and the English settlers. The animosity and tension between the two groups is accurately depicted in the movie, particularly when Pocahontas is negotiating with Governor Ratcliffe, who is more interested in exploiting Native land than making peaceful relations. The film also shows that it was the English, and not the Native Americans, who first used violence against the other group.
While Pocahontas has been criticized for its historical accuracy, there are significant parts of the movie that Disney got right. From the depiction of Chief Powhatan, the characters’ clothing and setting, to the interaction between tribes and English settlers, Disney depicted these story elements fairly accurately and with attention to detail.
What happened in Pocahontas Disney?
“Pocahontas” is a 1995 musical animation film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. The storyline of the movie revolves around the titular character, Pocahontas, a Native American woman of the Powhatan tribe and her encounter with a group of English settlers who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.
The movie opens with Pocahontas, the daughter of the Chief Powhatan, who has a dream about a coming of a new stranger who will change her life. That new stranger is, of course, an Englishman named John Smith. Upon the arrival of the English, a conflict arises between them and the Powhatan tribe. Nevertheless, Pocahontas and John Smith share a chance encounter and instantly fall in love. Their love, however, is short-lived as they are from different worlds and their respective cultures do not approve of their relationship.
Despite the tensions, John Smith and Pocahontas continue to meet in secret and get to know each other. However, things take a turn for the worse when one of John Smith’s men, Thomas, attacks a Powhatan warrior. This act of aggression causes a standoff between the two groups, and tensions escalate.
In an effort to prevent an all-out war, Pocahontas intervenes and urges her people to listen to reason. She also shares her views of the interconnectedness of nature and how all living things are a part of a larger whole. John Smith, too, begins to see the error of his ways and the two sides start to understand each other better.
Towards the end of the movie, John Smith is captured by the Powhatan tribe and is sentenced to death by execution. Pocahontas intervenes once again and pleads with her father to spare his life. In an act of reconciliation, Chief Powhatan spares John Smith’s life, and he leaves with his men. In the end, John asks Pocahontas to come with him, but she chooses to stay with her tribe to help keep the peace. John leaves without Pocahontas but with Powhatan’s blessing to return anytime in the future.
“Pocahontas” is an inspiring story that highlights the importance of understanding and accepting different perspectives. The movie touches on themes such as love, friendship, cultural differences, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Despite some historical inaccuracies, the movie remains a classic Disney movie that teaches us valuable lessons about life and the world around us.
How do Native Americans feel about Pocahontas movie?
The Disney film Pocahontas, released in 1995, is a story about a romantic relationship between a young Native American woman, Pocahontas, and an Englishman, John Smith. The story is set in 17th century Virginia, where English colonizers are portrayed as peaceful settlers living alongside the Native American Powhatan people. However, the film has been heavily criticized for its historically inaccurate portrayal of the Powhatan tribe and their relationship with early English settlers.
Native American activists have voiced their concerns about the misrepresentations and inaccuracies in the film. They argue that Pocahontas perpetuates negative stereotypes of Native Americans and presents a romanticized version of the colonization of America. They also criticize the film’s portrayal of Pocahontas as a stereotypical “noble savage” who is saved by the white man.
The Powhatan Nation has repeatedly criticized the movie for its distorted depiction of their history. They have stated that the film portrays the Powhatan people as primitive and savage, and that the movie’s depiction of Pocahontas ignores the fact that she was a real person, not a fairy-tale character.
Furthermore, Pocahontas is not the only film that has been criticized for its portrayal of Native Americans. Peter Pan, which also includes a portrayal of Native Americans, has long been criticized for its racist content. In the movie, the Native American characters are depicted as aggressive and violent, and are even referred to as “redskins,” a derogatory term.
Pocahontas reflects a shift in media portrayal of American Indians from racist and discriminatory falsehoods to romanticized distortions. Though Pocahontas does not contain overt racism like Peter Pan, the film falsely romanticizes the relationship between the Powhatan tribe and the early English settlers, and presents a distorted view of Native American culture and history. It is important to listen to the voices of Native Americans who have been marginalized and oppressed in American society and to acknowledge the painful history of colonization and genocide that has been perpetuated against them.
Was Pocahontas forced to marry John Rolfe?
Pocahontas was a Native American princess who played an important role in the history of the United States. She was famously known for her association with English colonizers and her ultimate marriage to John Rolfe. However, the question remains: was Pocahontas forced to marry John Rolfe?
It is important to note that Pocahontas was not actually her real name. She was born “Amonute” and later given the name “Matoaka” by her father. She was known as Pocahontas because of her playful personality which roughly translated to “spoiled child.”
In the early days of English colonization in Virginia, Pocahontas was captured by the colonizers in 1613 to be used as a bargaining chip for the release of English prisoners. During her captivity, Pocahontas met John Rolfe, who was an English tobacco farmer. The two developed a bond and eventually got married in 1614.
It is important to note that while Pocahontas did marry Rolfe, her father, the chief of the Powhatan tribe, did not give his full consent to the union. He only consented to the marriage because Pocahontas was being held captive and he feared what might happen if he said no. This highlights how the English colonizers used their power and control to force indigenous people to accede with their plans.
Furthermore, there are also suggestions that John Rolfe married Pocahontas to gain the help of the quiakros with his tobacco crops, as they were in charge of tobacco. Pocahontas was considered a valuable asset to the English colonizers because of her knowledge of the local land, culture, and the people that lived on it. Hence, the marriage between Rolfe and Pocahontas was viewed by many as a strategic move made by the English colonizers to gain influence and control over the indigenous people in the area.
It is safe to say that while Pocahontas did ultimately marry John Rolfe, there was significant pressure and coercion involved in the marriage. Her father did not fully consent, and the marriage was primarily a move made by the English colonizers to gain more control and influence over the indigenous people in the area. Therefore, it can be concluded that Pocahontas was forced to marry John Rolfe to a significant degree.
What is the feminism in Pocahontas?
Pocahontas is a 1995 American animated musical movie produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in the 17th century, this movie tells the story of Pocahontas, a Native American princess and her encounter with John Smith, a European explorer. The movie has been acclaimed for its stunning animation and music, but it has also been a subject of controversy and criticism over its portrayal of Native Americans and issues of historical accuracy. However, Pocahontas also showcases significant themes of eco-feminism and female empowerment.
The characters of Pocahontas illustrate eco-critical views and themes of eco-feminism through the embodiment of the connected world, human-animal relationships, and the equal treatment of females and nature. Pocahontas is portrayed as a strong, independent female character who assertively questions and challenges the normative patriarchal system.
From an eco-feminist perspective, the movie reflects the deep interconnectedness between humans and nature. Pocahontas’ dialogues and body language convey an unwavering respect for the natural world. The character of Pocahontas can be seen as a manifestation of eco-feminism, as she embodies the sacredness of nature and human-animal interdependence. She is often shown dancing with animals, touching flora, or sitting in contemplation with the Grandmother Willow, which reinforces her connection to the natural world as something that must be respected and protected.
Furthermore, the eco-feminist message is also reflected in the portrayal of women in the movie. The stereotypical roles of women as passive and submissive are challenged in this movie. Pocahontas is a courageous and curious princess who never backs down when it comes to taking a stand for her people. She challenges her own father’s decisions and even John Smith’s motives. She is a character who represents the strength of women, both physically and mentally, and their invaluable role in shaping the world around them.
Another notable aspect of eco-feminism that is reflected in Pocahontas is the concept of equal treatment of all living beings, which includes women, animals, and nature. The movie’s poignant scene where Pocahontas saves John Smith from being executed for trespassing on their land exemplifies this principle. Pocahontas’ decision to ask her father to spare John’s life highlights the inherent compassion and respect that all living beings deserve. The movie challenges patriarchal and colonialist notions that position human beings, particularly men, as the dominant species. Therefore, Pocahontas can be viewed as a counter-narrative against societies that privilege one group at the cost of others.
Pocahontas is a classic movie that portrays a profound understanding of eco-feminism and female empowerment. Through the character of Pocahontas, the movie highlights the importance of eco-critical views and the necessity of returning to a more sustainable way of life that honors the interconnectedness of all living beings. Furthermore, the movie sheds light on the importance of challenging patriarchal and colonialist notions by acknowledging the equal treatment of all living beings. Hence, Pocahontas can be seen as a critique of the dominant socioeconomic system that has led to the exploitation of land and marginalization of women and other living beings.