Tale of Tales: When Ancient Fairy Tales Are More Brutal and Passionate Than Disney

Do you think fairy tales must always be warm and happy? If so, Tale of Tales (Il racconto dei racconti) will change your mind, because this Italian blockbuster takes 17th-century folk tales and presents them unvarnished, full of blood, sex, and the cruelty hidden in every act.

Director Matteo Garrone didn't make a children's film; he made a film for adults that dares to explore the dark side of humanity. This review will take you deep into the world of dark fairy tales that are both beautiful and creepy at the same time.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The film presents three parallel stories from the collection Pentamerone or The Tale of Tales, which is the origin of many European fairy tales. The first story tells of the Queen of Longtrellis (Salma Hayek) who is obsessed with having a child and will do anything, even at the cost of her husband's life. The second story is about the King of Strongcliff (Vincent Cassel), a womanizer who is tricked by two sisters through a sexual ruse. The third story is about the King of Highhills (Toby Jones), who is obsessed with raising a giant flea, leading to a bizarre marriage.

All three stories are connected by the theme of obsession, whether it be obsession with appearance, lust, or twisted desires. The film narrates them in a non-linear fashion but maintains emotional continuity that makes the audience feel the charm of magic tinged with darkness.

Acting and Characters

Every actor gives their all, especially Salma Hayek, who plays the desperate queen with both sympathy and terror. She conveys the obsession with having a child so realistically that it makes the audience uncomfortable. Vincent Cassel also stands out as the womanizing king, both funny and annoying. Toby Jones as the king obsessed with a giant flea creates dry humor effectively.

The female characters, such as the two sisters played by Shirley Henderson and Hayley Carmichael, skillfully portray greed and cunning. Meanwhile, Bebe Cave as the young princess adds innocence amidst the cruelty, giving the film diverse emotional depth.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Matteo Garrone proves his skill again by creating a fantasy world that is both beautiful and unsettling. The film's visuals are rich in vibrant colors, whether it be marble castles, dark forests, or luxurious bedrooms. Every scene is meticulously crafted into living art.

The score by Alexandre Desplat greatly enhances the atmosphere, from thrilling music in suspenseful scenes to soft sounds in moments of sorrow. The editing that interweaves the stories keeps the film from being boring, though some parts are slightly drawn out.

Editorial Analysis

The editorial team views Tale of Tales as a film that dares to challenge the conventions of typical fairy tales by presenting the harsh truth of human nature. The film is not just superficially horrifying but also incorporates philosophy about boundless desires and their consequences.

Choosing to tell three stories simultaneously rather than separately allows the audience to see an overview of ancient society where beliefs in magic and morality are conveyed through tales. However, this narrative style may confuse some viewers, especially at the beginning when they need to remember characters and relationships.

The film is suitable for adults who enjoy dark fantasy and are not afraid of explicit content, but not for those expecting Disney-like fun or happily-ever-after endings.

Verdict

Tale of Tales is a bold and beautiful work for adults seeking the dark side of fairy tales. Although the storytelling may not be smooth, with stunning visuals and intense performances, this film is a worthwhile experience for dark fantasy fans. If you like films that challenge your thinking and aren't afraid of cruelty, this is a must-watch.