John Smith Stereotypes

This essay will be discussing the way in which Pocahontas and John Smith have been portrayed in the movie ‘Pocahontas’ and how stereotypes of society have helped to shape the animated characters ‘Pocahontas’ tells the story of two individuals, John Smith and Pocahontas. Set in Colonial America the film explores the idea of ‘real’ people within the context of a musical fantasy. The main theme within Pocahontas is the idea of cultural differences and identities. The animated characters of Pocahontas and John Smith show two very different individuals. Mike Gabriel and Eric Goldberg representing John and Pocahontas as two distinctly different characters. Through the use of intense colour, body shape, movement and music, the directors displayed

Whilst, John Smith is built to the definition of Prince Charming. Blonde hair and blue eyes, showcases him as the idea of perfection, muscular toning and charismatic charm sets him up to be the stereotypical heart throb. Already, creating a sense of dominance, power and charm over Pocahontas from the opening scene. The physical attributes of the two individuals show increasing amounts of variation within their cultural expectations thus in the view of the public eye, there relationship is seen to be forbidden. Pocahontas’s character aged eighteen is viewed as pure and untouched much like her surrounding land. Pocahontas is portrayed in the same way as the land that she and her family live on. Pristine, environmental, bright in colour and unique. Whilst John Smith’s persona is built up on a glorification of perfection, he presents himself in a relaxed manner, giving off the sense that he is content within his life choices. However, hidden behind his finely designed animation is an individual who craves power and control. Colour plays a major part in the way we perceive the two characters. The atmosphere within the movie tends to allure the viewers into a false sense of believing, this is done through the use of

John’s physical appearance is likened to that of prince charming. Whilst Pocahontas is heavily sexualized into what makes a female a lady. Pocahontas’s appearance showcases her beliefs and morals. The viewers are able to see the connection Pocahontas shares with her environment in the way she has been costumed and animated. Pocahontas’s connection with the land is shown through her bare feet and earthy colored clothing whilst John’s connection with the land is shown through his extravagant gestures and strong movements. The portrayal of a character through animation within a movie highlights many of the character’s traits that may not have otherwise been seen. Through animation the director allows us to see a further insight of their intention of the character. Within Pocahontas, the use of smooth, round and soft lines indicate that a character is gentle, as there are no harsh or abrupt lines. Whereas a character who is perceived to be evil or wrong doing, are typically illustrated through sharp angles and oversized lines 2. Pocahontas’s appearance allows the viewers to make their own decision, her gentle persona and physical attributes give of the allure that she is of a good nature. Whilst John’s mixture of soft and abrupt lines and dark makeup allow the viewers to connect with the