Donkey Skin: A Twisted Fairy Tale – A Disguised Escape
japanchildrenrights.org – Jacques Demy’s Donkey Skin (1970) is a visually stunning and musically rich adaptation of Charles Perrault’s dark fairy tale. This film, a departure from Demy’s more conventional musical fare, delves into the darker side of fairy tales, exploring themes of incest, obsession, and the lengths to which love can drive a person.
A Father’s Obsession
The film centers on a young princess, played by the ethereal Catherine Deneuve, whose father, the King (Jean Marais), becomes infatuated with her beauty after the death of his wife. Driven by a twisted sense of love and a desire to preserve his late wife’s legacy, the King demands that his daughter marry him.
A Disguised Escape
To evade her father’s incestuous advances, the Princess devises a cunning plan. She requests three impossible gowns: one the color of the sky, another the color of the moon, and a third the color of the sun. After successfully obtaining these magical garments, she makes one final, desperate request: the skin of the King’s prized donkey, which has the miraculous ability to produce gold.
Disguised in the donkey skin, the Princess flees the castle and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love. She encounters a charming prince, played by André Dussolier, who is initially repulsed by her appearance but is eventually captivated by her inner beauty.
A Visual and Musical Feast
Donkey Skin is a visual feast, with its vibrant colors, sumptuous costumes, and imaginative set designs. Demy’s signature style, characterized by its dreamlike quality and playful use of symbolism, is on full display. The film’s musical score, composed by Michel Legrand, is equally impressive, blending elements of classical, pop, and jazz.
A Dark and Twisted Fairy Tale
While Donkey Skin may not be as lighthearted as some of Demy’s other films, it is a fascinating exploration of the darker side of fairy tales. The film’s exploration of themes such as incest, obsession, and the nature of love is both disturbing and thought-provoking.
Despite its dark subject matter, Donkey Skin remains a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film. Its unique blend of fairy-tale fantasy and psychological realism makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
