As described in a previous post, Disney's version of Pocahontas may have been inspired by the real story and paintings, but the resemblance and accuracy is far from on point. It is clear that Disney made several tweaks to mould her into the shape of every other princess they have produced and despite aiming for historical accuracy, the visual representation of Pocahontas was entirely Disney's product...
The importance of the depiction of Pocahontas in this film comes down to the fact that she is not a fictional character. As a historically prominent figure she should've been depicted as she was in the 17th century, but Glene Keane had envisioned 'an animated beauty - a formula for a sexy muscular model' (Dukette and Frisbie, 1995).
Though there may be evidence of references to the 16th century Algonquians style with the tribal tattoo and over the shoulder dress, she has a barbie doll figure which would obviously trigger instant attraction to a distinctively Nordic John Smith (Strong, 2001).
Though there may be evidence of references to the 16th century Algonquians style with the tribal tattoo and over the shoulder dress, she has a barbie doll figure which would obviously trigger instant attraction to a distinctively Nordic John Smith (Strong, 2001).
She has been updated from the usual Disney princess, with high cheek bones and long brown muscular legs. Her silky black hair, full lips, and Asian doll eyes say that she is less indian and more fashionably exotic (Edgerton and Jackson, 1996).
Labelled 'The Native American Barbie' (Shapiro Et al. 1995), Pocahontas' appearance and actions towards John re-enforce the old Native American stereotype falling for the first white man they see (Dukette and Frisbie, 2001). it is clear that the focus was more on the attraction to John to accompany the love story as opposed to focusing on the values and lessons she offers to him as well the act of saving his life through justice, not lust. After all, sex sells.
Labelled 'The Native American Barbie' (Shapiro Et al. 1995), Pocahontas' appearance and actions towards John re-enforce the old Native American stereotype falling for the first white man they see (Dukette and Frisbie, 2001). it is clear that the focus was more on the attraction to John to accompany the love story as opposed to focusing on the values and lessons she offers to him as well the act of saving his life through justice, not lust. After all, sex sells.
What was also interesting was the way Disney had her navigate through the forest to spy on John at the waterfall, what is described as 'seductively slithering' across in a tight buckskin miniskirt (Dukette and Frisbie, 2001) which makes her look like a wild animal. Her extreme aerobicized movements, including the infamous dive off the waterfall only boosts her animalistic qualities. Though free spirited and adventurous in nature, the real Pocahontas probably did not resemble characters like Tarzan which completely disregards her nobility and grace.
Note that after Pocahontas has revealed herself, there is a whole scene dedicated to showing the instant attraction between the two characters, and has been shot in such a way to make it one of the most iconic scenes in the film which is all based on fabrication and weaving a fairytale into her tale. The water mist adds a mysterious air to her, with her eyes focused on John like a lion stalking her prey peering between her hair that seductively brushes her skin.