A screenplay for a cinematic adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale or the Disney animated musical film serves as the foundational blueprint for the film’s production. This document contains the dialogue, scene descriptions, character actions, and other narrative elements that guide the actors, director, and crew in bringing the story to life on screen. For example, a screenplay might detail Ariel’s longing for the human world, her interactions with Ursula, or the climactic confrontation with Eric’s ship.
The written narrative is crucial for establishing the film’s tone, pacing, and character development. It provides a roadmap for translating the original story into a visual medium, shaping the narrative arc, and determining the emotional impact on the audience. Historically, adaptations of this particular fairy tale have varied significantly, highlighting the screenwriter’s role in interpreting and reimagining the source material for different audiences and eras.