Shrek's Message

Shrek's Message

In 'Shrek' the roles of traditional fairy tale characters are

switched. Shrek is the hero while Lord Farquaad is the evil character.

Unlike traditional fairy tales like 'Jack and the Beanstalk' where the

Giant is evil Jack is good. Different presentational devices are used

to alter the view of the traditional fairy tale.

The beginning of Shrek starts off with the traditional opening 'Once

upon a time...' and is then cut off when Shrek says 'What a load

of...' This is also used to an advantage and modern rap music is

played, unlike normal classic music. The next scenes show Shrek

bathing and doing the normal necessities as a human would such as

brushing his teeth. This shows a human side contradicting Shrek's ogre

characteristics.

The audience also sees Shrek's ogre side when he meets the storybook

character. Shrek threatens them saying he will 'Shave your liver and

make jelly from your eyeballs.' This frightens the storybook

characters and they run away after Shrek screams. This shows Shrek's

conventional ogre characteristics.

Donkey and Shrek meet, when his owner is selling off Donkey due to

Lord Farquaad's ransom for fairy tale creatures. Donkey runs away and

hides behind the great green figure that is Shrek. Shrek frightens the

knights away and Donkey begins to trail Shrek. Shrek gets annoyed so

he roars at Donkey who responds, in a comic way 'Wow if that didn't

work then your breath did cus your breath Page 1 of 2stinks!' This

gives the audience that Donkey is not one bit intimidated by Shrek

being an ogre. Donkey proves this when Shrek shouts to him 'What am

I?!' Shrek is very surprised at this respo...

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Lord Farquaad's tournament gives the sense of Lord Farquaad's stature

and importance.

Donkey is an important character as he shows Shrek that not all judge

him, this is shown when Donkey first meets Shrek. Donkey also portrays

comedy throughout the film. Donkey also Shrek 'get the girl,' as he

explains to Shrek what he and Fiona was saying. Donkey is Shrek's only

true friend and companion and helps him throughout their journey.

In the film 'Shrek' the producers have made a switch in the

protagonist role and have made the basis of a traditional fairy tale,

into a funny and heartwarming film. The producers used many

presentational devices to help switch the roles in this film. The

producers have used presentational devices, comedy and good old story

telling to show that 'you can't judge a book by its cover.'