Maleficent is a fantasy film that retells the story of the villain from Sleeping Beauty (1959) from her own point of view. The action takes place in the Moors, a magical forest that borders a human kingdom. As a child, the title character befriends Stefan, a young peasant who dreams of one day living in the castle. Over the years their relationship changes, and Maleficent becomes the fierce protector of her home against the ambitions of the human world. The film offers a more nuanced take on a figure the animated classic had presented as purely wicked, focusing on identity, betrayal, and the bond that forms between the fairy and a young girl she had cursed. It is a classic fairy tale told with a more adult sensibility.

How it was made

The project began in 2003 as an animated film, but in 2006 it was changed into a live-action production after Disney acquired Pixar. Tim Burton was originally attached to direct, but the job eventually went to Robert Stromberg, who was making his directorial debut. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay, and the main cast came together between March and May 2012. Angelina Jolie joined in January 2012 to play the title role and also served as executive producer. Principal photography took place from June to October 2012 at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. The film blends its fairy-tale tone with a strong visual identity, supported by Dean Semler's cinematography and James Newton Howard's score. Jolie has described the role as one of the most demanding she has played, both emotionally and in the challenge of portraying a character who moves from victim to heroine.

Reception and legacy

The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a commercial success. It grossed more than 758 million dollars worldwide and became the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2014. Its main awards recognition was an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design at the 87th Academy Awards. It was also nominated for a Kids' Choice Award for favorite movie and received a BAFTA Children and Young People Award for feature film. Its success led to a sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, released in 2019. Over time, the film has become a reference point for Disney fairy-tale revisions told from alternative perspectives, and for how a supporting villain can become the centre of a story.

Stills

Trailer

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Trivia

A different original director

Tim Burton was originally attached to direct the project. He was later replaced by Robert Stromberg, who was making his feature directorial debut.

A demanding role for Jolie

Angelina Jolie said playing Maleficent was much heavier, more emotional, and more difficult than she had expected, because the character represents many sides of being human.

Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (es) and Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.