“Tangled” has touched my life in a way no other film has. I know from getting to know a few of you on Tumblr that “Tangled” has changed many other people’s lives, too. This page is dedicated to those for whom “Tangled” is more than just another Disney fairy tale. I started this page with stories from myself and two of my closest Tumblr friends, Forever Tangled and Major Abbey. If you’d like to add your story, please drop me a message.  

1. An open letter to Glen Keane » Finding Corona
2. “It was sort of an emotional breakthrough” » Major Abbey
3. ” ‘Tangled’ made me a better person” » Forever Tangled
4. “No matter how far away he is, my dad will never stop caring for me.” » anonymous
5. “A style and a direction to guide my art” » Evandar

* 1 *

An open letter to Glen Keane, creator of “Tangled” 

Dear Mr. Keane,

I do not know how to adequately thank you for what you have done. This is the best way I can think of, and I hope some day this letter reaches you, because I hope someday you will know how profoundly you have touched the life of at least one person.

I have long loved animation and, therefore, Disney. In my high school yearbook, my classmates correctly identified my ideal spouse as Ariel. I guess I have always seen animation as one of the purest modern expressions of imagination, and I have seen Disney’s best fairy tales as one of the purest examples of that expression.

I can remember the first time I saw “Tangled,” with my 3-year-old daughter on the day after Thanksgiving. It was her first time in a movie theater, but I think persuaded her to go rather than the other way around. Still, I never could have imagined how deeply I was going to be affected by that day.

I remember sensing it when Rapunzel was running and racing and dancing and chasing. I remember wondering what that feeling was when I saw the look on Rapunzel’s parents’ faces in the moments before they released the lanterns – that I, too, was somehow on the verge of tears because I, too, had begun to understand what they had lost. And I remember watching Rapunzel – betrayed by the mother she thought had loved her and now robbed of the person who had saved her – singing to Eugene as he died in her arms.

I saw “Tangled” eight times. It would have been more if I weren’t a 30-something father of two who felt compelled to go alone and in secret on several occasions. When I finally confessed what I had done to my wife, I told her I was having an affair with Rapunzel.

But Rapunzel was no schoolboy crush on a celluloid dreamgirl. “The Little Mermaid” might have been a guilty pleasure for a 15-year-old high school boy, but “Tangled” was so much more to me as a happily married man. It was a fairy tale in the very best sense – a work that, like Hans Christian Andersen’s own, was a children’s story only in name.

I have read that these words inspired you to start work on what was then “Rapunzel”:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

I also read that you once considered becoming a pastor. To me, “Tangled” has been one of the most beautiful sermons of my life. It is, as much as any homily or parable told in church, a story about the incomparable power of a pure heart, and I am so grateful to you for that gift.

One criticism I have heard of Rapunzel is that she is too bland. My only possible explanation for this is that, to a world satisfied with itself and its own devices, perhaps such goodness does seem boring.

I am convinced that the greatest evil of this world is its attempts to make goodness seem a sham. Human logic compels us to equivocate and compromise – to concede that evil must have place and power, that goodness alone is not enough. Cynicism and satire paint themselves as the worldly wise, mocking innocence and purity as naïve.    

So many movies pander to this, embrace it. But this lie of “variableness” “Tangled” tenderly rebukes.

For all Disney Princesses, longing is something of an occupational necessity. Ariel longed for something more, but there was a teenage petulance in her longings. Belle longed with greater grace, yet there was the drop of sadness in her longing. It is Rapunzel – the one with the greatest cause for resentment – whose longing is purest.

She is a girl who has, for all intents and purposes, been imprisoned. Yet she transforms that prison into a place of beauty and warmth – the spontaneous expression of a beautiful soul. There is no anger, no sullenness. Her walls – the outward illustration of her thoughts and hopes – are luminous.

Rapunzel’s longing is an emanation of spotless radiance, like the sun that sustained her life. You have said in the past that Ariel’s hair represented this yearning. In Rapunzel, you have created a character whose every fiber aches with it. 

“…And it starts with the Sun.”

Rapunzel is indeed a gift to the world from “Father of Lights with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

And what are you telling us about this “gift”? That it heals. That, no matter what conspires against it – be it neglect, or emotional abuse, or a love for material life so consuming that it would use this purity for its own lusts – it loves all the same. More than that. It triumphs.

Rapunzel does not win because she is stronger or even smarter. She wins because of the purity and constancy of her love. Everyone she meets is transformed by it – the pub thugs, Maximus, Eugene. Her expression of love is stronger than all, breaking down any resistance effortlessly, “as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.”

Through the constancy and purity of her goodness, she helped those she met find that same goodness within themselves.

And when she most needed that strength, she found it in herself, too. Her “gift” was not a supernatural phenomenon that could be taken away, it was her very nature, her innate purity, which could never be separated from her.

I can think of no greater sermon than telling everyone that this same grace is within each of us. That our primitive goodness – our innocence – is powerful and unimpeachable.

This is the gift that you have given to all of us – the hope that, one day, we may see ourselves for what we actually are, which is so much more than what we appear to the world to be.

“I think of Rapunzel as an example of the highest qualities of human nature, male or female,” you have said. “I see her as an illustration of every human being who is born with a divine spark, a potential to become something unique. And the walls that surround her, and hold her back, are symbolic of walls in anyone’s life, those things that hold us back from being who we really long to be.”

With all my heart, I thank you for this unspeakable gift.

Finding Corona

* 2 *

My “Tangled” experience

By Major Abbey

This was kind of inspired by the “discussions” (can we call them that?) I’ve been having with PrincessAtta over the Tangled-related confessions. I wanted to mention this because, well, I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Anyway, here’s my experience with this film:

I first saw it in February. I think we were the last country to have this movie in cinemas (we’re late like that) because everyone I knew online had seen it before I did…. I’m not very girly, I never wear dresses and I really like soldiers. That doesn’t mean I don’t like “princess-related” movies, but it’s not really a driving force for me. I went to see this movie because A. it sounded fun and B. because it looked like exactly the kind of thing I was missing; an old-fashioned fairy tale.

Let me make this clear; I enjoyed this film. I really did. But there’s a difference between “enjoying” something and being as obsessed with it as I wound up being. So, I really enjoyed this film. I loved all the characters; I think Flynn was my favourite for awhile, although I don’t think I loved him as much as his fangirls do. I think there were two things that really sucked me into this movie. The first was the Kingdom Dance scene. I’m a sucker for villagers (or “background people”). They fascinate me. Between them, and the music, I didn’t want that scene to end. And then, because that wasn’t enough, they had to go and bring in THIS: 

I don’t know the exact moment when I started liking this guy; all I know is, when I first saw this movie, I cared enough to flinch when he was knocked out for the second time, and my interest in him just builded up since then. I think one of the main reasons I loved him so much is because he reminded me of Major Mint, another soldier I love to death. I seem to really go for characters like this. My mother reckons it’s because they’re “consistent”. I suppose there’s an element of truth to that. Anyway, I sometimes wonder just how heavily I would’ve been into this movie if it wasn’t for the Captain of the Guard. Maybe I might’ve just been at the “enjoyment” level if it wasn’t for him… among other things… I don’t know for sure.

Basically, they lured me in with soldiers and villagers. I didn’t stand a chance.

Well, over the months that followed, I spent a lot of time thinking about this movie, as I do with anything I’m interested in. I gave the Captain a name. I attempted to draw Eugene and Max and failed miserably. I started writing fanfiction. I counted down the days until the DVD was released. I started watching the movie when I was stressed, or sad. I do this a lot. For the past year or so, I’ve been getting depressed very quickly, and seem to spend a lot of time putting off the urge to kill myself.

Then, at the end of June, my parents separated. Very suddenly; no warnings or anything. I was actually roleplaying when it happened, that’s how sudden it was. My mother, brother and I had to pack hastily and leave. I was terrified, and suddenly it didn’t seem worth putting off that urge anymore. We had no idea where we’re going. For someone like me, who relies so heavily on routine, it was very disturbing and stressful, and I couldn’t see any future ahead of me. It was during that point that I had some kind of epiphany; some kind of realisation as to why I liked steadfast, “consistent” characters. I don’t really want to go into it, as it’s very personal, but it was sort of an emotional breakthrough. I started typing up an analysis of it, and it slowly turned into a suicide note. I wound up ending it with a message to my mother, saying “I’m sorry”. (I still am, because I love her and she was trying her best, but I wasn’t in any condition to appreciate that.) The thing is, I was actually scared of dying. Even when I really want to do it, there’s some part of me always saying “no”. And at this point, I suddenly thought; “right; I’ll watch Tangled again. If that doesn’t manage to cheer me up, then I’ll do it.” I watched it. I’m still here, and things have improved, thank God. But I really remember that night in that hotel room, toying with that idea, and it scares me.

I think this is my emotional connection with this film, and with the Captain. That’s why I, personally, love this film so much. It not only saved my life, it actually made me think about it. Made me think about who I was. It encouraged me to meet all of you people, and that, in turn, actually made me think about fans in general. I don’t think I ever really considered just how strongly certain things might mean to people (especially things I don’t like or agree with) until that point in my life. And this is why I’ll probably never wind up telling Flynn fans to “calm down” when they get angry over someone’s confession, or why I’ll never get tired of seeing this stuff on my dash; because I’ve been there. I can relate to those people who love him, or any other character, even if I’m not quite as fond of him as they are.

* 3 * 

By Forever Tangled

December 2010. I was going though a bit of an emotionally dark time in my life. About 6 months earlier we had taken the plunge and bought our home, finally removing ourselves from the pains of apartment living. Unfortunately, although our home was beautiful and life was great in general, the greatly increased expenses of home ownership were starting to take their toll on our finances. I also had fallen into a funk with my job. Although I had an excellent position, working in a hospital constantly surrounded by illness, death and dying can take its toll on one’s psyche.

I had always been something of a Disney fan, and enjoyed the films we periodically watched as a family. However, the emotional distress I was currently mired in had led me away from fantasy and happiness, and instead to dark and dreary horror-suspense type movies. Maybe I wanted some misery to relate to. In any case, even so, when I caught the previews for “Tangled,” I was intrigued for some reason or another, and I thought I would surprise our little girl with dinner out and the movie.

I wasn’t expecting anything in particular as we settled into the theatre, but shortly after “Tangled” began, something changed in me. I felt myself becoming far more invested in these wonderful characters then I could ever have imagined. I literally felt Rapunzel’s joy when she left that tower, along with the uncertainty that making big changes in life can bring. I became totally absorbed in the story, and then it came … the lantern scene. Starting with the tear streaming down the king’s face, I just let go. I had always held back tears during movies, even if I felt they were warranted. I honestly rarely cried at all. But now, something about it just felt right. As the tears streamed down my face, I felt the rejuvenation of my childhood. I could once again have a sense of wonder and excitement about the world.

In any case, this whole “Tangled” thing was having an incredibly positive effect on me! Right on through until the end, I cheered on Rapunzel, Eugene, and the pub thugs. I almost pumped my fist when little Pascal tripped Gothel out of the tower to her doom. And finally, even though in my heart I knew everything would be fine, I waited with baited breath to see if somehow, someway, Eugene would survive.

As we walked out of the theatre, I left with the feeling that no matter your trials and tribulations, there is always hope. Stepping out on a limb and taking a chance can lead to wonderful things, even if it is scary at first! My little family and I are now Disney fans through and through. We eagerly await new films, and faithfully watch the old ones again and again. I’m not sure, but I may be one of the few guys who was given a singing Rapunzel doll for Valentine’s day. What can I say … “Tangled” made me a better person, and for that I will always be thankful. I hope it has had  such a wonderful effect on many of you as well. And, judging from the many incredible “Tangled” tumblrs, I would take a guess that it has!

Will, forever-tangled.tumblr.com

* 4 *

This is the story of how Tangled changed my life. In 2011, my dad had to serve in Afghanistan. I was devastated. I went into a big depression after that, not really talking to anyone. Then, I saw “Tangled.” Seeing how Rapunzel’s parents never gave up looking for her, and how they never stopped missing and loving her, just reminded me that no matter how far away he is, my dad will never stop caring for me.

Name withheld at author’s request

* 5 *

What Tangled Did for Me

By Evandar

When Tangled first came into theaters I was a junior in art college, on the verge of my final year and that giant crucial step into the real world. I was a little nervous and probably still too naive for my own good. I’d seen the promotional for “Tangled” and I have to admit I was skeptical of the idea of a princess tale in CG animation. I have long been a staunch supporter of traditional animation, and was very sad to hear that Disney had stopped with such productions. My friend who works at a movie theater finally took me to see it almost a month after it was released, and as I heard the first opening chords of When Will My Life Begin? I knew I was in for something good. I laughed, I cried, and at the end I would readily admit that Disney had done it right once again. 

My complete love for the movie came later once I’d gotten my own copy. I saw it three times in theaters, but it wasn’t until I could watch it the comfort of my own home and pause it and analyze it that I gave into my love. As many people have called Disney’s princesses “their own” so Rapunzel became mine, for her youthful exuberance, carefree approach to life despite such an overbearing upbringing, and of course, her art. The fact that she was an artist really hit something with me. I started collecting a few things here and there, a coloring book (with stickers!), concept art, and finally my very own Rapunzel doll from the Disney store. I had finally found “my princess” as so many kids had done before. It was just funny that it didn’t happen until I was a 22 year old adult.

But it wasn’t in finding “my princess” that Tangled changed my life, however cute of a story that may be. As a senior I had to come up with a project of my own to work on and show at the end of the year. A series of paintings or illustrations that would showcase the growth and learning I’d accumulated. I knew what I wanted to illustrate, my in-progress novel that I’d had aspirations of illustrating since the very early stages, but I didn’t really know “how”. I didn’t have a style and a direction to guide my art into. And that’s where Tangled changed me. By then I had accumulated a good series of concept art and screen captures of the movie, and the style, environments and characters had me enthralled. I was watching the movie one night in my room early on into the year when it clicked. I could do this! I had already been leaning towards a style reminiscent of Glen Keane and his protégées already; it was a perfectly logical next step to use my love for this movie as my inspiration for a style.

I got the “Art of Tangled” book (an excellent showcase of the journey and the concept work for the film) and the movie became the soundboard for which I based lighting, expressions, color palettes and environments in my own works for this project. Tangled gave me a purpose and a drive that I had been missing before it came out, and reaffirmed my love of the Disney Corporation and its beautiful works of animated art. I’m so glad I let it into my life and didn’t scoff it off as more of “that cheap CG bullcrap”. It was a choice I will always remember fondly.

Evendar

Evendar.tumblr.com

(Click here to see an example from Evandar’s “Tangled”-inspired senior project. Click here for his art blog.)

* * * * *

(I was unable to locate the source of this anonymous confession.)