Cinderella: A Damsel in Distress She Is Not, Says Director

Cinderella, Walt Disney's latest live-action film adaptation of the classic fairy tale by Charles Perrault and the studio's own 1950 feature animation, is scheduled to be shown in US theaters beginning March 13, 2015. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, the new Cinderella movie is headlined by Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine and Lily James as the Cinderella in the title role. Others in the cast include Holliday Grainger and Sophie McSherra as Cinderella's wicked stepsisters Anastacia and Drizella, respectively; Richard Madden as Prince Charming; Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother; Stellan Skarsgard as the Grand Duke; Derek Jacobi as the King; Nonzo Anosie as the Captain; and Hayley Atwell and Ben Chaplin as Cinderella's mother and father, respectively.

Based on the official synopsis for the movie, there will be very little deviation in terms of storyline from the original well-known 1697 Perrault version of the Cinderella story. However, unlike earlier adaptations of the classic story, according to MoviePilot, this forthcoming movie will unfold from the uniquely new point of view of Kit, the Prince Charming to be played by Richard Madden who is best known for his sensitive portrayal of "Rob Stark" in the hit TV series, "Game of Thrones." Also, there will be some new spin on how the characterization of Cinderella will be carried out. According to Branagh, "With Lily James we have found our perfect Cinderella. She combines knockout beauty with intelligence, wit, fun and physical grace." In a behind-the-scenes trailer, he also said: "There's no damsels in distress here - Cinderella is not a push over, she sticks up for herself."

Branagh's "Cinderella" will reportedly also offer some refreshing script writing talent and some really fascinating cinematography. Eric Eisenberg of Cinema Blend, who was among those who watched the special screening of some of the film's footage during CinemaCon, said, "While we were told before the footage that some of the special effects had yet to be completed and that the movie is still very much a work in process, I was definitely impressed by what I saw. There is an interesting mix of tones at work, as heavy drama is lightened by some funny dialogue and rapport, and the film looks gorgeously shot." The screenplay was written by Aline Brosh McKenna and Chris Weitz while cinematography was done by Haris Zambarloukos. Patrick Doyle did the musical scoring.