Last Monday, Lohan posted a picture of a side-by-side comparison between her and Ariel on Instagram. The post generated a huge wave of comments, which were mostly disparaging and comical.
Haters will disagree, but I believe that Lohan is actually suited to play Ariel. My analysis shows that there are striking parallels between Ariel and Cady in Mean Girls (2000). Here’s why:
1. She knows what it’s like to desperately please a man
As Cady in Mean Girls (2004), Lohan knows what it’s like to fall head over heels over a man and do everything to please him. Cady transforms herself into a “plastic”, pretending to be dumb in order to get close to Aaron Samuels. While Ariel sacrifices her voice, Cady compromises her education and the values she’s always stayed true to.
Lohan should also be familiar with the gender stereotypes that dictate how females should present themselves to males. While Ariel brings to prominence the “submissive quiet woman” stereotype, Cady shows that “dumb blonde girls” seduce men more easily.
2. She understands how suffocating parents can be -- but also the thrill of rebelling against them
Just like Ariel, Cady has always been the obedient and well-behaved daughter. Yet, both seem discontented with living the “goody-two-shoes” life and decide to rebel against their parents, who obviously do not condone their behavior.
And they sure look like they enjoy their adventure.
Cady’s desire to “explore the unknown” -- specifically her assimilation into the “plastics” milieu -- is quite like Ariel’s quest to move to the human world. Both have a common goal - of winning over their crush/love, be it Aaron Samuels or Eric.
But in doing so, it’s clear that both embrace and enjoy their new identity. Although, in the end, Cady comes to recognize the toxic environment of the “plastics” and returns to being a grounded girl, while Ariel remains a “daddy’s little girl” with King Triton granting her legs and permission to marry Eric and move to the human world.
3. She can relate to the pain of watching another girl steal your crush
When Cady finally gains acceptance into the “plastics” and tries to win over Aaron Samuels, Regina George steals Aaron Samuels away from her. Ouch.
Sounds familiar? In The Little Mermaid (1989), Ariel gave her all to move to the human world, only to witness Ursula impersonate Ariel with her voice and deceive Eric into thinking that she is Ariel. However, ultimately, Cady realizes staying being her true self is the best way to attract a man, while Ariel still continues to rely on her father to bring together Eric and her.
So, why the fuss? Lohan’s role as Cady in Mean Girls (2000) seems to have prepared her well for the titular role of Ariel.
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