In days of yore, a teenage figure skater summoned every bit of bravery to pirouette, jump, and strike an arabesque on the ice rink. Clad in azure, she remains etched in our memories as such.
In Disney’s "Ice Princess," Casey Carlyle
Michelle Trachtenberg
She shines academically and aims for admission to Harvard, yet her calculations and theories slowly reveal an alternate aspiration. Her instructor advises her to pursue a scholarship and present a research project infused with a personal touch. Watching figure skating on television with her friend Ann (Amy Stewart), she experiences an epiphany.
"You know, I'm sure there's a precise aerodynamic equation for this," Casey remarks. She examines the moves of nearby competitive figure skaters and uses physics concepts to assist them in enhancing their skills. What began as just skating becomes her biggest enthusiasm for Casey.
Sadly, Trachtenberg passed away in February at the age of 39. The reason for his death remains unclear, as reported.
Variety
.
Trachtenberg resonated with audiences through her performance in "Ice Princess."
Yahoo! Entertainment
I spoke with figure skaters Ryan Dunk and Thita Lamsam regarding how the actor motivated them.
Dunk
and
Lamsam
Each shared an emotional message about skating to "No One" by Aly & AJ, starting with the initial moment when Casey glides across the pond near her home.
During the promotion of the movie "Trachtenberg" was questioned about her desire for audiences to take away from "Ice Princess."
“Well, I’d like every little girl in the audience to sort of see the movie and feel empowered, just feel strong,” she
answered
You might not aspire to become an ice skater, but perhaps you dream of being a teacher, a doctor, a lawyer, or anything else. My hope is for others to think, 'If Casey could do it—despite her fears—I can too. I'll focus my efforts and achieve success.'
I hope Trachtenberg knew how important her work in “Ice Princess” was to fans who experienced the film, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this March. Young millennials and their Gen Z siblings grew up in a wave of BeDazzled outfits and big dreams. The 2000s girl-power era was imperfect and incomplete, dovetailing with a tabloid culture that showed celebrities in the worst possible light and a diet culture that damaged countless young women. Yet tween girl cinema and the pop songs connected to it undeniably boosted the confidence of some who took in the spectacle.
Disney Channel promoted “Ice Princess” with music videos and with segments on the “Movie Surfers” series — wherein teen interviewers visited the film set to chat with cast members.
Michelle Kwan actually went to the Surfers’ set
. The Olympic medalist, seen in the film co-commentating with Brian Boitano, skated for a bit with Trachtenberg behind the scenes. Kwan was “really surprised” that the actor was a first-time skater.
“I was like, ’Hm, maybe she should have started when she was, like, 5. Maybe she would be competing against me,” Kwan said.
In Trachtenberg's cast, Joan Cusack plays Casey’s mother, alongside Kim Cattrall and Hayden Panettiere who portray the skating pair Tina and Gen Harwood, respectively—a coach and her skater daughter. Additionally, Gen's sibling Teddy (played by Trevor Blumas) assists Tina at the ice rink and develops romantic feelings for Casey.
Casey starts taking lessons, performs in a beginner show, and expresses a desire to compete. However, Tina abruptly halts this plan. Then, the coach explains the rigorous nature of figure skating and stresses that it "isn’t something you just decide to do."
Trachtenberg
said in an interview
She dedicated eight months to prepare for the movie and ended up with some bruises as well. The actress was supported by four skating substitutes during this time.
"Miss Trachtenberg showcased significant innate skating skills during the shoot, and her abilities formed the basis of our studio’s special effects," clarified Dennis Berardi, a visual effects supervisor, adding that this involved using face-replacement technology.
Roger Ebert
.
I hope Michelle Trachtenberg realized the significance of her role in 'Ice Princess' for the fans who cherished the movie.
We catch a glimpse of Trachtenberg’s dedication through Casey’s story as she dedicates more time to her figure-skating pursuits. An upbeat Emma Roberts track sets the scene during a sequence where Casey hones her physical prowess with ballet and strength training, earns money from working at the arena’s snack bar to cover her skate-related costs, and struggles to stay awake in class due to balancing multiple responsibilities.
If things were up to me, I'd transform the world for just one girl,
Roberts sings
In "If I Had It My Way."
Other
music from the soundtrack
Reflects Casey’s pursuit of her aspirations and self-discovery.
Aly and AJ sing
Regarding "navigating through a throng of people in search of your identity," Superchick’s “Get Up” captures this sentiment perfectly with these lines: “I'm unafraid to stumble / For it signifies I scaled great heights / Falling isn't failing / True failure lies in abstaining from effort." Both tracks featured in the movie soundtracks convey themes of striving—towards aspirations or toward something celestial like paradise.
The rapid timing of
Casey’s figure skating ascent in this film is less than realistic
. Even so, there’s something to be said for knowing what you want to achieve in life and pouring as much time and energy into it as you are able to give.
Casey’s mom uncovers her child's hidden passion for ice-skating. Joan, who teaches literature, looks down upon the world of competitive figure skating and pushes for an educational path for Casey instead. She feels remorseful about delaying her own college education, believing it has prevented her from offering a more prosperous future for her daughter.
Tina Harwood hinders Casey’s showing at regionals by purchasing her brand-new skates (which require time to be broken in, something Casey isn’t aware of). Casey becomes extremely angry and holds the whole Harwood clan responsible for both the blisters and what she sees as treachery.
Following a heated confrontation between Joan and Tina, Casey goes to her Harvard interview but decides not to pursue acceptance. One of the most notable, quintessentially Disney lines from the movie belongs to Casey.
telling her upset mother
No, Mom, I'm not pursuing your dreams anymore. I want to chase my own.
Teddy Harwood steers his Zamboni all the way to Casey’s pond not only to resurface the ice but also to mend their connection. As they glide together, Casey appreciates how freely she shares thoughts with Teddy out on the rink. "When you're skating, you reveal yourself," he observes. "However, Casey, you cannot succeed single-handedly; assistance will be necessary." Encouraged by this insight, Casey persuades Tina to formally take up the role of her coach, which greatly displeases Joan.
At the sectional competition, Casey fervently wishes for her mother to witness her on the ice, performing the sport she adores. "This isn’t about her; it’s about you," remarks Tina as she puts a crown atop Casey’s head. " Skate with all your heart,"
she adds
.
Following a difficult fall from a triple Salchow, Casey gets back on her feet and carries on with her concluding performance. As she twirls, she spots her mother in the audience; Joan’s eyes are filled with tears.
With Trachtenberg's passing, revisiting the footage of Casey becomes an emotionally charged experience. It captures the lively bounce in her walk, her perfect triple-loop jump, and the sheer happiness on her face as she realizes her mother fully backs her passion. The music perfectly complements Casey’s boundless energy and enthusiasm.
So this is what it feels like to reach for Heaven / This is what it feels like to touch the sky," Diana DeGarmo croons. As the final credits fade out with Natasha Bedingfield’s "Unwritten," we are left gazing at the empty page, ready to write our own tales.
I remember Trachtenberg in the movies “
Harriet the Spy
and '17 Again.' I first encountered her as the cunning Georgina Sparks in 'Gossip Girl' much later when I caught up with the series during my adult years. However, I am particularly delighted that I was one of those young fans watching ‘Ice Princess’ at the cinema and enthusiastically singing along to the soundtrack two decades ago. Trachtenberg revealed the elegance, poise, and fortitude of her character so beautifully. For this, I remain deeply thankful.
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