“That’s How You Know” is the iconic musical number from the 2007 Disney film, Enchanted. This vibrant and whimsical song-and-dance sequence perfectly encapsulates the film’s central theme: the clash between fantastical fairytale romance and the gritty realism of modern-day New York City.
The Genesis of “That’s How You Know”: A Deeper Dive into Enchanted
Enchanted is a cleverly constructed film that subverts and celebrates Disney’s own animated princess tropes. It tells the story of Giselle, a quintessential Disney princess who is banished from her animated fairytale world, Andalasia, and thrust into the bewildering landscape of live-action Manhattan. Disoriented and heartbroken, Giselle’s innate optimism leads her to seek help from Robert Philip, a cynical divorce lawyer, and his young daughter, Morgan.
The film cleverly contrasts the exaggerated innocence and romantic ideals of classic Disney princesses with the practical, albeit less magical, realities of modern life. “That’s How You Know” beautifully illustrates this contrast. The song, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, is a pastiche of classic Disney “I Want” songs, those pivotal moments where a princess articulates her desires and dreams. In Andalasia, this would have translated to woodland creatures helping Giselle with her chores and spontaneously breaking into song. However, in New York City, Giselle’s naive attempts to attract Robert’s affections, based on fairytale principles, are met with confusion, amusement, and ultimately, a begrudging admiration.
The setting of the song is crucial. Central Park, transformed into a vibrant spectacle by Giselle’s infectious joy and belief in the power of love, becomes a temporary portal to Andalasia. The increasingly large crowd of New Yorkers who join in the spontaneous musical number showcase the power of belief and the potential for fairytale magic to exist, even in the most unlikely of places. It highlights the enduring appeal of Disney’s idealistic portrayals of love and happiness, even amidst the cynicism of contemporary society.
The Impact and Legacy of “That’s How You Know”
“That’s How You Know” was a critical and commercial success, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Beyond the accolades, the song has become a cultural touchstone, instantly recognizable and widely beloved. It perfectly captures the film’s charming blend of satire and sincere affection for classic Disney tropes. The sequence is often cited as one of the most memorable and iconic moments in the entire Disney canon of live-action musicals. It’s a prime example of how Disney can successfully self-reference and update its classic formula for modern audiences without sacrificing the core values of hope, love, and believing in happily ever after.
Why “That’s How You Know” Resonates So Deeply
The enduring appeal of “That’s How You Know” lies in its multi-layered approach. It’s not just a catchy tune with a visually stunning sequence; it’s a commentary on the very nature of Disney fairytale conventions. It acknowledges the inherent absurdity of these tropes while simultaneously embracing their emotional power. Amy Adams’ performance as Giselle is crucial in striking this balance. She embodies the earnestness and naivete of a classic Disney princess without ever descending into caricature. This authenticity allows the audience to fully invest in her journey and root for her to find her own version of happily ever after. The song itself acts as a bridge, connecting the old world of animated fantasy with the new world of modern romantic comedy, reminding us that maybe, just maybe, a little bit of magic can still exist in the real world.
Frequently Asked Questions About “That’s How You Know” and Enchanted
Here are some commonly asked questions about “That’s How You Know” and the film Enchanted, answered with expert insight.
FAQ 1: Who wrote the music and lyrics for “That’s How You Know”?
The music for “That’s How You Know” was composed by the legendary Alan Menken, known for his work on numerous Disney classics like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin. The lyrics were written by Stephen Schwartz, another acclaimed composer and lyricist whose credits include Wicked, Godspell, and Pocahontas.
FAQ 2: What awards did “That’s How You Know” receive?
“That’s How You Know” was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008. While it didn’t win, the nomination solidified its place as a significant and memorable piece of Disney music.
FAQ 3: Where in Enchanted does “That’s How You Know” appear?
The song appears approximately 30 minutes into the film, after Giselle arrives in New York City and attempts to express her romantic feelings to Robert in Central Park.
FAQ 4: What other songs from Enchanted were nominated for the Academy Award?
Enchanted was remarkable for having three songs nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song in the same year. Besides “That’s How You Know,” the other nominated songs were “Happy Working Song” and “So Close.”
FAQ 5: What is the significance of the Central Park setting for “That’s How You Know”?
Central Park serves as a liminal space, a transitional zone between Giselle’s fairytale world and the real world of New York City. The park’s natural beauty allows Giselle to partially recreate the idyllic setting of Andalasia, making it the perfect place for her to express her fantastical romantic ideals.
FAQ 6: How does “That’s How You Know” parody Disney princess tropes?
The song satirizes the typical Disney princess “I Want” song by showcasing Giselle’s naive and exaggerated expressions of love and affection. Her belief that romantic gestures like serenading, providing gifts, and performing acts of service will automatically win Robert’s heart highlights the difference between fairytale romance and real-world relationships.
FAQ 7: Who choreographed the “That’s How You Know” dance sequence?
The choreography for the elaborate and energetic dance sequence was created by John O’Connell, known for his work on films like Moulin Rouge! and The Producers.
FAQ 8: Is there a hidden meaning or easter egg in the “That’s How You Know” sequence?
Many viewers have pointed out the appearance of several Disney-themed elements within the “That’s How You Know” sequence, although not necessarily intentional Easter Eggs. The musical number utilizes elements of past Disney scores and features visual allusions to iconic scenes from other films. Some argue that the choreography reflects similar scenes in classic Disney movies.
FAQ 9: Will there be a sequel to Enchanted featuring “That’s How You Know”?
Yes, a sequel titled Disenchanted was released on Disney+ in 2022. While it doesn’t directly feature “That’s How You Know,” it includes new original songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz that continue the musical narrative established in the first film.
FAQ 10: What makes Amy Adams’ performance in “That’s How You Know” so compelling?
Amy Adams masterfully portrays Giselle’s innocence and unwavering optimism without making her seem naive or foolish. She brings a genuine warmth and charm to the role, allowing the audience to fully believe in her fairytale worldview and connect with her emotional journey.
FAQ 11: How does “That’s How You Know” contribute to the overall theme of Enchanted?
The song perfectly embodies the film’s central theme of the clash between fantasy and reality. It highlights the contrast between Giselle’s idealized fairytale notions of love and the more practical, complex relationships of the real world.
FAQ 12: Where can I find the soundtrack to Enchanted, including “That’s How You Know”?
The Enchanted soundtrack is widely available on major music streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Physical copies of the soundtrack are also available for purchase online and in select retail stores.