We’re moving forward with our analysis of each Disney animated feature in sequence. We’ve now arrived at what is arguably the zenith – the top pick from the Disney Renaissance, the cream of Disney’s collection, the finest piece of animation work by any animator, and quite possibly the best film ever made, regardless of whether it’s live-action or animated.
1991’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST was masterfully brought to life by Howard Ashman, earning acclaim and accolades that are too numerous to mention, all of which were richly deserved.
Of course, I must openly declare my bias when discussing my most cherished movie, as I aim to highlight the qualities that, in all fairness, should be acknowledged by those who may not share my affection for it.
In my younger days, as a newlywed with limited funds, I watched this movie in the cinema, transforming from a hairy beast into a handsome prince through the enchanting kiss of my beloved. Every aspect of the film resonated deeply with my experiences. Consequently, I can’t stress enough how highly I rate it.
This movie, in my opinion, significantly diminished any regard I previously held for the Oscars. Instead of awarding the Best Picture for that year to this film, they chose a grim and grisly police drama, which I found to be incredibly nihilistic and unpleasant. It’s best not to dwell on it too much.
Similar to how The Little Mermaid served as a foundation in the past, Disney once again delves into the realm of classic fairy tales. In this instance, they’ve reimagined the timeless tale by Charles Perrault, incorporating aspects from the 1946 Jean Cocteau film adaptation as well.
Disney significantly modifies aspects of the original tale, removing Belle’s wicked sisters, her brothers, and transforming her father from a merchant into an inventive eccentric. A key aspect from the original – Belle requesting a rose instead of material possessions desired by her self-centered sisters – is absent. The character of Gaston, a charismatic yet unsuitable suitor for Belle, emerges as a competitor to the Beast, and even his backstory undergoes alteration.
From my perspective as a movie enthusiast, in the Disney tale, I, the Beast, find myself under a spell due to my self-centeredness and lack of kindness towards others. A deadline is set – before an enchanted rose fades away – beyond which, this transformation remains permanent.
In the haunted castle depicted in Jean Cocteau’s version, the servants are actually transformed into household items serving the prince – such as candlesticks, clocks, feather dusters, teapots, and so forth. This provides a delightful contrast to the otherwise eerie atmosphere, offering a touch of comedy that is more about situations than physical humor. The clock, for instance, exhibits pompous airs, while the candlestick exudes Gallic elegance. The teapot has a matronly demeanor, and the teacup is innocent and youthful.
The movie starts by showcasing an enchanting song-and-dance number reminiscent of classic Broadway musicals, where we meet Belle, a girl with a passion for books, who feels misunderstood in her small town and yearns for adventure beyond her provincial life.
In this tale, we meet Gaston, a self-important and good-looking hunter, who believes he’s worthy enough to marry the most beautiful girl in town, Belle. His loyal companion, Le Fou, though small in stature, is endearing with his unwavering devotion and admiration for his master, as we see demonstrated later in a song.
In a tale straight out of a children’s book, her ingenious father, who is a bit quirky, is developing a wood-chopping machine powered by a stream. His dream is to showcase this invention at the nearby fair.
In the forest, the father gets lost and stumbles upon a haunting castle. Inside, magical servants welcome him, but he encounters trouble with the Beast who locks him up. On the other hand, Gaston proposes to Belle, only to be rejected and embarrassed. When their horse returns without its rider back home, it’s Belle who convinces them to return to the castle. Upon discovering her father imprisoned, she negotiates a deal with the Beast: she will stay in his castle, and surprisingly, he assures her that she is a guest rather than a captive.
Unlike the traditional tale, this Beast doesn’t seek her hand in marriage or appear in a regal form in her dreams. Instead, piqued by her curiosity, she ventures into a forbidden chamber where a wilting magic rose lies – the Beast’s only chance to break the curse. Frightened by his wrath, she runs off into the snow, encounters dangerous wolves, and is saved by the Beast, who sustains severe injuries in the battle.
She guides him back to the castle, nursing his injuries along the way. They argue and make up, their relationship evolving subtly, even with his unsightly looks.
She takes great pleasure from his vast collection of books, often spending time engaging in snowball fights and dancing with him. Music fills the air.
While the father attempts to enlist aid from the villagers by sharing about the monstrous creature residing within his cursed abode, he encounters skepticism, ridicule, and even harsh treatment with a cold, snowy expulsion. In turn, Gaston hatches a scheme against him.
In my own words, I’d say: Belle and I, the Beast, have grown incredibly close, perhaps even more than friends. It’s become apparent that her happiness depends on knowing her father is safe. To alleviate her worry, I bestowed upon her a magical mirror, a tool that would let her see if her father was in peril. Upon giving her the mirror and allowing her to visit her father, my heart sank as I realized my only chance at breaking this curse has vanished, leaving me despondent.
In a snow-covered landscape, Belle discovers her father, who’s lost, and brings him back to their cottage. However, upon their return, Gaston has orchestrated for her father to be confined in an insane asylum unless she consents to marry him. To verify her father’s tale, Belle uses the mirror to showcase the Beast, thereby confirming it. In a fit of jealousy, Gaston convinces the townspeople that the Beast should be hunted and eliminated, while he quotes Shakespeare to justify his actions.
As a passionate film buff, I found myself captivated by a scene where I, along with an anxious populace, witness a heated clash between sentient furniture and us. Alone, I ventured deep into the castle, encountering the Beast, a creature whose sorrow prevented him from putting up much of a fight.
In another phrasing: They engage in a fierce battle. However, the beast emerges victorious and spares its wounded adversary. Almost instantly, that very hunter stabs the beast from behind. Balancing precariously on the edge of a rooftop, both creatures teeter on the brink of a fall. Suddenly, Belle arrives, saves the beast, and inadvertently pushes Gaston off to his fate. The beast breathes his last in Belle’s arms as she frantically attempts to console him.
In a poignant twist, it was too late for her to realize that she had fallen in love with him. Overwhelmed by emotion, she wept. Her tears miraculously brought him back from the dead, and the once dismal castle blossomed into splendor and elegance in an exquisite animated tale. The servants awakened, returning to their human forms.
The main characters lived contentedly from then on, with the exception possibly of the three beauties from the village, who were smitten by Gaston.
As a movie critic, I must say that the voice performances in this film are nothing short of exceptional. The enchanting Paige O’Hara lends her voice to Belle, filling the air with hauntingly beautiful melodies and a captivating charm that only a young woman could possess. Initially, I was skeptical about Robby Benson’s ability to portray the Beast convincingly; however, he exceeded my expectations with his powerful delivery, injecting just the right amount of humor, drama, and depth into the character, showcasing a surprising range that left me in awe.
Moreover, David Ogden Steirs (best known for his role in MASH) brings Cogsworth to life as the meticulous Butler, while Angela Lansbury’s soothing tones grace us as Mrs. Potts, the teapot. Lastly, Jerry Orbach’s smooth and suave voice transforms Lumiere into the epitome of a sophisticated Maitre d’. Truly, these talented actors breathe life into their characters, making this animated classic a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
In this movie, the songs were composed by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and they’re absolutely flawless – not a single out-of-place note or uninspired lyric to be found. These tunes are just as brilliant, catchy, and emotionally resonant as the finest pieces in American Broadway musical history. Unlike some Disney classics that might have forgotten songs or off-key lyrics at times, this film doesn’t have a single misstep. Each song was carefully placed where it belonged – exactly when the narrative needed more than just dialogue to convey its depth.
Adding songs for stage productions, reissues, or controversial live-action adaptations detracts from, rather than enhances, the original masterpiece, signifying it reached its pinnacle of perfection. The distinct rhythm and lyric ingenuity between early Disney Renaissance films and later ones is noticeable. If there was no other reason to abhor the sin of homosexuality, one’s indulgence in this vice deprived us of one of Broadway’s most remarkable songwriting talents that has ever graced our ears. Rest in peace, Howard Ashman. You are sorely missed.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say that Disney truly outdid themselves with the backdrops in this film. The picturesque charm of the French countryside, the ominous atmosphere of the forest filled with wolves, and the eerie blend of architecture and gloomy statues within the enchanted castle – all were crafted with the meticulous detail that Disney is renowned for when at their finest.
In a mix of humorous, emotional, and intense scenes, the portrayal of the Beast is remarkably authentic, and at times, downright scary.
While Belle is undeniably one of Disney’s most beautiful heroines, with her subtle gestures like tucking loose hairs behind her ear, it’s also worth noting how charming are the three well-endowed blonde characters, as well as the playful maidservant in the parlor.
1. The design of the backdrop is excellently executed, managing to evoke both the essence of 18th-century France and the enchanting realm of fairy tales that transcend time.
2. The backdrop’s style is beautifully accomplished, conveying not only the spirit of Eighteenth Century France but also the timeless charm of a land straight out of a fairy tale.
3. The backdrop’s aesthetic is skillfully created to capture both the elegance of 18th-century France and the dreamlike quality of a fairytale realm that defies time.
4. The design of the background is expertly crafted, effectively evoking the charm of Eighteenth Century France while also hinting at the magic of a timeless fairy tale land.
5. The backdrop’s appearance is masterfully done, successfully combining the elegance of 18th-century France with the allure of a fairytale world that lasts forever.
Occasionally, some computer-generated scenes of chandeliers or ballrooms might seem less than authentic to a contemporary viewer, yet the overall animation quality is top-notch, ranking among Disney’s finest.
The main idea is clearly reflected in the title itself, as BEAUTY AND THE BEAST seems to embody a common romantic archetype suggested by Carl Jung, which can be described as the transformation of a man from a beastly figure into a noble prince, through the power of love.
Disney subtly infuses symbolism throughout the story by introducing Gaston, a manly and good-looking hunter who represents arrogance and boorishness. He’s willing to lie and manipulate to achieve his goals. In an impactful scene, Belle exposes him for what he truly is, implying that Gaston is the real “Beast” in the story. This serves as a powerful message about inner beauty being more important than physical appearance.
Instead of stating that Gaston’s flaw isn’t his boastfulness, as he truly is an accomplished hunter and does possess a striking chin, as the song suggests; it’s rather his excessive vanity and ingratitude that make him problematic. Despite having the choice of any attractive young women in town, he is fixated on the one who doesn’t reciprocate his affections.
Belle’s love for books and her feeling of not belonging in her small town are artfully crafted to elicit empathy for our protagonist without making her appear petty or arrogant. The decision to portray her father as an inventor instead of a merchant, and his choice not to pick the rose that angers the Beast, is an unusual deviation from the original story, but it effectively explains Belle’s intellectual curiosity and sets the stage for a humorous scene where a mischievous teacup accidentally triggers a steam-powered machine to save father and daughter from being imprisoned in a cellar.
Regarding this movie, I must admit I’m not an impartial critic since it holds a special place in my heart – it was my beloved film from the time I got married and experienced my own transformation, much like the prince in the story. While there are three other films that I deeply admire, none have captivated me quite as profoundly as this one does.
The movie gains more recognition due to its release timing, being followed by THE LITTLE MERMAID, a production that shared similar enchantment and the energy of Broadway, as well as coming before ALADDIN and LION KING – two other beloved classics from Disney’s renaissance period.
Most highly recommended.
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2025-04-19 15:31