(figure 1) |
La belle et la Bête
With the importance
of a simple rose, La belle et la Bête uses
magical outfit design and almost Shakespeareanacting to entise a sense of
fantastical fiction with a simple yet whimsical story.
Vanity is at the centre of this arguably shallow film
but throughout it does not hesitate to remind you that kindness somehow
triumphs over deceit. Belle’s two sisters constantly scheming, jealous and
whilst they could be considered appearance-wise to be as attractive; it is
their personalities and actions which set them apart from Belle. As Bete
constantly reiterates, the kindness that Belle shows is as tormenting as his
own – with eyes filled with never-ending sadness. “A great honour”
The interstellar coincidence keeping Bête and Belle
together is one of the many strings this film holds. Bête’s world of sparkling
and detailed fine drapery combined with gothic architecture only adds to his
overall apperance, (figure 2) purposely chosen by Jean Cocteau but on such a precise scale
that not everything had to be considered.
It “exemplifies the fact that sets need not be complex and elaborate to make a
scene in a film spectacular. “(Stephens, 2009) There are two largely
conflicting themes of the upper class and fine living that Bête has, compared
to the ever-disappearing shoddy environment of Belle’s. – Which is to say
strange at the least if you notice that they both live opposite lifestyles to
their environment. Bête’s mindset is one to poverty though however humble Belle
may be, hers is much more oppressively wealthier in character. Bête offers his
wealth in exchange for her time, company and is ultimately humble to match
Belle’s equally as humble self.
(figure 2) |
With set design so
carefully focused on portraying Bête’s
past when asking the question “Why is Bête
so familiar to a person?” It seems as if he turns more and more into a human
with a soul; than that of a mindless creature the more he talks to Belle.
Whilst Belle makes the observation that Bête’s voice has “gone soft” we soon
realise Cocteau wants to create empathy for a beast blessed by Belle. “a Beast who is lonely like a man and
misunderstood like an animal.” (Ebert, 1999) We are brought out of the
gothic and dark architecture into a much more faerie and delicate environment.
Outside, airy and open-spaced. Perhaps from the Vogue artist Christian Bérard (figure 1, 3) is what brings these
dramatic designs to the laced and frilly table; but it creates an original and
irreplaceable aesthetic that cannot be copied with ease. – Definitely not a
downside to using an Illustrative Artist rather than a typical Concept Artist
or Production Designer.
(figure 3) |
La Belle et la Bête brings an
underlying sense of shallowness which is often confronted when dealing with the
issue of appearance, attraction and what we consider to be the monstrous or magnifique. Yet it deals with this in
such an honest way there is no deceiving or back-handed psychology to derive
from the simplistic of narratives.
“The pain of someone who is considered an outcast by society because of
how they look on the outside will always be there and will never leave, as long
as people will always be scared towards those who are different.” (Matthew,
2012)
---
Illustration List
Bérard, C. (1946). La Belle et la Bete Alternative Poster Art. [image]
Available at: http://payload273.cargocollective.com/1/2/88505/7772852/04-Beauty-and-the-Beast-1946-Jean-Malclez_900.jpg
[Accessed 28 Oct. 2014].
Cocteau, J. (1946). La Belle et la Bête. [image] Available at:
http://theredlist.com/media/database/settings/cinema/1940-1950/beauty-and-the-beast/039-beauty-and-the-beast-theredlist.jpeg
[Accessed 28 Oct. 2014].
Cocteau, J. (1946). Film Still 1. [image] Available at:
http://i.gyazo.com/f127369d46fa0f895808f1175e5a845a.png [Accessed 28 Oct.
2014].
Bibliography
Matthew, (2012). Beauty and the Beast Criterion Foreign Film Movie
Review 1946. [online] Available at:
http://www.classicartfilms.com/beauty-and-the-beast-1946 [Accessed 28 Oct.
2014].
Ebert, R. (1999). Beauty and the Beast Movie Review (1946) | Roger
Ebert. [online] Rogerebert.com. Available at:
http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-beauty-and-the-beast-1946
[Accessed 28 Oct. 2014].
Stephens, I. (2009). film110 / Mise en Scene in La Belle et la Bete.
[online] Film110.pbworks.com. Available at: http://film110.pbworks.com/w/page/12610265/Mise%20en%20Scene%20in%20La%20Belle%20et%20la%20Bete
[Accessed 28 Oct. 2014].
Stephens, I. (2009). film110 / Mise en Scene in La Belle et la Bete.
[online] Film110.pbworks.com. Available at: http://film110.pbworks.com/w/page/12610265/Mise%20en%20Scene%20in%20La%20Belle%20et%20la%20Bete
[Accessed 28 Oct. 2014].
And another interesting review... you have got the hang of it now :)
ReplyDeleteJust see my comments previously on the formatting...
Looking forward to the next one!