Film Review

Space & Environment

La Belle et la Bte
Director: Jean Cocteau

Figure 1

Figure 2

La Belle et la Bte (Beauty and the Beast) is a romantic fantasy film produced in 1946, that is an adaptation of the traditional 1757 fairy tale that shares the same name. The film was directed by French poet and filmmaker, Jean Cocteau, and is still considered to be one of the finest fantasy films of all time. Jean Cocteaus adaptation draws on the traditional fairy tale exceptionally well, and provided to be an active influence on the Disney film of the same name. Both variations have their differences however they share a lot of similar artistry in regards to the styles, shapes, themes and the general components of film. Has lost none of its power to amaze and enthrall. And this magical adaptation of the much-filmed Jean-Marie Leprince de Beaumont tale clearly inspired much of the imagery for the Disney version. (Vice, 2007) Vice expresses a view which presents the similar observations of the inspired designs that have obvious influence from the original spaces within La Belle et la Bte. Elements such as bannisters, statues, and doorways have all been designed in a way which creates a feel of fantasy, however they could also now been seen as somewhat stereotypical or generic in the way these associated designs are used throughout other films using the same genre or sharing similar ideas. However, the way the primary sets fit together create successful magical environments that impress further, that could be said to have been reflected through the more modern adaptation produced by Disney.

Figure 3 La Belle et la Bte derives its cinematic spaces from Jean Cocteaus imaginative ideas, and are produced in a way which portrays a sense of visual poetry that creates a unique filmic style. The form doesnt compete with realism, but instead develops the sense of fantasy that draws on the key areas of its genre and the themes linked with in it. With the stylised sets and theatrical influences, Cocteau uses innovative fantastical elements that contrast between the beautiful and the hideous and utilises these in a way to reflect the constant battle the character of Beast experiences. For example; the human arm candlabre (Figure 3) are one the most recognisable fantasy elements within the film and can represent the constant reminder of the Beasts inhuman and hideous looks. The castle uses a variety of assets much like the candlabre throughout the film, and all present similar ideas of character reflection that, in turn, develop a strong, surreal and elaborate fantasy which entrall audiences. Cocteau's version is lushly, deliciously frightful, embellishing the basic fairy tale with a surreal, delicate eroticism of spying mirrors; of a magic castle with seeming peeping-tom eyes, all the better to satisfy one's every whim; of a beast as gentle and amorous as he is unwillingly corrupt. (Johanson, 2002) Critic Maryann Johanson observes the effects that Cocteaus unique styling is produced through his own interpretation. The fact that the film was created in a style that can only be described as visual poetry helps to emphasis the relationship between the expressionistic elements such as the enchanted statues, and the resulting effect that they have on the environments, as well as how they possibly reflect the character.

Figure 4 Additionally, the film presents the traditional depictions of fantasy. Viewing as a modern audience allows us to observe the original interpretations of fantasy that are

displayed inside La Belle et la Bte. Traditional qualities such as the ornate castle with the magical statues or the creepy woods with mysterious moods, or even the enchanted items, all provide to be key elements to the fantastical genre. However, these aspects could now be seen as unoriginal by modern audiences because of their heavy influence and use, but none the less these are the initial ideas and representations that paved the way for much of the fantasy and its associated elements in cinema today. It sets the benchmark in elegance for such fantasy films. (Schwartz, 2006) As Schwartz states, the benchmark in elegance for the fantasy genre was set after the release of the film due to the originality that derived from the production and its design. Modern films that reside within fanciful genres use similar aesthetical values that relate to fundamental aspects that are present within Cocteaus La Belle et la Bte. It is possible that without these rudiments recent fantasy fabrications may not be at the stage of success they are now and the effect that they can have on the most varied of audiences. La Belle et la Bte has proven to be a keystone in the development of fantasy films, and has many properties that have either influenced or been shared within many modern day fantasies or interpretations. Without said designs and influence, the success and popularity of the productions related to this genre could be questionable.

Review Bibliography

References Vice, J (2007) available at: www.rottentomatoes.com; www.deseretnews.com/article/700004566/Belle-et-la-Bete-La-The-Beauty-and-theBeast-1946.html [accessed online on 6 November 2012]. Johanson, M (2002) available at: www.flickfilosopher.com; www.flickfilosopher.com/blog/2002/08/beauty_and_the_beast_la_belle.html [accessed online on 6 November 2012]. Schwartz, D (2006) available at: www.sover.net; www.sover.net/~ozus/beautyandthebeast.htm [accessed online on 6 November 2012].

Images Figure 1: http://images.moviepostershop.com/beauty-and-the-beast-movie-poster1946-1020170543.jpg Figure 2: http://wheresmytower.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/la-belle-et-la-bete.jpg Figure 3: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/2CmrvmuIz6c/Tub5dGePUvI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/QPX_HgYrDlM/s1600/la+belle+et+la+b ete+-+18.jpg# Figure 4: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Uq6QYIUKGMM/TRJQjTklQpI/AAAAAAAAGvc/liq9ES1DcY c/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2010-12-22%2Bat%2B1.59.23%2BPM.png