Beauty and the Beast: Total Success? Or a Total Failure?
- ChristinaMarie
- Mar 29, 2017
- 4 min read
Who else here grew up on Disney and is fluent in Disney quotes and songs? (Raises hand as high as it will go) If you feel the same as me about Disney, and maybe even you don’t, I’m sure you have been waiting with great anticipation for their latest release, their live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast!
While we can expect for some aspects of this remake to differ from the original animation which released in 1991, the directors are sure to keep the movie true to its message and original Disney feel. While one could definitely say that this is due to the fact that they kept in many original lines and song, I would say Alan Menken definitely lends a helping hand. Especially considering the fact that he was one of the composers for the score of the original Disney animation along with Howard Ashman. In the remake, though, it is only Menken who contributes to the score. He keeps everything true to the original, so much in fact, that any of the new songs that they decided to add into the movie did not feel awkward or out of place. You could definitely see them being sung even in the 1991 animation. And considering the 26-year gap in between the two movies, this was no easy feat for Menken, but he pulled it off and completely wowed the audience. I especially enjoyed how they changed a lot of the character’s looks to match the time frame and setting of the actual story which takes place in Bourbon-era France (1800’s).
What is the biggest fear for fans of any remake? Casting. We are so in love and used to the actors who first portrayed our favorite characters that the thought of someone else in their role seems so alien. But you have to hand it to the casting directors, they definitely did an amazing job. Each and every actor or actress seems to have been carefully and specifically chosen for their role. Let’s start with our leading star, Emma Watson. I have to admit I was overjoyed when I heard that she would be playing Belle. There was, however, a small amount of hesitation in my mind. I had spent my entire childhood seeing her as Hermione Granger, would I be able to look past her previous role in order to truly see her as Belle? I give her amazing acting full credit. I was so drawn into her portrayal of Belle that I could not give a second thought on the matter. Not only is she an incredible actress… But who knew she could sing??!! I was blown away by her performance. And with Dan Stevens as the Beast? No better pair could have been picked for our leading roles. I have to admit that I had not heard of Dan Stevens before seeing the Beauty and the Beast remake. But after thorough research I found out why he was so popular; Downton Abbey. While I have not viewed the show myself, I have heard a great deal about how awesome it is supposed to be. Every single actor takes on their role splendidly and looks so much like the original animation, most likely thanks to costume and makeup, that you cannot help but to fall in love with them all over again.
Now here is the kicker that has caused so much controversy: Lefou is gay. I would like to say that the whole situation has been blown way out of proportion. While an adult could definitely tell that Lefou is gay by the way he behaves, it is not something that is shoved into the audience’s face so as to be obnoxious. There has been so much drama over this character that I think everyone is forgetting the point…. They freaking remade Beauty and the Beast and did an amazing job! You can tell they had us Disney fans in mind! Maybe because they knew we would totally riot if they messed it up?..... Hahaha, kidding of course (or am I?). While I do not want to dwell forever on the subject of Lefou I do believe it needs to be addressed. Sure, I do not agree with the fact that they made him gay to suit what is popular at the moment. Yes, I do believe that it is sinful. But does that mean I have to force everyone else in the world to not go see it? That would be impossible. I have my beliefs, while those around me know them, I do not have to shove my beliefs into their face. It’s called respect. They have their beliefs, I have mine, end of story. So I would encourage everyone to go out and give the movie a try, honestly, it’s not as bad as everyone is making it out to be. Besides Lefou’s mannerisms, the only thing gay thrown in is a two-second clip of him and guy accidentally ending up as dancing partners at the very end of the movie.
All in all, I would give the movie 100/10. It was pure magic. What else would we expect from Disney? They sure know their fanbase and how to please us. And if you don’t go for the story, go for the music! Amazing is the only way to describe it. Evermore from the soundtrack has become my latest obsession. Especially Josh Groban’s version of the song. Have you ever heard that man sing? Heaven right there. So, what are you waiting for! Be my guest (sorry couldn’t resist) and go out and see the amazing live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast! You won’t regret a thing!
댓글