|
Alphabetic Index
|
Ratings Index
|
Web Resources
|
Alphabetic Index
|
Ratings Index
|
Web Resources
When he returns home the Merchant has a terrible tale to recount; he made a deal with the Beast such that his life would be spared if one of his daughters takes his place. Although he doesn't wish such a fate on his kin, Beauty feels that the whole mess is her fault and secretly makes her way to the hidden castle. The mysterious nature of the area is apparent with the doors which silently open on her approach and the candelabra, held by single human arms, that light her way. The full impact of her decision only becomes clear when the Beast approaches, disgusting Beauty with his hideous features. He finds that he is unable to kill her though, instead falling in love with her delicate features. Proposing nightly, the Beast struggles to show his inner humanity and to overcome his animalistic nature. Beauty always refuses.
However, as she spends more time alone in the castle, Beauty begins to understand the Beast and to seek out his company. He acts gallantly at all times, talking of how his entire kingdom is built from magic and showing that he is, perhaps, more human than anyone else she knows. The only problem for their blossoming relationship is that Beauty still deeply loves her father, who is dying, while she feels a sorrow and a duty to the Beast. Realising her dilemma the Beast allows her to magically return home on the condition that she return within a week, with the understanding that he will die of a broken heart if she breaks her promise. To cement his trust he gives her the key to his fortune.
Whisked home, by a magical glove, Beauty revives her father and suffers the jealousy of her wicked sisters (due to her fabulous clothes and jewellery). Before long she is reduced to cleaning floors, while her sisters flounce around in hideous costumes and hatch a plan to steal the Beast's riches. By stealing the golden key, and persuading Beauty to stay longer than a week, Ludovic and Avenant (again, Jean Marais) [overcome by greed] are able to race to the enchanted palace. Before killing the Beast they break into his strong-room, where Avenant is fatally wounded by a magical arrow. Meanwhile Beauty returns, having been delayed by looking for the key, to find the Beast near death. Realising her true love and devotion for him there is a fantastic transformation -- Avenant, the traitor, becomes the Beast while the Beast becomes a handsome, young prince.
Once again, Jean Cocteau has brought to life a visual masterpiece. From the intricate and convincing make-up of the Beast and the surreal splendour of the bewitched castle to the unadorned simplicity of Beauty and the brutal gaudiness of her sisters, every frame is a feast for the eyes. Light and darkness seem to caress the screen as the movie runs. The challenge of these surroundings is met by the cast (preventing this from being some arty-farty flick), each member of which fills and broadens their character (especially Jean Marais). The aura of amour drifts through every scene, underpinning the story and leading us to a triumphant conclusion which celebrates the victory of love over all obstacles (although it is intriguing that the transformation removes an essential element from the Beast). We believe in this fairy-tale and that is how it should be.
|
Alphabetic Index
|
Ratings Index
|
Web Resources