Beauty and the Beast || movie review

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of viewing the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast and despite the original animated film becoming a global phenomenon and household name in its 1991 release, it seems to lack the essential back-story, character development and diversity that the adaption avidly provides. But the incorporation of racial, feminist and LGBT ideologies as integral parts of the film not only strengthens the fantasy/romance’s story but also broadens the lead characters’ personas, adding fresh and unexplored nuances to the fairytale that makes it so worth watching.

Set in eighteenth century France, the film centres on Belle (Emma Watson), an intelligent, strong and independent young woman who sacrifices herself in exchange for her father’s freedom (Kevin Kline) and is forced to live in an enchanted castle with a prince cursed to look like a terrifying Beast (Dan Stevens). In time she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff, the candelabra Lumière (Ewan McGregor), the mantel clock Cogsworth (Ian McKellen) and the teapot Mrs. Potts (Emma Thompson), and begins to notice the kind heart and soul within the beast’s gruesome exterior. While the film’s main antagonist Gaston (Luke Evans) plots to claim Belle as his wife to the disbelief and disappointment of his friend LeFou (Josh Gad).

Although the film doesn’t deviate too far from the source material, it does offer new back-story and character development that shows the live-action characters as far more three dimensional, convincing and engaging than their animated counterparts. The film is slightly altered to include the story of Belle’s mother and the Beast’s parents, and gives Belle the trait of being a tinkerer like her father. Additionally, there are several prominent interracial couples in the film’s story as well as one main character being shown as gay (LeFou). The key message of the film was to showcase an abundant range of diversity and inclusivity, effectively conveyed through these minor alterations, that previous Disney princess live-action films considerably fail to accomplish (e.g. Maleficent, Cinderella, etc.).

Emma Watson’s performance as Belle exceeds expectation, as the actress seems to be made to physically and mentally embody roles that are portrayed as strong, intelligent and inquisitive individuals (e.g. Harry Potter, Perks of Being a Wallflower, etc.). Dan Stevens complements this with a surprisingly refined and poignant portrayal of the Beast that appears more authentic and humanlike. Luke Evans’ textbook executed personification of the narcissistic, assertive and volatile Gaston was nothing short from entertaining. While Josh Gad’s LeFou is definitely the highlight of the film, showing the charisma, wit and eccentric dialogue he’s known for in every scene that he’s in (e.g. Frozen, Angry Birds, etc.).

The lavish landscape and set designs are displayed through widespread camera angles and seamless scene transitions that carry the progression and rhythm of the story. Many village scenes were shot outdoors to appear more authentic, taking advantage of natural lighting, whereas special effects were heavily used for scenes involving the enchanted castle to achieve a sense of wonderment. Although, the choice to use excessive amounts of CGI may have defeated the purpose, taking concentration away from the story by being too unrealistic. In one word the film’s costuming was captivating, an elegant blend of contemporary and traditional. However, Emma Watson suggested that Belle’s wardrobe design be more practical and less restrictive than stylish, which is why Watson refused to wear a corset in the film. The adaption honours the original soundtrack while including new songs of their own, like Beast’s “Evermore” and Maurice’s “How does a moment last forever”. Initially the studio was against Beauty and the Beast being a musical, but Bill Condon only agreed to direct the film in the first place because of its score and they thankfully rethought their decision.

Beauty and the Beast is an adaption that took the opportunity to meaningfully reinvent itself while simultaneously doing the source material justice, unlike others such as Maleficent and Cinderella. It’s a film that promotes the positive message of diversity in gender, race, age and sexuality that the industry is currently struggling with, a rarity that you should definitely make the effort to see in cinema.