La Belle et la Bte (1946)

Figuie 0ne
Many know this tale well, the intertwined destiny
of two lovers who are drawn together through
mystery and magic. The Beast a magnificent
creature capable of menace and pure kindness,
The Beauty who is the woman entrapped by this
mad story that inevitably falls for the Beasts
charms. The tale is an adaptation of the
traditional fairy tale of the same name, written by
Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont. Directed
by French poet and filmmaker Jean Cocteau
(Figure One).

In this interpretation we are drawn into the
embrace of the Beasts Castle by the mysterious
forest that surrounds the perimeter of the
grounds. The claustrophobic environments that
move aside for us to convey the introduction to
wonder. Mixed with the musical score and lighting
it depicts mystery and a sense of danger
perfectly. (Figure Two).

The set design slowly builds the expectation
of the audience setting an atmosphere
throughout that flexes with the pace of the
film. We are gradually eased into the story
and the detail is consistent.

This film is such a visual delight that I gave
up worrying about ideological considerations
and just embraced its beautiful and
influential dreamlike imagery. (1) Caldwell T

What Caldwell is describing here is that the
environment compliments the tale further
than that of the actual portrayal of the story.
We should infer from this that we should be
more influenced from the set design and
cinematography elements more than that of
the story.

Figuie Two
























The story pivots between the living spaces of
Beauty and her Co star Beast. In this Cocteau
attempts to create a contrast between the two
and how drastically different their home
environments are to each other. For example
the comparison of Belles House is an extension
to a barn and the rooms seem worn and dull
(Figure Three). Meanwhile Beasts Castle has
hints of intricate designs and interact-ables.

Cocteau's fairytale set standards in fantasy
which few other film-makers have reached. (2)
Milne T

Milne is attempting to express the fact that ever
since the publication of the film (1946) that not
many connectable film-makers have reflected
Cocteaus creative genius.

Figuie Thiee
Continuing on we should recognize the amount of
talent Cocteau possessed to depict an old tale so
well on the big screen. The story has forever been
immortalized by this adaptation and the ones that
followed suit.

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
(3) Vice J

It is true that the Disney Version is renowned to be
one of the most successful releases from the big
name. The re-releases from the original release and
revitalization of the tale has forever been on Disneys
Forte for they are proud with the appeal of their
adaptation on the classic tale. What Milne is hinting
toward is the obvious dissections that has been
taken from the 1946 interpretation and have been
placed in the 1991 version.
Figuie Foui
In Figuie Foui is the iconic uepiction of the two,
anu to uissect this is oui aim. The Beast lingeis
ovei the unconscious Beauty but his bouy language
uoesn't hint violent intentions. Insteau they hint
concein anu peihaps longing. 0f couise this coulu
be taken fiom the oiiginal stoiy but the
cinematogiaphy that Cocteau has given us is much
moie useful. The giizzleu featuies of the Beast
cloakeu beneath a beautiful suit with uazzling
jeweliy anu iuffles inuicates he has powei anu
uominance ovei Beauty. But aujacent to this
synopsis we have the clothes anu gifts he has
uonneu onto Beauty uictates he wants to shaie his
woiluly possessions with hei. So the Bisney
veision useu this piinciple anu auapteu the tale to
make it theii own.

List of Illustrations

Figure (1) accessed on November 9, 2013 at
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a4/La_Belle_et_la_Bte_film.jpg

Figure (2) accessed on November 9, 2013 at
http://gwarlingo.gwarlingo.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/belle-
in-forest.jpg

Figure (3) accessed on November 9, 2013 at
http://www.dvdizzy.com/images/b/beautyandthebeast-criterion-11.jpg

Figure (4) accessed on November 9, 2013 at
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-
PKOmYPx9X0M/ToSCYIFRm0I/AAAAAAAAAEQ/zs9CmQYqTw8/s1600/la-
belle-et-la-bete-1946-8238-1604750528.jpg


List of Biblography

(1) Caldwell T, Cinema Autopsy, August 13 2011 accessed at
http://blog.cinemaautopsy.com/2011/07/24/miff-2011-blog-a-thon-part-
3/#beautyandthebeast on November 9, 2013


(2) Milne T, Time out, February 11
th
2006 accessed at
http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/67583/la_belle_et_la_bete.html on
November 9, 2013

(3) Vice J, Deseret News, Salt Lake City, June 7
th
2007 accessed at
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700004566/Belle-et-la-Bete-La-The-
Beauty-and-the-Beast-1946.html on November 9, 2013