Beauty and the Beast - Research Paper Example

? Beauty and the Beast [Type the document sub School Beauty and the Beast Introduction Tale as old as time. Beauty and the Beast is probably one of the most unforgettable theme songs in one of the greatest Disney classics of all time. The movie has been well loved and is, to put simply, an enchanting treat to audiences that have seen it. The movie has offered a potent combination of romance and enough wit to ensnare viewers young, old and the young at heart. The nomination for an Oscar nomination is indeed a testimony to this film’s quality (Pierce 2001). In a nutshell, the film is about a love story between a somewhat free-spirited country girl named Belle yearning to escape the humdrum provincial life. There she is constantly pursued by a good looking albeit ignorant suitor by the name of Gaston. However, as fate would have it and more so to put the love story in motion, Belle’s father got stuck in the woods and then captured by the feared Beast. Being the heroine of the story, she valiantly switched places with her father. Thus, the Beauty meets the Beast and the romance started though initially with a bit of distrust and a pinch of fear as Belle becomes somewhat a cross between a prisoner and a guest in the mystical mansion of Beast. There, she met even more strange things as there are different furniture that can speak. Interestingly though, these talking teapot, clock and candelabra became some sort of a bridge that connected the would be lovers (Pierce 2001). Slowly, the romance blossomed and after an altercation that nearly cost the Beast’s life, Belle’s true love for the otherwise hideous and feared creature broke the spell and out came a dashing prince. And, as the adage goes, they lived happily ever after. Main Body Barely even friends As mentioned, the two main characters were barely even friends when they met. In fact, since the presence of Belle in the Beast’s mansion or castle was merely the result of a prisoner swap, these two were even enemies. However, as love stories and animated features would have it, these two became lovers in the end. Technically though, that is quite a stretch which can be expected from such a feature. After all, it is s fairy tale. And where there’s fairy tale, there is magic. And, maybe, love do comes with a bit of magic. Also, love comes with a desire to change oneself though this can careen dangerously to the darker side or climb further up to be a better person for the one that you love. Minow (2007) recognizes the unique quality of this film which holds the distinction of being the first ever animated film to be nominated to the Oscars. It was a lovely movie and though the shift from enemies to friends seem predictable, the story still did justice to the viewers by portraying a changing and improving image of the characters that seemed to be the critical factor for their romance to become possible. The two characters, Belle and the Beast, were initially cast against each other though despite the presence of a persistent suitor, Belle was genuinely single and is therefore open to romance. Although the plot seemed obvious because of the title, the movie did its part in showing the development of the characters own selves before developing a love for each other. It would be prudent to note that the hideous form of the Beast was a punishment from an otherwise wayward prince. Also, it can be seen that the imprisonment of Belle was likewise a watershed event in her life that has opened up herself to be more caring and sensitive to other people. In fact, getting to know Beast in a deeper sense can only be the possible explanation for such a beauty to fall for the beast (Minow 2007). A Beastly Beauty in itself The film itself was a romance in the making. Berardinelli (1991) argues that it was the best animated movie that was ever made. However, he concedes that the Lion King was by far the highest grossing Disney film, the story and cinematography coupled with the astounding soundtrack and musical has pushed the movie to great heights. However, despite being an animated film, the movie did not really bank on animation though it was fairly respectable during that time. With the developments in technology, this pales in comparison to animated hits of the new century (Pierce 2001). Probably among its greatest strengths was the superb musical that accompanied the film which was fairly easy to remember and even hum to ones content. One of the crucial success factors of the film was the casting of Belle as a strong-willed lass that is a strong deviation from the otherwise passive character that Beauty was in the original story. In fact, Belle was praised for veering away from the usually sexist themes portrayed by heroines of Disney movies such as Ariel in the Little Mermaid. Cummins (1995) however argued that the movie still follows the same old format that a woman’s happiness can only be possible, and last ever after, when she finds a prince. In so doing, the film seem to have a beastly undertone in its beauty which seem to permeate the minds of little girls and those hopeless romantics that in order to find the happiness that they desire, they must embark on a personal expedition to search for her prince. However, this argument seems unfounded though since Belle herself was a strong willed and educated girl. It was portrayed that she has a voracious appetite for books and is not easily swayed by the swooning men of her village, even the very persistent Gaston. A two-pronged approach As mentioned, despite the film being an animated feature, it somehow lacked an animated prowess that might have showcased flair for animated features. However, the creators painstakingly ensured that the heroine, Belle or Beauty, would genuinely show emotions that are critical in capturing the hearts of her viewers. This has somehow made up for the otherwise dull landscape and mundane overall cinematography. What Berardinelli (2001) considers as the other, probably more critical, success factor of the film was the astounding musical that accompanied the movie. As mentioned, the songs were catchy enticing a hum or two from viewers and the song and dance numbers really captured the audience. This two-pronged approach has effectively transformed an otherwise predictable movie to an adventure that enthralled viewers from all ages. Thus, although the love story has already been betrayed and bannered in the title itself, the immersion of the characters that has been reflected by the efforts that have been put into their facial expressions as well as the lively and enticing musicals has effectively captivated its audience. This potent combination could well be considered as its fuel that has boosted the film to all time greatness. A Caveat to the Unassuming There is concern though regarding most Disney animated films. It has been argued that there may be misconceptions regarding the authenticity of the wholesomeness being projected by the animated films of Disney. Ryan and Hoerrner (2004) argues that these wholesome films are tinted with alcoholism and smoking. It seems as though there were films including Beauty in the Beast that hints on these vices wherein there are singing champagne bottles that are wooing Belle in the movie. This scene has been set alongside the puffing Cruella de Vil as well as the tobacco puffing Genie of Alladin. Although there were no tobacco exposure in the film, the exposure of alcohol has been brought forward to call the attention of parents since the film is supposed to be wholesome and is for the viewing pleasure of the whole family. It was found out that towards the close of the last century, alcohol exposures perked upwards and then further ballooned on the first decade of the new century. Parents would do well to guide their children since the serenading champagne bottles could paint a positive picture towards alcoholism in the early minds of young viewers. Though this may be a small flaw in an otherwise near perfect film, it is important that there are proper guidelines regarding exposure of these vice forming habits that may penetrate the minds of children. Also, although the film has not shown Belle and Beast consume alcohol, they were pictured in a scene that includes goblets as they were having dinner. Hence, the cause of concern does not really lie in having an exposure of alcohol in the film, which would surely be beneficial if the scenes project an attempt to educate children against it, but in the portrayal of the main protagonists seemingly enjoying or having pleasure with alcoholic beverages. This seem to send an astounding message to the young minds processing the film as something that is acceptable since the heroes or heroines are enjoying them. More so, aside from the absence of warnings in the movies against these products, there is also an absence of attempts to show that these tobacco and alcohol users are being persuaded to drop the habit. This is not an easy task though considering the fact that Disney has strongly positioned itself as a producer of wholesome family fun and that the movies that it produces are meant to safely entertain its audiences, especially children. In fact, Eisner (1994) asserts that being with Disney has necessitated them to be a notch higher with regards to their standards. However, it seems that this seemingly incorruptible image has unwittingly become a conduit for introducing the aforementioned vices to children. Also, since it was mentioned that alcohol use in the movie seemed to have been portrayed in a positive manner, this presents a clear danger to children that, through the availability of copies, may be able to watch the movie more than one time and are more prone to exposure of such a behavior towards alcohol. The problem herein is that media strongly impacts decisions and perceptions of people. Moreover, it was found out that those that have watched alcohols being shown positively which may be associated to merrymaking and companionship tends to develop a more positive affection towards alcoholic beverages (Kulick and Rosenberg 2001). A deviation called Disneyfication The film, and Disney, also took some flak with the alterations that seem to permeate Disney films. It has been argued that these films has robbed children of their much needed refuge from their fears as well as their guide in the transition to adulthood. Sadly, these films seem to have effectively positioned Disney at the pinnacle of fairy tales and edged out the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson. As such, these animated classics as greatly benefitted holywood moguls than the children for which these stories were originally penned for (Friedmeyer 2003). Despite other positive reviews, it is argued that the last scene seem to have degraded Belle into something similar to a trophy that has been fought by two men, Beast and Gaston. It has likewise been argued that although Belle was portrayed as a strong-willed and intelligent girl, all the build up with books seem to have been thrown away when, towards the end, she had been relegated as a mere spectator of two guys battling for a girl. Another caveat is forthcoming since the movie seemed to have painted a dangerous theory that seem to postulate that it is a woman’s beauty and her being sweet that can bring forward an almost complete reversal to a man’s violent, or in this case beastly, nature. This can be a treacherous assumption since in reality, this is unlikely to happen and though this certainly helps, the change or improvement should not, as seemingly suggested in the movie, fall on the shoulders of women alone (Hearne 1997). This change seem to reflect a film making attitude that has increasingly been more focused on profiteering than in giving education and knowledge necessary for the safe passage of children to adulthood known as the adolescent stage. It does seem to showcase a rather unnerving degradation since these films are crucial learning tools for children. Evans (1995) laments that the Disney of today has veered far and dangerously away from what it was during the 1960’s as its entertainment empire vastly expands. However, he still puts Beauty in the Beast on the far opposite of Pulp Fictin which was an otherwise grotesque film spawned by one of Disney’s production outfits – Miramax films. Hence, even with the aforementioned deviations, Beauty and the Beast can still be regarded as a generally delightful film to watch. Then somebody bends The film has shown two characters that initially have issues with themselves and against each other. As it progressed, so did the characters enabling themselves to be better persons and even find true love with each other. Despite earlier tirades against the film, the characters of Beauty and the Beast showed an innate, often underrated capacity of the human being to change and even affect change. It is this capability to change that has enabled the two characters to fall in love with each other. Belle, being a strong willed girl, has revolted against the Beast’s rather violent nature by doing hunger strikes which has somehow softened the latter’s attitude. Slowly, the care in the Beast eventually came out and Belle has seen this kind-hearted nature that has made her fall in love with an otherwise unlovable creature. This was cemented further when the hero inside the Beast surfaced as he places his very life on the line for the safety of Belle (Berardinelli 1991). Minow (2007) further leads parents to focus on the important issues as to the punishment that has been put upon the prince as well as the necessary action that he must do to reverse the curse. It seem to point out an important lesson of being able to relate properly to other people since looks and riches are not enough to gain true love. Berardinelli (1991)on the other hand focuses on Belle’s capability to see through both the pleasant looks of Gaston as well as the revolting image of the Beast and find the true character embedded within. Conclusion The film, Beauty and the Beast, has shown an enchanting love story that goes beyond physical attributes. Probably, that is the strongest lesson of the film which teaches its viewers to avoid being judgemental even as they exist is a very pervasive society. Likewise, the need to change for the better in order when loving someone has really been highlighted with this Oscar nominated film. In today’s scrutinizing society, it is very important to be able to look beyond a person’s facade and see the true human being inside. The person may be like the outwardly handsome but characteristically flawed Gaston or the fearsome but innately kind Beast (Berardinelli 1991). However, it is also important for viewers especially the parents to be more discerning. The positive attitude towards vice as well as the relegation of women to the back seat are serious issues that must be guarded against lest children go into the volatile adolescent stage with a distorted belief of what is good and what is bad. This applies greatly to films that feature alcohol comsumption positively which may embed a faulted image on young viewers (Kulick and Rosenberg 2001). More importantly, though seemingly neglected, the film offers hope. Hope that people can change and hope that kindness can produce a positive outcome especially with the potent magic that everyone recognizes as love. References Berardinelli, J 2001, “Beauty and the Beast (1991)” Available from: http://www.reelviews.net/movies/b/beauty.html Cummins, J 1995 “Romanticizing the Plot” Children’s Literature Association Quarterly, Volume 20 Number 1, Spring 1995 pp 22-28. Eisner, MD 1994 “The Walt Disney Company 1994 Annual Report”, Burbank CA, the Walt Disney Company Evans, J 1995 “What’s happened to Disney films?” Available from: http://ksumail.kennesaw.edu/~jpalmer/2110project/disney_films_article.htm Friedmeyer, W 2003 “The disneyfication of folklore: Adolescence and Archetypes” Available from: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rbeach/teachingmedia/student_units/module5/disneyfication_friedmeyer.pdf Hearne, B 1997, “Disney revisited, or Jiminy Cricket, It’s musty down here!” Horn Bool March/April. Kulick, AD and Rosenberg, H 2001 “Influence of positive and negative film portrayals of drinking on older adolescent’s alcohol outcome expectancies”, Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 31 (7), 1492-1499. Minow, N 2007 “Movie Review: Beauty and the Beast” Disney Family.com Available from: http://family.go.com/entertainment/article-csm-82464-movie-review--beauty-and-the-beast-t/ Pierce, N 2001, “Beauty and the Beast: Special Edition (1991)”, BBC News movies Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2001/12/28/beauty_and_the_beast_1991_review.shtml Ryan E. and HoerrnerK 2004, ‘Let your conscience be your guide: Smoking and drinking in disney’s animated classics’, Mass Communication and Society, 2004, 7 (3), 261-278. Read More