I agree - as beautiful as the movie is, it still lacks in character development and fails to show us the evolution of Belle and the Beast’s relationship. It focuses too much on side characters and other details in the story when it really should’ve been devoting more screen time to redeeming the Beast.
Over the years I’ve seen many different versions of BatB (both modern and traditional adaptations), but I still think Disney’s animated film portrays their growing relationship the best. The audience can actually see that the Beast has changed into a better person - one who is actually deserving of love. Like you said, you actually find yourself feeling sympathetic and rooting for him (much like people start feeling the same for Mr. Darcy half way through Pride & Prejudice). That’s why the film’s happy ending is so emotional and satisfying - because we’ve seen the characters go through so much and we know that they’ve actually earned their happily ever after.
Having said that, though, I really prefer this movie over Disney’s live action adaptation. It’s true that Lea Seydoux didn’t have much to work with here, but she still gave a very good performance and is a million times better as Belle than Emma Watson was.
I appreciate the movie for what it is - a beautiful moving piece of European art. And as previously mentioned here by Melissa, the movie probably translates better in French. Even in English I think it’s still a very French-like movie because of it’s approach to storytelling and acting. It’s definitely not a perfect film and really lacks in the romance department, but I still think it’s a very enchanting and enjoyable adaptation.
With a different actor as the Beast and better script writers, it might have been a masterpiece. I’m still hoping that someday we’ll get a live action adaptation of BatB that is as perfect as the 1991 animated film was. :)
Over the years I’ve seen many different versions of BatB (both modern and traditional adaptations), but I still think Disney’s animated film portrays their growing relationship the best. The audience can actually see that the Beast has changed into a better person - one who is actually deserving of love. Like you said, you actually find yourself feeling sympathetic and rooting for him (much like people start feeling the same for Mr. Darcy half way through Pride & Prejudice). That’s why the film’s happy ending is so emotional and satisfying - because we’ve seen the characters go through so much and we know that they’ve actually earned their happily ever after.
Having said that, though, I really prefer this movie over Disney’s live action adaptation. It’s true that Lea Seydoux didn’t have much to work with here, but she still gave a very good performance and is a million times better as Belle than Emma Watson was.
I appreciate the movie for what it is - a beautiful moving piece of European art. And as previously mentioned here by Melissa, the movie probably translates better in French. Even in English I think it’s still a very French-like movie because of it’s approach to storytelling and acting. It’s definitely not a perfect film and really lacks in the romance department, but I still think it’s a very enchanting and enjoyable adaptation.
With a different actor as the Beast and better script writers, it might have been a masterpiece. I’m still hoping that someday we’ll get a live action adaptation of BatB that is as perfect as the 1991 animated film was. :)
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