Unit Title: Anatomy (RCGA102) Film Review 4: La Belle et La Bete (1946, Jean Cocteau)

We now enter see a different view on what is considered monstrous. Rather than the meddling of science, or the transformation bestowed on those with a certain bloodline we are forced to consider the afflictions placed on someone with a curse.

Filmed in black and white, French with subtitles the film has an air of innocence common to fairly tales. In fact Belle the leading female character is much maligned by her wicked sisters in a very Cinderella fashion. Forced into labour by and for her vapid siblings (all without complaint, of course) Indeed all the characters traits from rumour and fable are here. Starting, of course with our beauty. Delicate and kind, immune to insult and almost unbearably respectful of the feelings of those around her. Her sisters, bitter and conniving, think of nothing but their own personal futures (that said, in all of fable they are very concerned about the futures of their sibling counterparts). The huntsman, brave and bold, impossibly besotted with the female lead. The wastrel, comically pathetic and clumsy and the ever loving father.

Unit Title: Anatomy (RCGA102) Film Review 4: La Belle et La Bete (1946, Jean Cocteau)

This is the first film in the series shown in this anatomy project where we, as students are asked to consider monstrosity. Is it in the face of the disfigured Bete? No, it is the attitudes and actions of those surrounding him that make him a monster, and are arguably more monstrous in deed than the titular leading man.

Those familiar with Disneys, Beauty and the Beast will notice immediately where they took their inspiration.

From the time that Belle is lost in the woods and stumbles upon the mansion where she inadvisably picks La Betes roses the audience is transported into a magical, theatrical realm, only broken by La Betes arrival. Robert Ebert is right when he describes the film as One of the most magical of all films. (date unknown) but Cole Smithey is far more succinct with, Lovely (date unknown).

After admitting rose theft Belle is given the opportunity to spare the vengeance La Bete is proposing to visit on her family. This selfless act softens her captor, setting in motion his, and their great love.

Belle is to visit La Bete every day, where every day he confirms his love for her and asks for her hand in marriage. At first, she is repelled by his appearance, but his kind and gentle nature soon melts her heart.

We progress to a point where, confused and angered by Belles obvious affection for La Bete both heroic huntsman and wastrel brother try to take her back. In a daring attempt to enter La Betes domain the huntsman is shot in the back with an arrow by one of the minions that inhabit the enchanted Mansion.
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Unit Title: Anatomy (RCGA102) Film Review 4: La Belle et La Bete (1946, Jean Cocteau)

Director Jean Cocteau created a visually stunning world in which to populate his characters. Even seen today, the technical and artistic achievements are quite impressive. Lloyd C.(date unknown). In a delightful piece of trick photography La Bete is granted human form in return for the huntsmans death. Assuming the huntsmans appearance Belle falls into his arms...

...and they all lived happily ever after. The film is simply, charming.

Critics Bibliography Ebert R., (date unknown). Chicago Sun-Times, rottentomatoes.com Lloyd C., (date unknown). Sarasota Herald-Tribune, rottentomatoes.com Smithey C., (date unknown), ColeSmithey.com, rottentomatoes.com Image List Poster Image: http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1001902-beauty_and_the_beast/