Beauty & the Beast 46

 

 

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Long before Disney ever got their grubby paws on it, Jean Cocteau made the ultimate adaptation of the classic French fairy tale "The Beauty and the Beast." And it was... well, magical. Cocteau's direction turned this simple story into a dreamy haze of haunting images, lush sets and luminous beauty, from the beginning to the eerie end.

The titiular beauty, Belle (Josette Day), works like a dog for her ne'er-do-well brother Ludovic and her snotty sisters. When their father was going home through the forest, he stumbles across an enchanted castle ruled by a cruel Beast (Jean Marais). When the father thoughtlessly plucks a single rose, the Beast gives him a choice -- he can die, or he can send one of his daughters.

Of course, Bella goes straight to the castle, and finds herself in a new world of magic, mystery and enchantment. She also begins falling in love with the Beast, despite his leonine appearance. But when she returns home for a visit, her siblings and her nasty suitor Avenant begin plotting to kill the Beast and destroy the life Belle has been given.

Floating candles, stone hands and faces that move, glittering jewels, magical mirrors, living statues, and a exquisitely sylvan palace filled with mist and light. This is a really haunting, beautiful movie that doesn't spare any visual impact that it can make -- and that quality makes the entire film feel like a delirious dream that you never want to wake up from.

Jean Cocteau's direction really elevates this simple story into a piece of art, especially since he makes such careful use of light, which makes everything in the castle look luminous. And he inserts many striking scenes, such as Belle and the Beast's wanderings in a sea of statues, and when he drinks water out of her hands, or when she sees him approaching from behind in a mirror.

Day is really astounding as Belle -- she's very sweet, kind of a doormat, and really seems like a girl who is too nice for her own good. Marais does a remarkably good job emoting with his eyes and voice, especially since the poor man could barely move his face -- when the camera zooms in on his eyes, you can see the smoldering emotions.

Jean Cocteau's exquisite "Beauty and the Beast" is a glimmering jewel in classic movies -- lusciously detailed, painfully lovely, and directed with great care. A must see for any cinephile.

I saw this movie about fifty years ago for the first time and have been enchanted by it ever since. I recommend it to everyone who love old fairy tales.

Belle's father (Marcel Andr') has to go to town for business. He asks Belle (Josette Day) what she would like him to bring her. A Rose as there are no roses at home. On his way back from the city he must go through a mysterious forest in the evening. He stumbles upon an enchanted abode. There he is offered food and drink. On his exit the next morning he pilfers a prize rose to fulfill his daughters wish. Now he is confronted by the home owner La B'te (Jean Marais). For his indiscretion he is given the choice of giving up his life or that of his daughter. He returns home to tell the tale.

The story first written by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont is adapted by Jean Cocteau to film, also directed by Jean Cocteau.

I could explain the great visual effects and dialog chooses. But it is much better described by the voice over track on the Criterion version. You will be enchanted by this version an will come to make this your favorite.

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5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT STUFF
THIS IS A GREAT DVD AND YOU CAN GET IT BRAND NEW CRITERION ON OTHER WEBSITES FOR LIKE $30.00, SHOP AROUND!!!!
I LOVE MY COPY.

Published on April 7 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars PAINTING WITH BLACK AND WHITE AND SILVER
Cocteau's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will leave an impression on those who are about to see it for the first time. Read more

Published on Feb 25 2004 by JohnK

5.0 out of 5 stars Criterion collection film trashed by Disney
This was a great move for the Criterion Collection to rerelease a film and classic story that was ruined by the Disney version. Read more

Published on Feb 24 2004 by Ted

5.0 out of 5 stars The Magic Of French Cinema: Film Lover's Collection
The 1947 French Cocteau classic, "La Belle Et La Bete" (Beauty and the Beast)was revolutionary in its day and on this new DVD, we get all the scoop on the making of this... Read more

Published on Feb 20 2004 by Rudy Avila

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
This is a beautiful version of the "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale. Cocteau creates a dreamlike world of fantasy and illusion. Read more

Published on Feb 19 2004 by A. McGivney

5.0 out of 5 stars "True Experience Must Be Unique." - Cocteau
Beauty and the Beast is based on Madame de Beaumont's fairy tale with the same name, and Cocteau's adaptation is strikingly alike the original with a few exceptions. Read more

Published on Feb 9 2004 by Kim Anehall

5.0 out of 5 stars Charming
Sterling DVD release of a movie that only a heart of stone would dislike; certainly a must-have for Cocteau admirers.

Published on Feb 5 2004 by C. Rubin

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding print
The print is outstanding, the restoration they did on this is nothing short of magnificent. Watch it with music and subtitles (my favorite) or listen to it sung in opera. Read more

Published on Dec 10 2003 by L. Biskup

3.0 out of 5 stars Good, But Not Magical
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I preferred the animated Disney version of this story to the 1946 Jean Cocteau film. Read more

Published on Dec 2 2003 by brewster22

5.0 out of 5 stars The 2002 Criterion DVD is a stunning production
I previously reviewed Jean Cocteau's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST based on the earlier Criterion DVD, but I was just given the 2002 reissue as a gift, and I have to say that I am simply... Read more

Published on Nov 27 2003 by Robert Moore

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