Beauty and the Beast
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VHS Movie Reviews of Beauty and the Beast
Movie Review: Quality Endures
Summary: 5 Stars
The folks at Criterion never fail to amaze me, I for one am exceedingly grateful for this high quality re-release of a much loved masterpiece. Jean Cocteau's La Belle et La Bette is a virtually perfect movie, visually spellbinding and deeply satisfying from both an emotional and psychological perspective. While Cocteau's special effects may seem familiar to us now, bear in mind that they were stunningly original when he created this film. Which brings me to my thought, however modest.
Sometimes stories do not improve in the retelling. To see what I mean, track down Disney's handling of the classic fable, and see how his mouse-eared crew of sanitation engineers removed the dread, sex, and drama from it. Then track down the Shelley Duvall Faerie Tale Theatre version starring Susan Sarandon and Klaus Kinski, and see how - even with a tiny budget - superb acting and art direction give the story its dark passion and truth. Then watch Cocteau's film, the original, the version that has never been equaled, much less surpassed. The difference is astounding.
Despite the primitive filmmaking techniques, this movie draws you into its ominous world where the stakes are life or death and self-sacrifice has a very special meaning. I question the addition of a score by Phillip Glass, I love his work elsewhere but don't believe it belongs here. But this is a minor quibble. How lucky we are to live in an age where obscure gems like this are so readily accessible. Cocteau was quite a guy, writer, poet, painter, filmmaker - a complete artist. The complexity and depth of his daring vision are visible in every frame.
Movie Review: "Don't pat me like an animal." "But you are an animal!"
Summary: 5 Stars
Belle's father (Marcel André) 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 Bête (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 expound on the great visual effects and dialog choices. But it is much better described by the voice over track on the Criterion version. You will be enchanted by this version and will come to make this your favorite.
Beauty and the Beast: Diary of a Film
Movie Review: the Beast
Summary: 5 Stars
when my dvd arrived and I discovered it was in french I almost sent it back.
I am so glad I watched instead.
The costumes were elaborate and the movie being french did not matter.
I feel I've been enlightened to a foreign culture.
Movie Review: Beautiful, lyrical, and riveting
Summary: 5 Stars
Jean Cocteau's magical and exquisitely lyrical interpretation of the fairy tale. Beauty's (Josette Day) father accidentally picks a rose from the garden of the Beast (Jean Marais) and must die, but Beauty insists on going in his place. The Beast then falls hopelessly in love with her.
All the elements of a fairy tale are here: magical things (a mirror, key, glove), enchanted settings, evil sisters, and the message of a good heart being more important than looks. Yet the Beast is hardly ugly, just discomforting - which just adds to his allure. Cocteau was a unique filmmaker, working in a semi-surreal setting all his own. This is a marvelous movie, from the script to the costumes to the music (by George Auric).
This Criterion Collection edition is excellent, with a superb print of the movie and lots of interesting add-ons - including an original opera by Philip Glass. Definitely worth checking out.
Movie Review: Pure Cinema, Beguiling At Any Level
Summary: 5 Stars
A masterpiece. Jean Cocteau has created one of the most arresting films in recent history, in the form of La Belle et La Bette. The story is familiar but the way it was executed is not. The hand-held candalabras, the magical horse, the moving faces in the Beast's house, the white curtains are all proof to Cocteau's genius as a film maker.
A film for all to behold and for student film-makers to emulate. In this day and age of loud special effects, turn off the light and ignite just one candle whilst watching this DVD.
Timeless and mesmerizing...