When I saw Orpheus several days ago, I noted Jean Cocteau's unique style. It isn't a coincidence that he was also an artist and poet because it shows in his films, particularly in Beauty and the Beast, which boasts an impressive look and feel. (They both use some of the same trick shots like playing it in reverse.) It comes pretty close to the ideal of what one means by enchanting or fantasy.
But this isn't the Disney version of the classic fairy tale. Cocteau's vision is haunting and moody. The Beast's castle takes on a life and presence of its own. Human arms hold candles hanging on the wall and rise from the middle of a table to pour wine. Statues come to life, their eyes moving back and forth following the characters on screen. It is large and mysterious, it is magical yet scary. It is like watching a dream painted onto film.
We are all familiar with the story; a virtuous woman is forced to live with a hideous beast and learns to see the good inside of him, eventually loving him. Its lesson is that beauty is only skin deep, true beauty lies on the inside, don't judge a book by its cover, etc etc. Many romance stories share Beauty and the Beast's primary plot, the power of a good woman to redeem a man or, figuratively, a beast.
However, a striking difference between this version and the Disney one is that the cartoon Beast begins ugly both inside and out and Belle brings out the good in him. The Beast of this film appears to already be good, but misunderstood as a beast. Belle is almost immediately taken by the Beast; she shows little if any fear of him and within ten minutes of film time, she has already softened up and accepted him. I found this to be a glaring weakness in the film's story telling. It didn't seem convincing to me as to why she is so easily moved by him. Exactly how does she determine the good inside of him? When he threatened to kill her father or when he forced her to take his place? She says she feels the good in him, but we are never really shown it other than his soft spoken tone and gentlemanly words. As magical and enchanting the film looks and feels, the story itself isn't entirely convincing, which was kind of disappointing.
I don't think you could argue too much with the assessment that this film is more style over substance. This film is all about style, how it creates and maintains this fairy tale world. The story is really just window dressing. All you need to know are the basics, the woman and the beast and that they fall in love. Knowing exactly how or why isn't necessary in the experience, though it probably wouldn't hurt either...
I did enjoy the film though. I'd say it was good, but not great. I always find it interesting to see people's interpretation on classic and well known stories. Everybody knows the story of Beauty and the Beast, but how can you make your version different than the next person's? Cocteau's version is very unique and I am impressed with the artistry in which he made this film.
Grade: B
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