A Timeless Tale: The Magic of Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is about a young prince who becomes a beast and earns love to break the curse. At the enchanted castle, Belle, a book loving girl, finds out the beast’s hidden kindness. The movie, of course, also revolves around themes of inner beauty, transformation and redemption and their unfolding romance is nitty gritty, especially with Gaston, a persistent hunter who aims to be Belle’s man. The tone is, at times, whimsical, at others, romantic, and always with moral lessons, providing a rich, emotional narrative that resonates with children as well as adults.
Belle is carried off by Emma Watson: charming and intelligent, she exhibits the face of a modern heroine in refined terms. Dan Stevens of The Beast finds vulnerability and strength. Gaston, played by Luke Evans, brings a layer of humour and menace that complements the narrative while keeping things firmly grounded in the tradition of a fairy tale; director Bill Condon treads the tricky path of character dynamics within a fairy tale, using a fresh perspective without discarding its spirit. Theres never any chance that the film hasnt remained respectful homage to the animated classic, thanks to his direction.|The score, courtesy of Alan Menken, is as enchanting as youd hope. Its beautifully orchestrated and performed, without undercutting the films magic, and memorable numbers like Beauty and the Beast and Be Our Guest are given even more glory via the camera.
Tobias A. Schliesslers cinematography shines here, capturing the castle of the movies magic and the enchantment of its objects. The film is a feast for the eyes, visually.
Production design is very detailed, making the sets like a magical land. The exquisite interior, the haunting loveliness of the Beast’s castle elevates the storytelling to a new level; special effects are seamlessly integrated with a sprawling cast of enchanted servants and the Beast themselves. This technically impressive work also supports the magical elements that are absolutely necessary to the story
Editing flows seamlessly without the film losing its rhythm, and each scene smoothly transitions into the next. It never drags nor feels rushed, the balance of tension and tenderness keeps the viewer engaged throughout.
The film is always moving and a rhythm is achieved that never feels rushed or sluggish. It creates a narrative rhythm which is both gripping and immersive while allowing moments of suspense to breathe, and a bit of tenderness, while the dialogue is laden with wit and emotion but stays true to the storys roots. Some may feel that the film gets too carried away with the originals charm, but the balance between humor and heart ensures that the script resonates on multiple levels. However, critics may argue for more innovation in storytelling, as some components tend to be very familiar.|On the whole, Beauty and the Beast is a delightful reworking of a well known story. And its grandeur of musical, its depth of emotional, and its wonder and splendor of visual will surely enthrall audiences with wonder and nostalgia.
