Dramatica Users
Group Movie Analysis:
"La
Belle et la bete"
Review by Katharine
E. Monahan Huntley
Jean Cocteau's Beauty
and the Beast (La Belle et la Bete), is the French filmmaker's
interpretation of Mme. Marie Leprince de Beaumont's fairy tale.
"Once upon
a time" begins the story about a world out of balance (os goal-obtaining),
largely because of the self-absorbed objective characters' (objective
story thematic conflict-self-interest vs. morality) avarice
and discontent. Beauty (main character) plays the Cinderella
role (os prerequisite-being) in the midst of a grand family facing
financial ruin. Exquisite, "even the floor wishes to become your
mirror"-she nevertheless is treated as a minion (mc focus-help).
Wicked sisters, a "rotter" for a brother, a careless father,
and roguish suitor Avenant (os focus-pursuit) are the society
she serves.
Father sets out
to see if any of his ships have come in (os concern-obtaining).
Losing his way on the journey back-he chances upon the Beast's (obstacle
character) fortress, hidden deep in the forest. He plucks a rose
for Beauty, an act (story driver-action) that enrages the Beast:
"You were unlucky. You may take anything, but not my roses. For
this you must die. Or one of your daughters must take your place."
(mc domain-universe) Would Father have honored the pledge? Not
too likely (os direction-avoidance). In any event, Beauty slips
out (mc approach-do-er) to the Beast's citadel to spare the weak
father she adores (os catalyst-morality). Once there, she is
drawn through the enchanted corridor by invisible power-toward the Beast
that awaits.
The Beast is hideous.
Ravenous appetites drive him (oc concern-subconscious)-his "hands
smoke when he slays (oc focus-pursuit) a victim." Beauty
faints at first sight of the Beast-he falls instantly (oc benchmark-preconscious)
in love.
BEAUTY
You are
the master.
BEAST
No, it is
you. You find me repulsive.
BEAUTY
I cannot
lie.
BEAST
Everything
here is at your command.
BEAUTY
I don't
feel at ease . . . and I'm not used to being waited on (mc solution-uncontrolled).
But I feel you're doing everything to make me forget your ugliness
(ss domain-psychology).
BEAST
My heart
is good. But I am a monster.
BEAUTY
There are
men whose ugliness is all within.
BEAST
I'm not
without soul.
BEAUTY
You have
courage.
BEAST
. . . Every
evening at seven . . . I'll ask the same question. Always the same
question. Will you marry me? (ss thematic issue-commitment)
BEAUTY
No.
BEAST
Until tomorrow
then (oc resolve-steadfast).
The days are long
for Beauty in her gilded cage, but in time she grows quite fond of the
eloquent Beast (ss journey 3-being to becoming). Fear abated-she
entreats him to allow her a visit home (ss catalyst-responsibility).
BEAST
What you're
asking me is very serious. I must think (oc problem-consider).
. .
Beast will grant
Beauty this wish, on the condition she consents to marriage upon return
(ss inhibitor-self-interest). Beauty refuses, and falls ill at
the thought of her dying father. Beast reconsiders (oc solution)
his edict, and leads Beauty out to the balcony to show her the goddess
Diana's Pavilion:
BEAST
Everything
I possess is by magic. But all my earthly riches are . . . there
. . . and one can only enter with a golden key. Here it is, Beauty.
I am giving you the greatest possible proof of my confidence in
you. If you don't return, I'll die (oc unique ability-dream).
After my death everything will belong to you. Take this key . .
. I have faith (ss driver) in you.
Beauty is magically
transported to her overjoyed father's bedside.
BEAUTY
The Beast
let me come.
FATHER
He has a
soul?
BEAUTY
He is suffering
. . . he is more cruel to himself than to human beings (oc thematic
issue-denial).
FATHER
. . . You
cannot live with him.
BEAUTY
I must.
It's a strength that obeys, that commands. If I run away, I will
endanger both of you (female mental sex).
Greed overtakes
the others, as they connive to fool Beauty into remaining (mc critical
flaw-hope), during which time they intend to steal the Beast's fortune
(os concern-obtaining)-then commit murder. Alas for them, self-interest
(os thematic issue) proves to be their undoing. Avenant dies
(os solution-uncontrolled), his handsome visage exchanged for
that of the bewitched Beast's-who is saved from his own death by Beauty's
"loving look." (mc resolve-change)
The Beast proclaims
Beauty has made the fair choice (mc unique ability) explaining:
"Love can make man a beast. Love can beautify ugliness (ss concern-becoming).
. . . You'll be a queen (mc concern-future). You'll find your
father . . . and your sisters will serve you." (limit-optionlock)
In dazzling opulence,
Beauty and her beautiful Beast most assuredly will live happily ever
after (outcome-success; judgment-good).
LA
BELLE ET LA BETE story engine settings.
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