Cocteau vs. Beaumont: The Beast
One thing that I noticed in Cocteau's “Beauty and the Beast” that is different than in Beaumont’s version is the way in which the Beast is presented. In Beaumont's version, the beast is described as having such a frightening appearance that it could cause a person to faint. The only characteristics in Beaumont's version that define a beast are his ugliness and his lack of intelligence/wit. In Cocteau's “Beauty and the Beast”, however, the beast is not only presented as being ugly and described as having no wit, but Cocteau also includes scenes and additional dialogue that are not included in Beaumont's version that suggest that the beast behaves more animal-like than human-like at times. For instance, Cocteau includes the scene in which Belle peers out the fence door and sees the Beast messily drinking from the pond like a parched wolf. Cocteau also includes the scene in which the Beast is distracted by a nearby, darting deer, as if he wants to spring at it and devour it. Lastly, Cocteau includes the scene where the Beast is creepily stationed outside of Belle’s room late at night covered in blood. Thus, Cocteau presents the Beast as more of an animal than Beaumont does. Even though the Beast is ugly and dumb in Beaumont’s version, he still always acts like a kind, civilized human being.
Tim said...
I think Allison makes a very good observation when discussing the portrayal of the beast in Cocteau's film. I am reminded of what we talked about in class on Tuesday, when we discussed what actually makes a beast and is the beast really a beast? (besides his physical). In the Beaumont version, when the sisters' husbands are being described, one really can see that the so-called "beast" would be a better spouse than them. However, I feel that when the beast is made into an actual animal, some of the social commentary is lost. Just a thought...
I also noticed the differences between the two beasts. In having to turn the beast into a visual character, Cocteau had to create his beast from his own imagination. I like how he gave him more of an animal persona than that of a hideous monster.