Belle is a character for the ages. Our introduction to Belle in the film's first musical number, appropriately entitled "Belle," is an exquisite way to develop a character in a matter of minutes. Within the lyrics of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's classic song, we learn of Belle's personality, reputation, and dreams. Her personality is brimming with hope and optimism, a contagious joy in life that infiltrates the citizens of that little town. Her reputation is one that anyone should be proud of. Belle is not known exclusively for her looks or exclusively for her intellect; instead, she is known for being uniquely Belle. That is what makes Belle one of the most fascinating characters in Disney history, not to mention one of the best princesses in the animation canon. As the story progresses and Belle encounters the Beast, the message of sacrifice and selflessness is never more clearly proclaimed than through the actions of Belle. Whether she is boldly taking the place of her father or she is risking it all for the Beast, Belle exemplifies what it means to be a role model. The animators and filmmakers deserve a fair amount of credit for making this possible, but Paige O'Hara's vocal work here is truly spectacular. With every word, she brings more layers and dimensions to Belle, adding more complexity to one of Disney's most well developed characters. In the scene where Belle finally professes her love to the Beast, O'Hara shines like never before. Plus, when she sings, you have no choice but to intently listen because her voice is so angelic and captivating. Belle is a legend in every sense of the word.
Belle's supporting characters are just as sensational as well. The Beast is such a nicely developed character that possesses a great arc filled with character evolution from beginning to end. We feel the Beast's pain, agony, and heartache just as much as we feel his joy, elation, and delight. Robby Benson provides the perfect voice for the Beast and is an excellent counterpart to O'Hara's Belle. The enchanted characters found throughout the Beast's castle are absolute scene-stealers and show-stoppers. Lumiere is one of Disney's best sidekicks ever as he sings, dances, and entertains his way into our hearts that no character before him. Jerry Orbach's voice work is sensational and one of the greatest voice performances of all-time. Lumiere is hilarious, charming, and extraordinarily selfless. He is a character you just want to be able to hang out with for weeks upon weeks. Cogsworth, head of the household, is a superb compliment to Lumiere, acting as the level-headed one to Lumiere's daring persona. Cogsworth is subtly funny as well, especially in my favorite line of the entire film. When the Beast acts about what he should get Belle to express his love to her, Cogsworth responds, "Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep," and I lose it every time (side note: that line was ad-libbed by David Ogden Stiers, the voice of Cogsworth). Furthermore, Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Potts is downright amazing. Disney's best casting choice of all-time may very well be when they signed Lansbury on for this film because her vocal work is flawless, especially in the musical numbers. She brings so much emotion and passion to every moment that Mrs. Potts is on the screen that it is outright infectious. She is simply incomparable. Finally, Gaston is an outstanding Disney villain. He is ruthless, vile, and devoted to his schemes. Moreover, his song is one of the most entertaining villain songs in Disney history.
One of the hallmarks of the Disney Renaissance is the soundtracks for these films, and Beauty and the Beast's music is in contention for Disney's best soundtrack to date. The aforementioned "Belle" is one of those inward thoughts songs I had referred to in my review of The Little Mermaid, and from the start, we care deeply for Belle and her story because of this incredible song. The reprise of this song may even be better. As Belle proclaims, "I want so much more than they've got planned," hearts soar and chills are induced. Gaston's self-titled number with his sidekick, Lefou (yet another great character), is so simple, yet so fun and provides some excellent insight to the character of Gaston. Look up the definition of "show-stopping sequence," and you may just find a picture of the "Be Our Guest" sequence right next to it. This scene is beautifully crafted with expert detail, featuring gorgeous animation and, of course, those classic characters. Plus, it is impossible not to sing along with Lumiere and company while they serenade the night away. The film's theme, "Beauty and the Beast," is one of my favorite Disney songs ever. Lansbury's performance is something you will never forget once you experience it. In fact, that entire scene is one that will go down in history as a crown jewel in all cinema. From the animation to the characters to the performance, the ballroom scene with that song is one of Disney's finest moments.
I have often wrote that the key to becoming a Disney classic is the presence of that signature, iconic scene, and Beauty and the Beast, in my book, contains four signature, iconic scenes. The first one is that incredibly well done prologue. Before a character is ever introduced in the flesh, Disney has us right in the palm of their hand, ready to take us on the journey of a lifetime. The next scene is the opening sequence with "Belle" coupled with the song's reprise. That moment in the reprise when the music swells as Belle runs to the edge of the cliff with the picturesque sunset in the background is a scene that all animators and filmmakers should be required to study. The third signature scene is, obviously, the "Be Our Guest" sequence for all the reasons I listed above and for so many countless more. It is a masterclass in entertaining through song. The final one is the ballroom dance of Belle and the Beast with Lansbury's performance of the titular song. This scene is absolutely majestic. It is Disney magic in the purest of pure forms. It is an iconic scene for Disney, animation, and Hollywood.
I could continue to write about Beauty and the Beast for paragraph upon paragraph. Beauty and the Beast is a masterpiece among masterpieces. Disney has never ceased to bring us classic film after classic film, and Beauty and the Beast is the studio's greatest creation. Everything that Disney does so exquisitely is on full display in this film, from the characters to the songs to the animation to the heart. Above all, though, Beauty and the Beast allows Disney to do what they do better than any studio in the business: create magic that transcends time.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: Beauty and the Beast would become the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards (it lost to The Silence of the Lambs). It remains one of only three films (Up and Toy Story 3) to ever be nominated for the Oscar's highest honor. However, Up and Toy Story 3 had the luxury of an expanded Best Picture field of ten nominees whereas Beauty and the Beast was one of only five nominees. Furthermore, Beauty and the Beast would be the final complete work for songwriter Howard Ashman. Ashman died eight months prior to the film's release due to complications with HIV at the age of 40. Ashman won two Best Original Song Oscars with Alan Menken for "Under the Sea" in The Little Mermaid and "Beauty and the Beast" in Beauty and the Beast. He would be posthumously nominated in 1992 for yet another Best Original Song Oscar for "Friend Like Me" in Aladdin. This film is dedicated to Ashman, and after the credits roll in Beauty and the Beast, the dedication reads: "To our friend Howard, who gave a mermaid her voice and a beast his soul, we will be forever grateful."
Behind the Scenes: "Beauty and the Beast" was not originally intended to be performed by Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Potts. Lansbury personally thought another character would be better suited to perform the number, but directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale asked her to record the song just once for a back-up in case nothing else worked. Lansbury obliged, and that one recording is the take used in the final product. Additionally, according to first hand accounts, Paige O'Hara literally broke down and cried during her recording of Belle's scene with the Beast dying in her arms due to the scene's emotion. The filmmakers were astounded, and O'Hara claims that it was one of the most difficult scenes of her career. Also, Chip was originally only suppose to have one line in the film as they had planned for the cute comedic character to be a music box instead. However, the filmmakers liked Bradley Pierce's performance so much when he was recording his lines that they decided to scrap that idea and give Chip an expanded role. The music box can still be briefly seen on a table next to Lumiere right before the enchanted objects attack Gaston and the villagers.
Favorite Character: Quite frankly, I could pick any character in this film and make a compelling case for why they are my favorite, but Belle is easily one of my favorite characters ever, not just in this film. Of all the Disney royals, Belle is firmly in my top two. She is benevolent, intelligent, and a person everyone should aspire to be more like. Once again, I must emphasize the importance of Paige O'Hara's voice work. Akin to what Jodi Benson did for Ariel in The Little Mermaid, O'Hara's performance as Belle is truly spectacular. Whether she is singing her heart out or simply conversing with the enchanted objects, Belle is a generation defining character.
Favorite Scene/Song: These two categories were extremely difficult to choose a favorite for, but in the end, I had to go with the same answer for both. The ballroom dance with Belle and the Beast featuring "Beauty and the Beast" may just be my favorite scene in Disney history. Plus, this song is easily in my top three favorite Disney songs ever. The animation is absolutely beautiful, especially when the camera zooms in on Belle and the Beast from the ceiling and through the chandelier. This is a scene I will truly never forget. Additionally, the song is a classic for the ages. Not only is it the perfect compliment to the scene, but it is the perfect compliment to the film in general. In a film that is, in my book, the best Disney film of all-time, this may just be the best scene with the best song in Disney history as well.
Updated Ranking: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs spent over a month at number one on my list. The Little Mermaid reigned for a grand total of three days.
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Little Mermaid
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Peter Pan
- Cinderella
- The Jungle Book
- Sleeping Beauty
- Pinocchio
- Lady and the Tramp
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Alice in Wonderland
- Dumbo
- Bambi
- 101 Dalmatians
- The Great Mouse Detective
- Fantasia
- The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad
- The AristoCats
- The Rescuers Down Under
- Fun and Fancy Free
- The Fox and the Hound
- Robin Hood
- Melody Time
- The Three Caballeros
- Saludos Amigos
- Oliver & Company
- The Rescuers
- The Sword in the Stone
- Make Mine Music
- The Black Cauldron
To say I am excited for next year's live action remake of Beauty and the Beast with Emma Watson as Belle is quite the understatement. That film may end up being my most anticipated film ever, and it is all because of my love for Disney's classic animated original. Tomorrow, we'll meet the famous street rat called Aladdin!
-Cody Fleenor
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