While Quasimodo rightfully receives top billing among the film's characters, the entire ensemble is equally fantastic, rivaling Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King for the best character ensemble in Disney history. Akin to Pocahontas, Quasimodo is a character steeped in legend, but Disney has once again given new life to an iconic character. Tom Hulce's performance is sensational as he balances Quasimodo's innocence and spirit of adventure beautifully. When Quasimodo hurts, we as an audience hurt too, and when he saves the day at the end, we cannot resist rejoicing wholeheartedly. He truly is one of Disney's finest creations. Esmeralda is a fascinating character and such a unique creation for the studio. After creating royal princesses, Disney turns around and gives us a character from the polar opposite end of the spectrum with Esmeralda, the gypsy. By doing this, Disney allows itself to stretch is creative legs like never before by bringing to life one of their greatest characters. Demi Moore is absolutely perfect for this role as she hits it out of the park. Kevin Kline's Phoebus is yet another great character along with the three hilarious gargoyles (Victor, Hugo, and Laverne) and Clopin, the master of ceremonies during the Feast of Fools.
Perhaps the best character from this film comes in the form of our villain: Judge Frollo. If Maleficent is my favorite villain and Cruella De Vil is the runner-up, Judge Frollo rounds out the top three. He is menacing, vile, and downright despicable. The reason Frollo is such an interesting villain, though, is because of his humanity. He doesn't wield any supernatural powers; he has no physical prowess to intimidate like Maleficent or Ursula. Frollo's evil is simply a byproduct of his position. He is a judge, and with that authority comes the idea that he can do whatever he wants and get away with it while doing the will of God in the process. We may not go to the extremes that Frollo went to, but how many people in our society today have a position of power and only abuse it? The character development of Frollo sparks a conversation, and I think that is one of the cornerstones of this film. The Hunchback of Notre Dame aims to entertain, of course, but below the surface, it is an indictment of religious fanaticism, sexual obsession, and the lack of empathy afforded to outsiders. This is a Disney animated film, but to me, The Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of the most thought-provoking, mature films in the history of cinema. It just so happens to be animated.
The trend of excellent songs appearing in the Renaissance films continued with The Hunchback of Notre Dame as this film's soundtrack is easily in my top three of all-time. The opening number, "The Bells of Notre Dame," is supremely epic, setting up the story exquisitely while also thoroughly entertaining us. Plus, the animation on display is gorgeous during this sequence, flawlessly combining hand drawn animation with the latest in computer technology. Quasimodo's "Out There" is this film's inward thought song that Alan Menken invented during this time period, and it is superb. The song performed during the Feast of Fools, "Topsy Turvy," is one of the most entertaining numbers in Disney history, but beyond mere entertainment, this entire sequence progresses the story expertly while also developing those legendary characters extraordinarily. Esmeralda's prayer, "God Help the Outcasts," gives me an innumerable amount of chills every time. It is a powerful song in a powerful moment for the film. Quasimodo's "Heaven's Light" is just the song he needed upon receiving unprecedented kindness from Esmeralda. Then, of course, there is "Hellfire" as performed by Judge Frollo. This is how you do a villain song, ladies and gentlemen. Its unflinching darkness is exactly what Frollo's song should consist of.
To anyone reading this who doesn't like The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I legitimately want to know why you dislike this masterpiece. It has everything that one could possibly want in a Disney classic film: excellent characters, stellar songs, breathtaking animation, and a profound message. What more are you looking for? The Hunchback of Notre Dame should be synonymous with Disney's best. It is truly one of a kind, and its uniqueness should be applauded. If you haven't watched this film in a while, I implore you to seek it out and give it another chance. I think you might discover that this film is a form of heaven's light.
Rating: 10/10
Historical Significance: Frollo's song, "Hellfire," is widely considered to be the darkest song in Disney history. In fact, this scene alone almost caused The Hunchback of Notre Dame to receive a rating of PG from the MPAA. The original cut of the sequence did not adequately show the appropriate outline of Esmeralda's clothing, prompting the MPAA to encourage Disney to make the necessary changes to avoid her seeming nude if the film was going to be rated G. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Tony Jay providing the voice of Frollo, but before he was cast, Disney was eyeing two X-Men stars to voice the legendary villain. Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart were rumored to be up for the role, but directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale (who had previously directed Beauty and the Beast) chose Jay after remembering back to Jay's performance as Monsieur D'Arque in Beauty and the Beast, and they couldn't resist casting Jay as Frollo.
Behind the Scenes: In Victor Hugo's original novel, Frollo is actually an archdeacon, not a judge. Disney decided to make Frollo a judge to make him seem more sinister since he controls the entire city and no one would question his quest to rid the world of gypsies. Furthermore, the film shows Quasimodo's mother dying by being pushed to the ground and hitting her head. In the novel, though, this is how Esmeralda's mother dies. The film pays tribute to the classic author by naming two of the gargoyles Hugo and Victor. The third gargoyle is named Laverne after Laverne Andrews, one of the Andrews Sisters who starred in Make Mine Music and Melody Time for Disney in the forties. Also, to properly capture the beauty of the real Notre Dame, animators spent several weeks inside the cathedral to ensure the best detail possible. Their headquarters were found in nearby Disneyland Paris.
Favorite Character: It is difficult to pick against Quasimodo, but that is exactly what I am doing. Judge Frollo is my favorite character from The Hunchback of Notre Dame because he is simply one of the best villains in the studio's history. Like this film, Frollo is criminally underrated as he possesses everything you could possibly be looking for in a Disney villain. His physique alone strikes fear into the hearts of the bravest of men (chills travel up my spine every time he gives us one of his signature stare-downs). Tony Jay's performance is spectacular and deserves to be mentioned in the conversation as one of the greatest vocal performances of all-time. In a film for the ages, Frollo is a villain for the ages, perfectly embodying the conflict plaguing the citizens of Paris throughout the film in his own menacing way.
Favorite Scene: The Feast of Fools sequence is not only my favorite from this film; it is one of my favorite scenes ever, Disney or otherwise. Paul Kandel's Clopin steals the show like no character before him as he entertains and serenades his way into our hearts forever. Whenever I think of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, this scene is usually the first image that comes to mind. It allows for some genuinely incredible character development for Quasimodo, Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Frollo. Plus, it is the very definition of entertaining. Menken's "Topsy Turvy" is one of my favorite songs as well. Deftly blending fun with superb storytelling, this scene is downright legendary.
Favorite Song: Yes, Alan Menken strikes again! This is an extremely difficult decision for this category, but I must go with Esmeralda's "God Help the Outcasts" as my favorite from the film. For one, the scene in which this song is found is impeccably animated, highlighted by the moment Esmeralda walks down a hallway lighted by hundreds of candles. Heidi Mollenhauer (the singing voice for Esmeralda) absolutely slays with this song. The lyrics are so honest and heartfelt, offering Esmeralda to instantly become someone we invest in. It is such a tender song, and a perfect addition to the perfect soundtrack.Updated Ranking: I think it is an atrocity that The Hunchback of Notre Dame is as underrated as it is. For me, it belongs in elite company.
- Beauty and the Beast
- The Lion King
- Aladdin
- The Little Mermaid
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- 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
- Pocahontas
- 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
If The Hunchback of Notre Dame is Disney's most underrated film, tomorrow's film may be the studio's second most underrated film. We go the distance next with Hercules!
-Cody Fleenor
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