The Hunchback of Notre Dame

HelllLLLOOO Everyone!  I apologize for my long absence.  I was on vacation, and as such took a blogging break.  I’m back now and plan to get us caught up on our Disney film adventure over the next week.  J

 

The movie that we left off with premiered in 1996.  It's The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

 

 

My first thought on this film is that it is NOT a kid movie.  It’s an adult plot, with adult content and adult themes.  I’m vastly puzzled that it earned a “G” rating.  It is still a beautiful film, but it has some of the darkest content of a Disney movie.  Definitely one to wait to show your kids until you deem it age-appropriate (and to be perfectly honest, I don’t think most kids would find the movie terrible interesting or engaging even if you factor out the adult themes.)

 

 

Of course.  This is still Disney.  And part of the Disney Renaissance for that matter.  And as such, there is still much beauty to be found in the film.

 

 

The ending note of the opening number is one such thing of beauty.  Goodness gracious!  I readily admit that I go absolutely weak in the knees for "big singing," and this note is about as big as they come.  It flows beautifully with the music and ends the song (and starts the movie) with excitement and grandeur and happiness.  For me, it's even better than the "Circle of Life" opening.  Oh.  Right.  I should probably tell you the name of the song... it's "The Bells of Notre Dame."

 

 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo.  I have not read the book; however its synopsis leaves me quite baffled as to how this became Disney family fare...  Moving on.  Hunchback tells the story of Quasimodo, a misshapen young man who has lived his entire life shut away from the rest of the world in the Bell Tower of Notre Dame Cathedral under the guardianship of Frollo (the film's dastardly villain).  Frollo keeps Quasimodo locked away and works to rid the city of the harmless gypsies whilst employing exceedingly cruel punishments to anyone unable to evade his capture.  The other main characters in our tale are Captain Phoebus (sent to help Frollo, but he ends up fighting against him) and Esmeralda (the gypsy woman loved by Quasimodo, Frollo (YUCK!!!), and Captain Phoebus).

 

 

 

I had only seen this film once as a child, and the only thing that I could remember was that there was a large fire that burns through the city.  Watching the film as an adult, I find the themes and plot darker and more destructive still than my limited memories from childhood.  There is little to be found by way of humor.  Frollo is the vilest Disney villain I've yet to come across.  And the tale is filled with violence and darkness. 

 

 

 

Surprisingly, my favorite part of the film was the music.  (I know.  Huge shocker there.)  I've already shared my delight in the film's opening number.  The film is also scored beautifully and features the musical loveliness of "Out There" sung by Quasimodo and "God Help the Outcasts" sung by Esmeralda.

 

 

The imagery and music make The Hunchback of Notre Dame a beautiful film; however it is a far cry from the "happily-ever-after" Disney tale we are accustomed to.

 

This week I'll leave you with a bit of wisdom from the film:

 

"Take it from an old spectator.  Life's not a spectator sport.  If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya."

 

I experienced a real life example of this tonight at my softball game.  I let my fear of missing the ball, keep me from swinging.  Next week, I'm swinging.  :)  'Tis better to try and fail than fail to try.

 

Coming Up Next Week: Hercules