Guide to La Belle et la Bete (1946) - Filmclub

What’s It About?
Guide to La Belle et la Bete (1946)
Once upon time, anything was possible…
This magical masterpiece is groundbreaking artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau's best-loved
movie, and it’s not hard to see why. The basic plot is familiar from the famous fairytale (Beauty is
made to live with the animalistic Beast in return for her father’s life) - but the world it creates is like
no other. Here, statues come alive, mirrors speak, and true love overcomes prejudice. Whatever
you do, don’t be put off by the fact this classic movie is now over 60 years old - it’s one of the most
enthralling films you could ever see, full of fantasy, passion and danger.
Who Made it?
Avant-garde French director Jean Cocte-au was a man of many talents – a poet, playwright, artist,
novelist, composer and designer, as well as a filmmaker (he even tried his hand as a boxing
manager). Christian Bérard was the man behind the film's stunning sets, and one of the leading
production designers of the 1930s and 40s. He also worked as an illustrator for fashion designers
including Coco Chanel.
Backstory
The film began shooting in June 1945, not long after the end of the German occupation of France
– and many people hoped his film would give the French movie industry a much needed boost.
Critics had recently attacked Cocteau for not being politically committed enough, but he believed
his first loyalty should be to his art. His response to them was the cheeky opening blackboard sequence,
which asks viewers to be more naïve and childlike in their approach to film.

The Production
Shooting in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the crew had to deal with film shortages,
blackouts and constant noise from planes flying overhead. To make matters worse Cocteau fell seriously
ill, while star Jean Marais had to spend five hours every morning having animal hair stuck
to his face and body in order to to play the Beast.
The reviews
“Cocteau’s fairytale set standards in fantasy which few other filmmakers have reached. The sequences
in the enchanted castle are pure magic.”
Time Out
“La Belle et la bête must be among the most achingly beautiful films yet made.”
The Times
What happened next?
Though the film is based on the classic fairytale, the ingenious fantasy elements –such as the
living statues, human hands holding candelabra along the castle walls and Belle’s diamond tears
– were all Cocteau’s invention. These have been imitated ever since, most famously in the 90s
Disney version of the story.
Look out for
About 15 minutes in comes one of the most dazzling sequences in cinema history. As Belle’s father
makes his way deeper into the forest, he leaves the everyday world behind. Branches miraculously
part to reveal an enchanted castle, and his giant shadow over the front door (which opens
by itself) is a sign of even stranger things to come inside. At first Belle’s father seems to be alone,
but the castle breathes with eerie life at every turn… Made all the more vivid by the dramatic black
and white cinematography, this fantastical realm is unlike anything you’ve ever seen – or are likely
to ever see again.
Talking points
• What’s so special about the special effects? How do you think they were created?
• Imagine you’re looking into the magic mirror… what (or who) from the film, can you see?
• Actor Jean Marais didn’t just play the beast, but Lavenant and the charming Prince too. Which do
you think is his best performance?
Review starter
• Slow, spooky and very strange, this is one twisted fairytale…
• This film was made more than 60 years ago, but looks like it was made on another planet!
• This dreamy and delightful film proves you’re never too old for fairytales.
What we think
A dazzling, dream-like vision, La Belle et la Bête brings a classic story to life in ways you’ll never
forget.