Whether it's boy meets girl, girl meets boy, girl meets girl, or boy meets boy -- the set up for a love story is important. In reality, it truly is a tale as old as time. There are literally millions of venues for the set up to take place. One of the things that makes Beauty and the Beast work so well is the set-up.
It's simple and yet contradictory. The Beast imprisons Belle's father for pilfering a rose from the garden. A hefty price to pay for a pretty bloom, no matter how you look at it.
In doing so, the Beast brings about the unexpected meeting with this fiercely protective, head-strong girl, Belle. Granted, inter-species relationships were probably not as popular when the story was originally penned in 1740 as they are now.
The great irony of Beauty and the Beast is that-- keeping Belle captive and getting to know her may bring about the Beast's freedom from this evil curse. A curse he was put under for his selfish behavior. But the act of imprisoning her in the first place-- is very selfish.
Fortunately for the Beast-- his magical household staff is better at romancing the girl on his behalf. At least initially, quelling the fireworks and animosity between the two. Thank goodness that Lumiere is there to interfere and nudge the courtship along.
At this point one may question who's the captor and the captive. Some may argue that such ambiguity is what makes the dynamic between Belle and the Beast work.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
One of the best aspects of Belle's character is that the girl doesn't need permission to be herself. Bravo! The new film continues that sense of empowerment. When Belle's father is in trouble, the Beast sacrifices his own future for her benefit.
The resultant consequences for the Beast and his household are both troublesome and wondrous. Sacrificing something a character desperately wants so that someone else can be happy isn't a bad gesture. It's a common trope in many love stories. And when it comes to unselfish gestures, Beauty and the Beast is full of them.
A Sequel? Perhaps
I've always wanted for there to be a sequel to this story where the witch who cursed the Beast enacted a similar charm on Gaston. Although technically, he does love someone: Himself.
Like Lumiere, Waxine, the enchanted candelabra in my first novel, Luminary has her own brand of magic. And her own opinions about how it should be used. Maybe I'll put her to work casting a spell on Gaston. If nothing else, she could make him fawn over someone...perhaps even LeFou.
I hope you enjoy viewing the film.
