The Beasts Age and Other Debunked Myths in Disneys Beauty and the Beast
The Beast's Age and Other Debunked Myths in Disney's Beauty and the Beast
When discussing the beloved Disney animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, a common topic of debate revolves around the age of the Beast. While the 1991 animated version had the Beast turning into a therion at the tender age of ten, subsequent adaptations and interpretations have provided a more nuanced and realistic backstory. This article delves into the revised storylines and addresses some interesting plot holes that were either left unresolved or redesigned for the 2017 live-action adaptation.
Revised Background of the Beast
The 2017 live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast shifts the age of the Beast to a more appropriate and mature age for a prince. In the original 1991 animated film, the Beast is only ten years old, which seems quite inappropriate for a prince. However, in the 2017 film, the Beast is depicted as an adult. This revision serves several purposes:
Age Appropriateness: A 20-year-old prince is more believable in a fantasy world where such magical transformations occur. Motivation of the Enchantress:.Tile The Enchantress's curse becomes more justifiable when the Beast is an adult and capable of making independent decisions. At ten years old, it was less about the character's actions and more about the whims of a supernatural entity. Stranger at the Door: Explaining the Mysterious Visitor - In the 1991 animated version, the Beast answered the door to a stranger, an act which raises several questions: Why is a young prince alone and answering such visitors? Why wasn't he accompanied by servants or staff? What was the state of the kingdom during these ten years if the prince has been missing?These queries are addressed in the 2017 live-action adaptation. The Beast is portrayed as an adult who can make his own decisions and take care of himself, making the actions of the Enchantress more understandable in the context of his character's development.
The Emotional Abuse Theory
The 2017 adaptation provides a compelling explanation for the Beast's cruel behavior towards the Enchantress. His actions are attributed to the emotional abuse he experienced from his father after his mother's death. This backstory adds a layer of depth to the character and explains why he was so cold and unforgiving. The film's depiction of the father's cruelty and the Beast's emotional trauma adds a strong emotional context to the curse and his transformation.
Other Debunked Myths and Realities
In the 1991 animated film, the curse was placed on the Beast for his insecurities and unwillingness to change, but in the live-action adaptation, the Beast's actions are more justifiable due to the emotional context provided:
Reason for the Curse: The Beast's transformation was a direct result of his emotional trauma, making the curse more about healing and growth rather than just a fabricated plot point. Behavioral Justification: The Beast's actions throughout the film are explained by his past experiences, thereby providing a more organic and understandable narrative.These changes offer a more mature and relatable portrayal of the Beast, highlighting the psychological and emotional depths of the character. The live-action adaptation thus addresses some of the plot holes and inconsistencies in the original animated version.
Conclusion
The debate over the Beast's age and the background of Beauty and the Beast showcases how different interpretations can offer new insights and a more engaging story. The 2017 live-action adaptation provides a more believable and emotionally rich version of the classic tale, making it a worthy successor to the beloved 1991 animated version.