Why the 2017 Beauty and the Beast Remake Fails to Live Up to the Original

The 2017 live-action remake of Disney's beloved animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, has garnered mixed reviews. While it does bring new elements and a fresh perspective, many critics and fans argue that it simply cannot match the enchantment of the original. This article delves into the shortcomings of the remake, focusing on its story, character development, and execution.

Story: A Missed Opportunity for Innovation

Beauty and the Beast, in its 1946 adaptation, was a powerful and emotionally resonant tale. Jean Cocteau’s interpretation, while extraordinary, faced its own challenges. In contrast, the 2017 remake feels stifled and uninspired. The story, though nominally drawn from the original fairy tale, borrows heavily from the animated version, effectively robbing itself of the chance to be innovative and distinct.

The Core Elements

Opening Scene: Instead of introducing a mysterious enchantress, the remake opts for Belle asking her father to bring a rose, a nod to the original but not a significant departure. Celebration of Belle’s Mother: By focusing on Belle’s mother, the remake brings a welcome new dimension, deepening the character’s emotional backstory. Magical Teleportation: The spellbinding scene where Belle and the Beast visit her childhood home in Paris is sweet but lacks logical coherence.

While these additions are appreciated, they fail to challenge the original’s immersive and powerful narrative. The remake chooses safety over boldness, playing it too close to home.

Characters: Flawed Portrayals and Stale Dynamics

The characters in the 2017 remake are underdeveloped and often feel generic, failing to capture the essence of their animated counterparts. While the story is faithful, the emotional depth and complexity of the characters are lacking.

Belle: A Criticized Heroine

Belle, the protagonist, is portrayed as significantly whinier and more self-centered in the remake. She comes off as entitled, which is a marked departure from her confident and sympathetic character in the animated film. The spunkiness that made her such a beloved figure is lost, replaced by a sense of self-importance. While the relationship between Belle and the Beast is developed, it still lacks the genuine emotional connection present in the original.

Beast, the titular character, is similarly underwhelming. His transformation is not as profound, and the scenes with him giving Belle his library feel humorously absurd rather than poignant. His journey to becoming human is less compelling, as it does not mirror the transformative love arc in the animated version.

The Supporting Cast

The supporting cast, while possessing a great deal of potential, is severely toned down and underutilized. Characters like Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, and Gaston, while recognizable, feel flat and their interactions with Belle lack the spark and chemistry present in the original.

One character stands out: Gaston. He is a charismatic and effective villain, but the portrayal of his henchman, Lefou, is disjointed and inconsistent. His quips and demeanor feel out of place, disrupting the narrative flow and character dynamics.

Execution: Visual and Auditory Boredom

Despite its production design, the 2017 remake falls short in several critical areas, including acting, cinematography, and overall execution.

Acting: Emma Watson, known for her acting prowess, delivers a lifeless and monotone performance, failing to capture the depth and personality of Belle. The supporting cast, however, is a breath of fresh air, with standout performances from Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, and Luke Evans.

Cinematography and Visual Effects: The cinematography is uninspired, and the visual effects are particularly disappointing. The CGI, in particular, is not only noticeable but also clunky and unrealistic, detracting from the overall experience. The production design, while impressive, cannot salvage the lackluster acting and uninspired direction.

Costumes: The costumes, while serviceable, fail to match the elegance and charm of the original's stunning attire. Belle’s costumes, especially her yellow dress, are particularly criticized for their lack of style and sophistication.

Conclusion: A Regrettable Choice

In conclusion, the 2017 remake of Beauty and the Beast is a missed opportunity to bring a classic tale to life in a fresh and engaging manner. While it brings some new elements and a strong supporting cast, the story and character development fall short. It is, at its core, a disappointment, failing to live up to the enchantment and emotion of the original. The animated version, with its timeless storytelling and memorable performances, remains the better choice for those seeking the true magic of this beloved tale.

Overall, the remake scores a modest 5.5/10, highlighting the gap between potential and delivery. Watching the original animated film remains the best option for capturing the true essence of this beloved story.