Having had to deal with so much critisism about their previous female characters, Disney hired a female to write the heroine Belle, promising to make her 'modern', 'active' and 'feministic'. Unfortunately, the most that can be stretched to a 'modern-active-feminist' is that Belle likes to read.
As per usual though, Disney decided to change the original fairytale story of 'Beauty and The Beast' and in doing so, created a rather frightening message in Belle. The original Beast was said to be terrifying to look at, but had a kind and gentle nature. The message? Don't judge a book by it's cover.
Disney however made their Beast a viscious a frightening hero, terrorising his staff and the woman he longs for. Belle, however, manages to tame him with patience and good nature. Their message? A kind and patient woman can change a violent man.
In reality, Belle would have been a victim to domestic violence. To any young women watching the film, it would appear that they are responsible for their man's behaviour. Although the Beast never actually physically harms Belle, it always seems a distinct possibility. |
