Screenplay:
Jean CocteauCinematography:
Henri AlekanComposer:
Georges AuricCast:
Jean Marais, Josette Day, Mila Parély, Michel Auclair, Marcel André, Jean Cocteau, Christian Marquand, Nane Germon, Raoul MarcoVOD (1)
Plots(1)
Josette Day is luminous yet feisty as Beauty, and Jean Marais gives one of his best performances as the Beast, at once brutal and gentle, rapacious and vulnerable, shamed and repelled by his own bloodlust. Henri Alekan's subtle black and white cinematography combine with Christian Bérard's masterly costumes and set designs to create a magical piece of cinema, a children's fairy tale refashioned into a stylised and highly sophisticated dream. (British Film Institute (BFI))
(more)Reviews (2)
Beauty and the Beast, or a surreal trip into the world of fantasy framed by unusual contours. The visuals are absolutely captivating. What separates this film from the maximum is the fact that Beauty can be better as a Panna.
()
A beautiful adaptation of this classic fairy tale that blends the wonderful naivety of the story with a certain cruelty that humans carry within them. What's even more beautiful are Cocteau's visuals, especially the scenes in the castle, which are at times breathtakingly imaginative and jaw-dropping. Even if you know the story, perhaps in its Czech rendition, this old version will still captivate you.
()