Beauty and the Beast is nice and all, but it also shows what true horror looks like, and it doesn’t look like the Beast.
There’s a lesson in Beauty and the Beast that physical appearance doesn’t matter, it’s what’s inside that counts. They’re, of course, referring to how “ugly” the Beast is, and the townspeople are terrified of him because he looks scary. However, the Beast’s appearance is one of the least horrifying parts of the film. Here are eight things that should actually make you feel uneasy when you watch Beauty and the Beast.
Gaston stepping on Belle’s cabbages
Yeah yeah, Gaston is awful, he can’t take ‘no’ for an answer and he tries to kill Maurice and the Beast. But the cabbages! What kind of monster just steps through someone’s garden and steps on their vegetables? Gasps were echoed throughout my theatre when he committed the atrocity. It was clear at that moment just how horrid Gaston truly is.
Belle’s pantaloons
What is up with Belle tucking in half her skirt and showing off those pantaloons? I guess it’s practical but it looks ridiculous. Not to mention scandalous for her time, but I guess Belle was always meant to be a rebel.
‘Be Our Guest’ aka LET HER EAT
“Be Our Guest” is so fabulously extra and fun, but among the glamor you might have missed something truly horrifying: Belle never eats a morsel.
These shady appliances insist Belle come down to eat, cook glorious dishes for her, but don’t let her eat any of it. What kind of sadists are they? She’s already a prisoner, the least they can do is give her food to eat, not marvel at.
Dan Stevens’ make up
Are we really supposed to find Dan Stevens as the Beast more horrifying than Dan Stevens’ caked on make up in the movie’s opening? He has more charm and appeal as a mutated goat than as himself with fancy make up. I’ll be fine if I never have to see that ever again.
Beast sleeping in a nest
The most horrifying thing about the Beast is not his appearance, nor how he eats (though that’s up there, I mean come on Beast, you have thumbs, use a spoon!). Beast’s choice of bed is truly gasp-worthy. How many years has he been sleeping on the ground in some poor excuse for a nest? You’d think his expensive education might have had a basic nature studies. He’s shaming birds everywhere. No wonder he hunches when he walks too, surely there’s no back support in that thing.
Mistreatment of Philippe
This poor horse is the true hero of Beauty and the Beast. The amount of times Philippe has to travel back and forth between the castle, and the town, passing through the dangerous forest, is verging animal abuse. Does this horse ever get a break? At least they mention there’s hay and water for him at the castle.
Beast pelting Belle in the face
How did Beast not break Belle’s nose, or worse, when the snow(basket)ball whacked her in the face? Is that how you treat the woman who needs to break your curse? Is that how you treat the love of your life? It’s a playful snowball fight, Beast, not an act of war!
That said, it’s terribly funny.
LeFou’s bite mark
Are we just going to ignore LeFou’s line that nobody “bites like Gaston,” and he lifts his shirt to show a huge bite mark on his tummy? WHAT? WHY? HOW? Disney, what is going on, what are you trying to say?? You can’t drop on us that Gaston has bit LeFou and not give context. This demands an explanation!
We want to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Write a comment below or submit an article to Hypable.