What should also be remembered is that one of the dominant–maybe even the only–backgrounds in “Belle” (2024) directed by Max Gold is the Norwegian background. The sea surely brings a new aspect to The Beauty and the Beast story that is being told. This is my main problem with the film – it revolutionizes the narrative through the lens of Iceland. Such changing effect in the film makes only negative reactions to it. Romance, crushes, love and carnal desires should not just dominate but be present, conveyed as a source. For example – Aladdin and the genie of the lamp are perfect examples. A character like Belle who travels to find a lamp somewhere needs to see and feel love, and not that fake love that is plastered everywhere – the one that makes you go wow, makes you feel tingly. Everything from romance to action and to pushing boundaries is missing in this film.
The inclusion of illuminati and the content of the symbols in the poster of this film is astonishing. Such and even then all singularities should be present in films of this sort. However, they consist solely of negative aspects. Wants counter maintain and control. It’s downright pathetic and disgusting. What I believe would have benefited this film greatly would have been the Tasmanian/Canadian fusion. If done correctly, it would have made for an epically stunning and even objectively baffling combination. But the extreme cold in Norway makes this film even worse than ever. Norway in all its glory does not suit the narrative of The beauty and the beast, plain and simple.
Cast & Crew In writing font:
- Director: Max Gold
- Writer: Max Gold
- Main Cast:
- Berta Andrea Snædal in the role of Belle
- Ingi Hrafn Hilmarsson as the Beast
- Gudmundur Thorvaldsson as Papa
- Hana Vagnerová as the Witch
- Sigurður Sigurjónsson in the role of Odr
- Helga Braga Jónsdóttir as Freyja
- Critical Reception
The story of “Belle” has so far received a rather mixed response from critics as well as the audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a rating of 5.3 on 10 which indicates quite mixed reviews. Some critics have appreciated the film’s dark themed style and its eerie Icelandic locations which suit the film’s plot quite well. Also, the cast especially Snædal and Hilmarsson have etched their characters with extreme emotions and belief. Their execution of the part is top notch.
Despite its positives, there exist some glaring drawbacks that have been pointed out by the critics of the film. Some have been critical of the pacing and overall structuring of the film while others have praised the film for its atmospheres as a whole but criticized its ability to embody the narrative flow. Some parts of the film have been described as slow which results into cutting to certain situations where it makes the film feel inactive. In this manner, there are certain aspects of the specific storyline that are missing and make the audience puzzled due to many questions regarding the character’s clarity and the mythology of the beast.
Visual and Thematic Elements One of the central features in regards to the movie “Belle” is that it is visually stunning. The drones and Aerial shots give an outstanding view of the unspoiled and wild Icelandic scenery which relies on the play of light and shadow to add an eerie sense to the film. Practical costumes & sets, as well as the limited use of computer generated imagery assists greatly in achieving the film’s headless horseman realistic feel even in its more fantastic elements. Thematically, the film focuses on the juxtaposition of the human soul and the beast within each person. More than being simply about understanding the beast, Belle’s evolution is also about the fight with her own fears and aims. Such a reflective approach gives further momentum in the not just the storyline, but asks the audience to contemplate the essence of a monster and whether the monster can be redeemed. Conclusion “Belle” 2024 has its own creative style of turning a fairytale into an emotional horror, using Iceland’s natural beauty and its folklore as one of the key components of the movie. Definetely a divisive movie due to its pacing and abstract structure which not all will appreciate, but for me personally, a visually stunning drama that explores love and identity in the most unpredictable of ways. For people who appreciate folklore style movies and framed storytelling, “Belle” is a brilliantly haunting one.
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