January 13, 2008
ATEC 4370
Beast Character Analysis
The designers of the character Beast from Beauty and the Beast give us several clues to his nature as it unfolds and even changes through the course of the film. There are three major stages of the Beast’s development in each stage the beast looks and acts somewhat different while remaining the same character. First he is fierce and bestial, then his character grows through his contact with Belle and becomes more sensitive and relatable as a character. Finally at the end of the film, his whole body is transformed back into a prince as a graphic representation of his inner change. Each stage has its own unique set of behaviors and external appearance.
When we are first introduced to the beast, he is a fearsome creature. He bounds around the castle on all fours like an animal, has a fearsome set of fangs, and intimidating horns and claws. His clothes are tattered, his mane and fur are unkempt, and he is not wearing a shirt which gives us the impression that he is bitter or has given up on the world retreating into his animalistic state. However he still is wearing a massive cape with a golden clasp which informs the viewer that he has some status of royalty or a high position in society. The only hint we have that he might in fact have some good in him early on comes from his expressive eyes which make him seem somewhat vulnerable despite his otherwise fearsome appearance and demeanor.
After contact with Belle, a transformation begins to take place within the beast. This is shown by his changed demeanor. He resorts to bounding around the castle far less and walks upright as a man. He also takes much greater care of his appearance. His fur is combed, his mane put back in a ponytail, and he begins to wear new clothes. Again these clothes give us confirmation of his social status as he is wearing an expensive looking ensemble with golden trim hinting at his elevated social status despite his bestial appearance. Even his bestial features at this stage are toned down as the animators bring out his sensitivity through a wide range of facial expressions and less intimidating posture.
At the end of the movie a complete transformation has occurred in the characters personal development. This inner transformation is mirrored in a dramatic scene where the Beast changes into a young prince. All of his bestial features are gone. Again the character designers highlight his deep brow and sensitive eyes which were the thread of humanity keeping the beast from being completely animal. Now however he is a young prince reassuring the viewers that his inner change is complete and that he has cast off the bestial elements of his personality.
The Beast’s transformation throughout Beauty and the Beast is brought to life by the shifting character design. Each stage has its own unique look which helps explain the story at a visual level for the audience. He starts as a beast and transforms into a young prince both in terms of personality and appearance. The clues provided via character design make the character much easier to understand.
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