Esmeralda and Pierre The Secret of the Hunchback picture image

Esmeralda and Pierre

God bless this stupid movie for trying a love song but omg is this shit corny as fuck.

This is Gringoire, erm I mean Pierre and Esmeralda’s love-love song. They use phrases like “once upon a dream,”  ” I gave him my heart,” and other stuff hyper lame sentences.

I’m really surprised there wasn’t a lyrics that said ” You’re my forever girl,”  sure it’s a silly line from Avatar the Last Airbender (love that show) but it would have fit in with the rest of the dumb prose of this song.

Yeah it’s  stupid and the instrument use is dumb but the singer tried so C+.

Still better than the love song from The Thief and the Cobbler but not by much.

I was reading an article on Moviefone about Movie monsters and love. The article looks at The Beast,  King Kong, The Phantom, The Wolf Man, Teen Wolf, Gill-Man, Swamp Thing, Shrek, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the Twilight boys and of course  Disney’s Quasimodo.

Esmeralda, Phoebus and Quaismodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda, Phoebus and Quaismodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The write-up on Quasimodo and Esmeralda is basically the same old complaints with zero on incite to what the movie was trying to do.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quaismodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The articles implies that Esmeralda is not in love with Quasimodo because he is ugly. I think that if Quasimodo was in fact good-looking or normal looking but had the same personally she still would not be in love him. She treats him like a child. She supports, him and wants him to succeed but while she like his kindness she doesn’t find it a turn on. Esmeralda seems to like confidence,  dry wit and kindness. Quasi doesn’t have have the first two traits at all.

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame sun god picture image apollo

Phoebus explaining his name Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Article also calls Phoebus vain? What? How do you figure? Is it because he say’s his name mean “Sun God?” Because he sounded more self-mocking than egoistical.

Esmeralda, Phoebus, and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo accepts Esmeralda and Phoebus as a couple Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

But I find it amazing that the general public are so quick to bring up the fact that Esmeralda does not fall in love with Quasimodo. The movie does several things which I have mentioned over and over (read here) to get the audience on the couple’s side. They share their first scene together, the have the snarky Disney couple trope, they have the same personality, they treat each like people not angels or devils, their animals have the same coloration. What else can this movie do? Did Quasimodo have to marry them? Because he did that but it was cut from the movie. He did join their hands and looks happy for them.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

I don’t want to say this movie is subtle but when it comes to getting that Esmeralda and Phoebus are perfect for each other, people either are in denial or really do just perceive Esmeralda as shallow when she doesn’t actually do anything really shallow  except fall in love with a guy that is like herself. But perhaps the main reason for people’s general denial of acceptance of this couple is because many people can relate to the protagonist and in him getting the girl  it gives us the viewers hope that we too can reach our goals.

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

However I will point that Quasimodo’s main goal was to be accepted by society which he was in the end. His mission from the start was to spend a day outside without fear not to fall in love. One could make the point that his goal changed when he met Esmeralda but it really just seemed that his attachment got twisted into love by the gargoyles and an overall love of love. He was never really in love with Esmeralda he was in love with a perception of her based on that it was his time talking  to a  female and she was nice to him. His affection for her was not a deep love it was a strong friendship.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I’m sorry to rant like this but it just so annoying that people complain about this so much.

Though Notre Dame de Paris was never translation into Armenian, Belle was. It’s called Ser.  I think it’s quite pretty.

Now, I don’t know much Armenian, but Ser means “Love.” Another Fun Fact, both Helene Segara and Patrick Fiori are half-Armenian.  Segara even sang a song, Dele Yaman, in Armenian on her 2009 album Mon Pays C’ Est La Terre and her song Dans Nos Souvenirs is in remembrance for the Armenian genocide . Another fun fact, there is a large population of Armenians in Beirut.

You know who else is half-Armenian? Me ^^.  I’m also Italian, English, Irish, & Scottish, and a little bit Assyrian and who what else ^^.

This is the seventh part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame image picture

Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst (Because/Out of Love) occurs after Frollo makes his threat against Esmeralda and the Court of Miracle while Phoebus is trying to convince Quasimodo to leave Notre Dame and help warn her.

Unlike the Disney movie, Phoebus is softer and more understanding with Quasimodo’s hesitation. Phoebus understands why Quasimodo does not want to leave and he tells him it because of the love that he must do it. It also interesting to mention that Phoebus has not solidify a romance with Esmeralda yet. Unlike the Disney movie, it’s the Archdeacon who asks Quasimodo to hide Phoebus. So Phoebus is being a bit more altruistic here.

Also I want to point out that Phoebus was a jerk in this scene in the Disney movie. He told Quasimodo that he owns Esmeralda for helping him. However Esmeralda helped Quaismodo from the crowd partly because she pulled on stage and she had a sense of guilt about it and Quasimodo already repay her when he helped her escape Notre Dame, so he actually owns her nothing, bad argument Phoebus. This scene/song is a VAST improvement to the Disney counterpart.

Musically this song uses a bit from Ein bißchen  Freude at the beginning but it turns gentle and sweet. The gargoyles get in on that song and help convince Quasimodo to help.

It’s a nice song but I feel that it exists more for the reprise than the set-up.

Tanz der Zigeuner

Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Tanz der Zigeuner (Dance of the Gypsies) replaces the song “Court of Miracles” from the movie. On it’s own it’s a fun little instrumental dance number that provides levity before the show gets dark.

Musically it sounds like Gypsy music with the melody from Tanz auf dem Seil. I just wish this could have existed along side Court of Miracles  since it was one my favorites from the movie. Oh well, can’t have everything I suppose. Still it a nice addition to the show and I enjoy it.

Weil du liebst (Reprise)

Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Phoebus performing  Weil du Liebst Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo, Esmeralda and Phoebus performing Weil du Liebst Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Weil du liebst Reprise a.k.a Esmeralda & Phoebus are in love and Quasimodo gets the shaft. So after Phoebus and Quasimodo warn the Gypsies, Phoebus and Esmeralda decide to leave Paris together. While Esmeralda and Phoebus declare their love Quaismodo watches them heartbroken.

The song gives Phoebus and Esmeralda a love song which was sorely missed from the movie but in this song the love story has a complexity. Neither of them ever envisioned being in love. The song also works to contrast against Quasimodo’s heartbreak better than in the movie. In the movie Phoebus and Esmeralda kiss and Quasimodo thinks of Heaven’s Light and he rips up an Ace of Hearts playing card. In this song Quasimodo pain is more felt though his singing. But then against Quasimodo in the show is a bit more angry and less “boyish”. However the presentation of Phoebus and Esmeralda singing lovingly against  Quasimodo’s pain could have worked in the movie as the focus doesn’t leave Quasimodo which was very important from the Disney movie directors (eye-roll) and it doesn’t kill the pace as they sing this before fleeing which makes more sense than a wedding.

Musically the song uses Weil du liebst, Das Licht des Himmels and a touch of Draußen at the end.

I really enjoy this song it provided enough levity and yet angst before the ball drops completely on the angst.

Next Time- Wie aus Stein & Einmal

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame picture image

Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame

Madeline and Quasimodo by the fire Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney sequel picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo by the fire Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

Quasimodo and Madeline are suppose to be two sides of the some coin. They both have the same up-bringing, raised by someone whose only motivation to do so was to use them in some way all the while being emotional abusive. The difference is Madeline is pretty and Quasimodo is not. However they are quite different, Madeline is ambitious as she wants to walk the tight tope and Quasimodo’s only real ambition is to be in a relationship, and that’a the MAJOR problem with this relationship.

 

Quasimodo Creepy Look Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo Creepy Look Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney 2 Sequel picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo Fa la la la Fallen In Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney sequel 2 picture image

Madeline Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quasimodo will say and do anything to get Madeline to like him. Really, he would have done the same thing with Esmeralda. But this blatant desire for a relationship makes Quasimodo creepy and he completely rushes the relationship. I think the movie spans like two days. Quasimodo pursues her like she the last chopper out of Nam and tries to convince her that he is beautiful on the inside. In fact that is what their whole first date is about, how Quasimodo is awesome and shame on her for judging him. However Quasimodo is just as guilty of judging people on their looks. He claims that he think there more to her but he comments on her looks. And Madeline is no innocent player either, she is using Quasimodo. First, because she has to as her boss wants the stupid bell but she also uses him as source of both redemption and self-worth. Both are bad things to use other people for.

 

Madeline and Quasimodo laugh about Dumb Topic Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo laugh about Dumb Topics again

Madeline and Quasimodo in Love Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney Sequel 2 picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline and Quasimodo in the rain Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo in the rain Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as a love story goes, it’s a horrible one. Quasimodo manipulates a girl with low-esteem into believing that they’re in love. He tells her that  thinks “there is more more to her” but  what Quasimodo thinks this “something more” is, is not known. It really just seems that Quasimodo just says whatever it is that people want to hear (Frollo’s Training). Had he said what it was that he saw in her beyond her face it would have given the love story more depth. As a result of bad writing, this love story is weak and shallow. Quasimodo says the right thing to hook the girl and is blessed that she is dumb enough not to ask for any follow-up questions about said deeper attributes (though I sure if Quasimodo had any they would have been wholesome – perverts). And on Madeline’s end, she thinks she found someone who think she is more than a pretty face, too bad she is wrong though.

 

Madeline and Quasimodo kiss Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Madeline and Quasimodo kiss Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

The reason for this film’s existent is to give Quasimodo a love story and the love they gave him is shallow, empty, and hollow, which make the this movie worthless.

 

Next Time – What the Disney Corporation should have done with a sequel to Hunchback, but before that a special article, an interlude if you will.

Esmeralda and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Djali Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

 

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II

Ordinary Miracle is Quasimodo sweeping solo number in the Sequel. It’s akin to the “I want something more” type of songs but it focus on Quasimodo’s desire to be loved by preferably a good-looking lady. He relates people falling in love as miracle but just an ordinary everyday miracle like lightning, architecture and growing-up.  I’ve read that people like this song and they think it’s powerful. I disargee though, I find it clumsy in every aspect.

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Madeline Figurine Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Madeline Figurine Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Background Music is fine, the orchestra is quite nice but the medley and lyrics really kills it. Melodically the song has three parts, Quasimodo first bit where he imagines having someone love him, the second part where he discusses the “Ordinary Miracle” and the the last bit is Quasimodo’s singing about how’s he in love. Then the song goes back  to being about miracle and ends on the imagine how great it would be if someone loved him. The trouble with these parts is the don’t flow nicely into each other. The worst offender is Quasimodo singing about love and how it’s a volcano of emotion and gypsy potions can’t undo it. That part seems like it’s from a different song

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That brings us to the next point; the Lyrics. Quasimodo’s references to love and being in love with someone else as a common place miracle and  that for him that would be extraordinary miracle.  However he says that it would that it would “extraordinary if an ordinary miracle happen to him” now I know he’s referring to love but the line is written “an ordinary miracle” meaning any of the other aforemention miracles in the song would be extraordinary. However one of those miracle has already happen to him- “A Baby starts to walk or talk one day then shockingly he’s grown and in love“, Quasimodo is adult and is in love again, so an “ordinary miracle” happen kinda weakens his arrgument. Plus he sites, a natural occurrences like Lightning and Cathedrals being Miracles. Perhaps Quasimodo needs a dictionary but since he never master the alphabet maybe a dictionary is beyond him. Lightning, Architecture, and aging are not Miracles. A Miracle is an  extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs or an extremely outstanding or unusual events, things, or accomplishments. Given the examples and how Quasimodo ruins his point I’d say the lyrics are weak.

Quasimodo does a Hand Stand while sing Ordinary Miracle Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo does a Hand Stand while singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Victor and Hugo Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Victor and Hugo Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hulce does a decent job with vocals, it’s not a different song to sing but I do feel he didn’t perform to his full capability.

Laverne Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II sequel 2 Disney picture image

Laverne Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney sequel 2 II picture image

Quasimodo singing Ordinary Miracle Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is this song the worst in the movie? No, it’s not, but it’s not a good song either, it’s barely an adequate song.  It’s just weak.  Dare I say, Ordinary.

Next Time –  I’d Stick With You

Quasimodo and Zephyr Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Quasimodo and Zephyr Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Disney is known for many things; Music, Animation etc. Conversely what Disney is known is thrown out in their sequels. So let’s tackle the music of this monstrosity of a money-making scam ( their direct to relase sequels). This first song on the list; the opening song, Le Jour D’Amour or Not Topsy Turvy – it’s the festival song.

Clopin Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin and Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Clopin’s one and only song. But Wait, it’s not just Clopin’s song it’s a duet with Quasimodo. Remember in  the original  film when Quasimodo was shoved down our throats, it’s even worst in this film. And also the Gargoyles get in on this song (eye roll).

Djali Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Djali Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Phoebus and Esmeralda Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Phoebus and Esmeralda Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin with an extra Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Clopin with an extra Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

This song introduces us to the fact that this movie is about love. Le Jour D’Amour is supposed to a Valentine’s Day-Love is great- and a pox on you if you don’t have love in your life Day. The premise of the day, in that people yell declarations of love while some bell rings. And for some reason yellow Roses are the flower of chose for Le Jour D’Amour. Yellow Roses are yet one of many, many, fun anachronisms in this movie. The Yellow Rose wasn’t discovered till the 18th century. Yellow Roses are a very stupid chose because according to the meaning of flowers they mean Friendship, Joy, Get Well, not very good chose for a festival of love. If only roses came in other colors, a color that denotes Love and Passion, a “Lover’s Rose” if you will. Darn if only rose came in RED! Stupid movie!

Quasimodo with Zephyr and some little girl Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Quasimodo with Zephyr and some little girl Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin and Quasimodo with Puppets Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel image puppet

Clopin and Quasimodo with Puppets Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Extras Dance Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel  picture image

Extras Dance Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now compared to the actual movie, the songs are bad. I probably could have just end my music  discussion of the sequel right there but that’s too easy, plus Le Jour D’Amour is the least guilty. It’s somewhat period appropriate, uplifting, and at least you can sing along to it, through why you want to is beyond me. I think the worst part musically is the Gargoyle’s part and I’m not fond of Quasimodo’s solo right before that. But this is my least hated song of the movie (I hesitate to use the word favorite). Don’t get me wrong it’s a stupid song about a stupid festival with stupid people dancing around like dumdums. And despite it being the best in my opinion, I’m always forgetting  it. ( in my last article post when I said what  would be next, I used a picture from Ordinary Miracle instead of a picture from Le Jour D’Amour)

Hugo and Victor Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Hugo and Victor Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Laverne as Esmeralda  Le Jour D'Amour Disney Hunchback  of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel picture image

Laverne as Esmeralda Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Quasimodo Le Jour D'Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Disney Sequel picture image

Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

And I would like to point out that the lyrics try to justify  this festival (maybe even the movie) as the “best of all” over the the original and certainly over Topsy  Turvy, but Topsy Turvy would win with both hands tied behind its’ back and little pieces of duct tape covering its’ eyes and Le Jour D’Amour can have a spear even. No contest.  (Hey, two points go to the person who knows what I just referenced with that little battle scenario comment if you know what it it)

Quasimodo with dancing extras Le Jour D'Amour Hunchback of of Notre Dame II 2 Sequel piciure image disney

Quasimodo with dancing extras Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Sad Quasimodo Sequel Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney picture image

Sad Quasimodo Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

Clopin Evil Smile Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel Disney picture image

Clopin Evil Smile Le Jour D’Amour Hunchback of Notre Dame Sequel Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Le Jour D’Amour is the best of the songs in this explicit deleted fest, this is only going to get worse for me.

Next Time – Ordinary Miracles (bleh)

Quasimodo with Madeline Figurine  Hunchback of Notre Dame sequel 2 II picture image Disney

Quasimodo with Madeline Figurine Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney

As Long as there's a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So there were two Deleted Songs in Hunchback of Notre DameAs Long as there’s a Moon and In a Place of Miracles. Both songs were love songs for Phoebus and Esmeralda, and occurs right before Frollo arrested anyone. It was an awkward place for the songs as it’s like “Hey Frollo is coming” “Oh no but first a love song”, it just didn’t work. The other problem is that the directors felt that a love song for Phoebus and Esmeralda took any the Quasimodo-ness from the movie, yada yada yada the directors loved Quasimodo as the focus and no else. As result no love songs.

 

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there's a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both deleted songs were meh, In a Place of Miracle was a duet between Phoebus and Esmeralda and As Long as there’s a moon featured Clopin sining and followed a scene from the book. They’re average songs that were awkwardly placed.

 

As Long as there's a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I prefer As Long as there a moon more than In Place of Miracles but then agian Clopin the best human character. I also  kind of like that they didn’t have a love song however maybe the addition of love song for Phoebus and Esmeralda would have made fans believe their romance instead of just thinking Esmeralda was shallow in not choosing Esmeralda.

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In a Place of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there's a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As Long as there’s a moon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Time – ?

 

Quasimodo's figurines from "Heaven's Light" Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Quasimodo's figurines from "Heaven's Light"

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Hellfire Disney picture image

Frollo and an illusion of Esmeralda during Hellfire

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heaven’s Light and Hellfire are meant to be listened together. Both parts represent the basic nature of The Hunchback of Notre Dame; how feelings can be internalized and twisted according to the individual. However I’m going to look at Heaven’s Light and Hellfire separately, because of the intensity of Hellfire and the simplicity of Heaven’s Light.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heaven’s Light is the second ballad in the film and is Quasimodo’s final song though it is reprise later in the movie. It’s the only romantic song to make into movie. In this song Quasimodo  equivalents love to being heavenly. Since Quasimodo believes himself to be hideous, he thinks he not meant for love. However since Esmeralda gave him a peak on the cheek without fear, he calls her an angel and he’s hopeful that she could love him. This hopefulness is gestalt of song.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is lot going on in this song: Quasimodo explains what love is like, he feel he’s not meant for it but then not a beat goes by and he turns his hopeful-o-meter up to max, as he hopes that Esmeralda could love him because she wasn’t afraid of him. The song seems to do a lot. This is because it’s such a short song and that’s it feels kind of ADD. Quasimodo goes from being emo to sappy.  Anarkia in Notre Dame de Paris has a similar ADD feel to it.

Victor and Laverne's drawing of Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Victor and Laverne's drawing of Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The elements of humor in this song by the gargoyles are actually good. It’s relevant and cute to the song. In the song each gargoyle draws a picture. The pictures reflect their personalities, Laverne and Victor draw Esmeralda and Hugo draws Djali. It’s cute relevant humor. I like  Victor’s drawing the best.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to admit that for me this song gets a little lost because it’s the song that comes right before Hellfire, which is for many people is their favorite song in the film and their favorite villain. However listening to the song in isolation, it’s a sweet, well done song that develops Quaismodo’s character as both hopeful and naive.

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo reprise Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Later when the song is reprised it’s a bittersweet sting to Quaismodo as his heart breaks as he watches Esmeralda and Phoebus kiss.

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo singing Heaven's Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

All in all it’s a good song, not terrible but not not fanatic. It’s one flaw is being next to Hellfire.

Next Time – Hellfire.

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Hellfire Disney picture image

Frollo singing Hellfire

So last time we looked at the Disney characters on a board level, now lets look at them on a deeper level.

Let’s start with the titular character: Quasimodo!

Quasimodo  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo’s Reveal

 

Quasimodo may be told he is ugly and monstrous but if we compare him to his book counterpart, he is on the cute side of the monster spectrum. He’s a hunchback and he is shorter than most of the other characters, but that’ not enough to make him an isolated monster.  He has the over-the-eye  protrusion that Hugo described but it does not impair his’ vision to the point of being a cyclopes. Instead Quasimodo has big, friendly doe eyes. He has a red full head of head hair and wears a green tunic. Two of the more uglier factors  are his  big stub nose and his  teeth  (large teeth in the front of his mouth).

 

Quasimodo singing "Out There"  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo singing “Out There”

Unlike Hugo’s version, Quasimodo is not deaf, he sings and talks a lot but it being a musical it would have been a challenge for the directors to have a deaf hero who has to sing (Disney movie from the 90s, heros must sing), so it understandable why Quasimodo is not deaf.

 

 

Quasimodo’s personality in the Disney movie is completely different from the book. In the book Quasimodo is morose and angry. At the beginning of the book he only loves Notre Dame, the bells, and Frollo. He’s not interested  in being among the normal people of Paris nor is he forbidden from going out among them.  Disney’s Quasimodo is forbidden from going outside and all he wants is to spend one day of his life among the normal people.

Quasimodo gazing at Esmeralda  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo gazing at Esmeralda

As the story progresses he falls in love with Esmeralda. In the Book, he falls in love with her after she shows a little kinds and pity by giving him water when he is on the pillory for trying to kidnap her because Frollo ordered him. That simple act was what did it for him, not her dancing or her looks. In Disney again Esmeralda shows him kindness but when he first meets her, she was kind to him and complimented his ugly mask (really his face) and Quasimodo likes the positive attention. He see her dance and he likes it.

Quasimodo and Esmeralda on the pillory  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  image picture

Quasimodo and Esmeralda on the pillory

When Quasimodo is being tortured by the crowd at the  Festival of Fools, she does save him but he was already interested in her, but I guess maybe that sealed his “love for her”.  The Disney Quasimodo’s love is more manifested as a school boy crush than a deep connection and I don’t believe he would crawl into vault and to die next to her rather than live without her.

 

 

Quasimodo's figurines Esmeralda from "Heaven's Light"  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo’s figurines from “Heaven’s Light”

Quasimodo declares Sanctuary for Esmeralda  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo declares Sanctuary for Esmeralda

It’s sweet that he believes that she could love him whereas in the book Quasimodo doesn’t believe it, even if he wishes he could. Quasimodo is mostly depicted as kind and gentle.  He gets depressed but it never lasts too long. He’s also loyal which I think is the biggest similarity to Hugo’s original character.

 

Frollo and Quasimdo   Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Frollo and Quasimodo

Quasimodo is a dynamic character. He changes though the course of the movie, mainly in his attitude towards Frollo. At beginning he is nervous around Frollo even though he believes Frollo to be his defender. His nervousness around Frollo stems from Frollo’s abuse towards him. Frollo calls him ugly repeatedly and a  monster. When Frollo comes to visits him, Frollo gets a silver goblet and plate while Quasimodo get a wooden goblet and plate. Frollo keeps him locked up in bell tower of Notre Dame while Frollo dwells elsewhere, you’d think the Palace of Justice would be a better place to lock one up forever, it being a jail instead a public building. I would like to point out in the book,

Frollo and Quaismodo  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Frollo and Quaismodo

Frollo keeping Quasimodo at Notre Dame made sense as Frollo himself lived in the cloister as he was a priest, Quasimodo didn’t move to the Bell Tower till he was 14 years old. He moved there to be the bell-ringer because he loved the bells, not as punishment for his deformity or as method for absolution for Frollo. Quasimodo calls Frollo master but Frollo insists that he raised Quasimodo as his son. Quasimodo would probably be fairly well adjusted if it wasn’t for Frollo.  Quasimodo then disobeys Frollo and goes to the Festival of Fools to fulfill his dream.  He continues to disobey Frollo as he gains real human interacts with Esmeralda and Phoebus.  At the end he stands up against Frollo and learns that people like Frollo are the cause for all the hate in world and once Frollo is dead he is finally accepted by the people.

Quasimodo accepted by the people   Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Quasimodo accepted by the people

Despite being in the Disney mold of hero/dreamer, Quasimodo is good character, he appeals the outsider in all of us. The film is good achiving  it’s overall theme though Quasimodo despite being thrust upon the audience, but at least he is likable and grows as character.

Next time we’ll look at Frollo.

Judge Claude Frollo  Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Judge Claude Frollo