Esmeralda | The Hunch

18Sep 2013

New ABC Seres

by Jessica

“ABC Orders HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Event Series

Victor Hugo’s classic novel THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME is headed to television.

According to Deadline, ABC has ordered a limited event series from SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN’s Evan Daughterty, titled ESMERELDA.

The project is “a period drama, which re-imagines The Hunchback Of Notre Dame through the eyes of beautiful Gypsy Esmeralda.”

As BWW previously reported, Disney Theatrical Productions is also in the process of bringing the classic Parisian tale to Broadway. The show, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics byStephen Schwartz, and book by James Lapine premiered in Germany as Der Glöckner von Notre Dame. The musical is based on the 1996 Disney film, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which was inspired by the 1831 novel of the same name. The company’s first musical to premiere outside the U.S., it ran for three years, becoming one of Berlin’s longest-running musicals.

Taken from http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv/article/ABC-Orders-HUNCHBACK-OF-NOTRE-DAME-Event-Series-20130918

Pardon me I need figure out if I’m happy about, upset, or annoyed that it’s ABC’s doing………? I wonder who they will get to play Esmeralda?

17Sep 2013

Average, Average to the Max; The Costumes of the 1982 version of Hunchback

by Jessica

Like so many other movies, The 1982 adaption of the Hunchback is influenced by its times, in this case the infamous early 1980s. The costumes themselves are not super 80s looking, I mean when you think about the 80’s these costumes could have been so much more crazy. The costumes were design by Phyllis Dalton who designed the costumes for another little known 1980s medieval fantasy movie, I dunno maybe you have heard of it; The Princess Bride.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda gets two costumes, which look very similar. The first one is a blue corset that has sleeves and a leaf-y gold pattern and a blue skirt with a green under skirt. The second is a pink cinch corset so her chemise is more part of the look.It also has a matching pink skirt.

Overall these two costumse don’t scream “I’M THE 80’s” but nor do they suggest a poor Gyspy girl. The fabric appears to be some form of satin. Satin did exist in the middle ages but it was very expensive. Now it’s very possible it was gifted to her but the costumes are too pristine looking.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

The pink is an interesting color choice. Pink is a lighter tone for red and red is Esmeralda’s default color for films. But the choice of pink keeps her young and feminine looking and works against her becoming over-sexualized. That being said, Esmeralda’s costumes are not anything special, they’re pretty sedate and boring.

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Now the part everyone cares about; Quasimdo’s make-up! How does this version measure up to Laughton’s and Chaney’s looks? It measures up fairly well. Hopkins’s looks like Laughton’s Quasimodo. He’s got the protrusion, the one good eye, the ugly teeth and rounded nose. It’s a good interpretation of Quasimodo and Laughton’s look.

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

So what part of the costumes scream the 1980’s? The Hair! Oh, the hair in this, it’s totally the 80’s. Letâ€˜ s start with Esmeralda. Esmeralda has big curly hair but a little more than that it’s layered to have more volume near her face.

And Quasimodo has a mullet, which heyday was the 80s’. The hair is where all the 80 glory lives.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

On the whole the costumes are average at best. There is nothing remarkable or memorable but the hair is a shining example of 80’s-ness.

Next 1982 article sets.

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

05Sep 2013

Emerald Esmeralda

by Jessica

This is old news but it’s new to me, Emerald Green is the color of 2013, Esmeralda would be so happy. It also a very in color for fall.

So how you add this color in to your wardrobe and maintain some of the essences of Esmeralda? An Emerald Esmeralda so to speak.

here are a few nice options,

Tolani Women’s Emerald Tunic Top

Tolani Women’s Emerald Tunic Top I really love this tunic.

The pattern on this reminds me the Notre Dame de Paris Esmeralda costume.

Columbia Women’s Arcadia Rain Jacket

Mango Women’s Embossed Belt Dress

Bonus

Fall is the season for Renfaires

29Aug 2013

Esmeralda and her Earring

by Jessica

Question; Why does Esmeralda only wear one earring?

An Esmeralda that wears one earring clearly indicates the Disney Esmeralda.

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

This question was answered in the commentary. According to commentary, Esmeralda wears one earring because Djali wears the other one in the set. This links them in together. It’s unclear if this reason was invented after Esmeralda and Djali were designed it probably was the case.

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

21Aug 2013

Can you Spot the Difference?

by Jessica

There are Ten Differences, and I think it’s pretty easy ^^

Hunchback Spot the Difference Game

Original Picture

Esmeralda singing God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

I will do a harder one next month.

19Aug 2013

The Hottest Cartoon Characters

by Jessica

I was watching Screen Junkies Hottest Animated characters (watch here) and the first group they discussed were Disney Princesses and this picture came out

Disney Princess Line UP with Esmeralda, Megara and Kida taken from Screen Junkies

My first thought was “Is Esmeralda a Princess now?” But the Host, Hal Rudnick picked her, so shrugs on that one. they also didn’t quite get Esmeralda character down. But where is that picture come from? I would venture it’s photoshopped.

Esmeralda as a Disney Princess

But I think it’s high time Esmeralda, Megara and Kida joined the ranks or Disney should create a brand for older girls. I mean come on Disney, you’re wasting a demographic opportunity here.

06Aug 2013

A New and Not-Improved Esmeralda; The 1982 Version

by Jessica

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

There has been bold Esmeraldas, sexy Esmeraldas, kind Esmeraldas, socially conscious Esmeraldas, mysterious Esmeraldas, vapid Esmeraldas but the 1982 version
of Esmeralda is different, she is the first timid Esmeralda.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

What makes her timid? Well, you know in the book how Esmeralda loves to dance? In this movie she doesn’t like to dance because she is scared of being arrested. An Esmeralda who hates to dance is like the biggest travesty I have seen in a Hunchback version because her love of dance and her free-spirited nature is paramount to her personality and appeal. Even when she does dance it’s half-hearted. Even if otherwise it was a great depiction of Esmeralda is a huge mark against her character and is unforgivable.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Let’s just talk about her looks for a minute. Lesley-Ann Down is very pretty but she is just not right for Esmeralda. Esmeralda is suppose to look exotic to an extent. Down has bright blue eyes and brown-ish hair, though in Hunchback it looked more dark blond. So we have a dark blond-ish blue-eyes Esmeralda. This made the jail scene silly when Frollo mentions her dark eyes which were actually bright blue. Down is more a classic English beauty, she just doesn’t read Gyspy which adds to not believing this depiction of Esmeralda. The film tries to excuse her looks, by Frollo asking if she is in fact a Gypsy and her saying she doesn’t know that is just was they told her.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Down is also a little on the old side to play to Esmeralda as a young girl. To combat this Down speaks softly. This adds to her timidness. This also makes her seem a bit dim however this Esmeralda isn’t as stupid as she seems. While she is attractive to Phoebus and is willing to sleep with him she does back off and try to leave once she finds out that he’s married. Which makes Frollo stabbing him infinitely unnecessary. She also wants Quasimodo to bring Phoebus to her not because she wants to see him but to convince Phoebus to get the charges dropped against her. She also recognizes her love for Gringoire.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

She also develops a bit of a backbone when she rejects Frollo in the jail cell and in Notre Dame, though she pretty much has to rescued both times. She also takes a stand to Gringoire when on their wedding night but that’s in the book. In any case it’s good that she doesn’t always use that timid little voice.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Down’s Esmeralda is one of the weaker depictions of Esmeralda. There is not a lot right about her character. Down is not fully to blame, fault lies everywhere; in the writing, in the directing, in the casting and in her acting. Who makes a timid Esmeralda who isn’t free-spirited and dislikes dancing and excepts an audience to buy that character as an good interpretation of Hugo’s heroine? Very little of the original personality of Esmeralda is present in this version except maybe her kindness but that is it. It’s just a weak version of Esmeralda all around and not believable as the character.

Next 1982 Article; Quasimodo

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

31Jul 2013

Kamastutra and The Hunchback of Notre Dame

by Jessica

KamaSutra; A Tale of Love DVD cover

A film that has similar elements to the Hunchback is the 1996 movie KamaSutra; A Tale of Love. And yes it an Erotic drama period piece.

Indira Varma as Maya, KamaSutra; A Tale of Love

First off, It’s an about a young women names Maya (Indira Varma) who has studied dancing. We have a young beautiful dancer, though Maya isn’t the prude as Esmeralda is.

Khalid Tyabji as Biki, KamaSutra; A Tale of Love

Second, we have a Hunchback who is not too good this the ladies. The Hunchback who is a prince in this movie. Is in love with Maya. He is no where near as devote as Quasimodo.

Ramon Tikaram as Jai Kumar, KamaSutra; A Tale of Love

Third, we have two guys in love with Maya (in addition to the Hunchback prince). One is an artist who loves her more in a human way.

Indira Varma as Maya and Naveen Andrews as Raj Singh, KamaSutra; A Tale of Love

The other is King who is obsessed with her. He even says his mood depend solely on her, which is true. When she rejects him even though she is his courtesan he get depressed and more dependent on opium. He is where near as complex or as interesting as Frollo.

Indira Varma as Maya and Naveen Andrews as Raj Singh, KamaSutra; A Tale of Love

These similarities are coincidental and I highly doubt that KamaSutra; A Tale of Love was even remotely influenced by Hunchback but still the similar elements are striking.
KamaSutra; A Tale of Love isn’t the greatest movie in the world but it’s pretty and enjoyable.

23Jul 2013

Plotting at the Plot of the 1982 Hunchback

by Jessica

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Pretty much the 1982 version follows the 1939 model of how to tell this story. However the 1982 version doesn’t dive into social commentary the same way. The blight of Gypsies is not an issue and Esmeralda doesn’t concern herself social inequality. Esmeralda’s main concerns are not getting arrested, marrying Phoebus and keeping Frollo off of her.

Derek Jacobi as Frollo & Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo is also different than his 1939 incarnation. For one thing, in the 1982 version he is a priest and has no younger brother. Also he is a little more forward, instead of staring at her he basically tries to get with Esmeralda in the first 20 minutes. He went right to lust. But this version has a decent jail scene so point in its favor. Although I would point out that having Frollo bring Esmeralda into Notre Dame after she gets arrested for dancing and then trying to seduce her robs a bit from the jail scene when Esmeralda asks why he hates her. Esmeralda in the book was scared of Frollo and Frollo’s interaction with her was very limited to no existent. In this movie he is not really acting hateful toward Esmeralda. He acting confused and desperate but he was acting fairly nice toward till he tried touch her and she ran off. So Esmerald questioning him was tad on the unnecessary side.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Gerry Sundquist as Gringoire, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Since the social concerns are not presence in this movie Gringoire has little else to do but moon over Esmeralda, although like in 1939 version he and Esmeralda do fall in love and leave together at the end.

The Death of Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Speaking of the end, Quasimodo kills Frollo in self- defense by impaling him on a nail. This…..this ……is not cool movie. While I get that the self-defense angle, impaling Frollo on a nail is A) stupid and anti-climactic and B) having Frollo fall from Notre Dame is a powerful metaphor. My guess the reason why Frollo dies in this manner is the budget but still shame.

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo is pretty much the same from 1939 version, Hopkins plays him very sympathetic but it works.

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin is not fun in this version, He is very conniving. He is not to concern about anything other than survival.

Robert Powell as Phoebus & Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus is depicted as huge womanizing jerk who is married in this version. Another strange addition to this version is Frollo offering to buy Esmeralda from Gringoire.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

This version plays the story out pretty conventionally. It doesn’t make too many big annoying changes to the plot. The changes they make are small and mostly the impact the characters.

So let’s dive deeper into those characters, let’s start with the heart and soul of the movie; Frollo

Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

18Jul 2013

Hypothetical Casting for Esmeralda; Alica Vikander

by Jessica

You know who would make a really great Esmeralda? Alica Vikander!

Alica Vikander

Alicia Vikander is a Swedish actress who has been in some major films recently. She was the star in A Royal Affair, she played Kitty in the 2012 Anna Karenina film and she is in the upcoming Seventh Son and The Man from U.N.C.L.E.

Alica Vikander

Vikander has a very good look for Esmeralda. She has a nice olive complexion, dark eyes and dark hair. She also has a very expressive face. In addition to being a fine actress she was a dancer. She studied Ballet for nine years before making the decision to quit when she was sixteen.

Alica Vikander

She just seem like she would make the perfect Esmeralda especially if a film went with Esmeralda original backstory.

Alicia Vikander

What do you think, would Alica Vikander make a good Esmeralda who is there a better actress for the role?

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Tag Archives: Esmeralda

New ABC Seres

Average, Average to the Max; The Costumes of the 1982 version of Hunchback

Emerald Esmeralda

Esmeralda and her Earring

Can you Spot the Difference?

The Hottest Cartoon Characters

A New and Not-Improved Esmeralda; The 1982 Version

Kamastutra and The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Plotting at the Plot of the 1982 Hunchback

Hypothetical Casting for Esmeralda; Alica Vikander

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