At its core the Hunchback of Notre Dame is a drama but that hasn’t stop people from making it into a happy children story about an ugly ducking, social commentary, a comedy and it was almost was a jazzy action-adventure (prove me wrong Brolin and make it).
But what other genres could a Hunchback version be and how would the story have to change to satisfy the genre tropes.
Moodiness Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara) 1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Horror– This one is so easy, I’m more than surprise no one has bother to make a more horror-y or at least creepy version since the hallmark film is a “monster’ movie.
There is a movie called the Hunchback of the Morgue which has elements in common with Hunchback and Frankenstein but I haven’t seen it as of yet. It sounds terrible, also I’m fan of gory films.
Phoebus Rallies the People Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Action-Adventure– I know I mention this one already, but it could work I think. The plot would have to changed a lot though. I think the only method to make this genre work is some kind of treasure hidden in Notre Dame which kind of was done but not really. Notre Dame’s treasure that was Frollo’s motivation in the Secret of the Hunchback but it wasn’t an action-adventure movie, it hardly a movie.
But Hunchback isn’t devoid of action so they could just amp that up and looting the cathedral was part of allure of the attack of it by the Court of Miracles. So it could really work.
Danielle Dumont as Fleur de Lys, 1956 Hunchback of Notre dame
Romanic Comedy– Groans. Hunchback as a chick flick might be a tough sell but maybe. I dunno. It would have be very light hearted and almost parody. Maybe Hunchback should stay clear of this one.
Garou as Quasimodo from Notre Dame de Paris
Musical – Well there have been musical versions but not one from a stage show. I personally love the idea of a Notre Dame de Paris film version but I’m sure it would get messed up.
Maybe they could Jukebox musical, those are easy and people like them enough. Can’t you just see Quasimodo singing “I would do anything for love,” the thing writes itself.
Melody, a.k.a Not Esmeralda in Jail awaiting death
Fantasy – Just add magic and stilted dialogue, easy.
Phoebus and Esmeralda, Maureen O’Hara, Alan Marshal 1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Film Noir– Everyone seem to want to overly sexualize Esmeralda anyway so just go for it and make her a full-on Femme Fatal, you know you want to Hollywood.
Quasimodo singing Heaven’s Light Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Kaiju– No, No, No but the image of 100 foot Quasimodo destroying Tokyo is very silly probably too silly.
Do you have any suggestions for different genres for Hunchback? Leave it in the comments along with how to change Hunchback to fit the genre.
