Project Re-Read Book 9, Chapters, 1-3

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Book 9, Chapter 1, Delirium

Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida) and Frollo (Alain Cuny), 1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda (Gina Lollobrigida) and Frollo (Alain Cuny),


This chapter is Frollo freaking out about Esmeralda’s death. He doesn’t know that Quasimodo saved her. At the end of the chapter when he sees Esmeralda walking in Notre Dame he thinks its her ghost. All and all this chapter is pretty cool and fun to read as it really just Frollo’s insanity.

Movies haven’t really tackled this one chapter. You see touches of it in the 1982 version and the 1956 version. I understand that movie would rather focus on Quasimodo and not Frollo but this chapter would be so much fun for a movie version. I t really has everything a dramatic movie could want for a director, actor, cinematographer, lighting, etc.

Someone do it!

Book 9, Chapter 2, Deformed, Blind, Lame

Maureen O'Hara as Esmeralda & Charles laughton as Quasimodo 1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Maureen O’Hara as Esmeralda & Charles laughton as Quasimodo

In this chapter we learn a little about the history and concept of sanctuary and that it can be suspend but that rare. It also is

Esmeralda recovering her sensed that her time in jail rob her of. Quasimodo also gives her clothes food and his bed. We also learn that Djali is a-ok.

This chapter and the next one are often merged in films versions. Though movie favors the last bit of this chapter with Quasimodo’s interactions with Esmeralda and just have it go into the next chapter with one scene.

Book 9, Chapter 3, Deaf

Salma Hayek as Esmeralda & Mandy Patinkin as Quasimodo, 1997 The Hunchback picture image

Salma Hayek as Esmeralda & Mandy Patinkin as Quasimodo,

Yeah, this chapter is in like every Hunchback movie version, pretty much. It’s the first conversation between Esmeralda and Quasimodo, about why he saved her and how to talk to him, you know the drill.

But you know it’s a lovely meaningful chapter. I have no complaints. Movies tend to do this chapter well enough even if it’s at the expense other chapters/scenes.

Hunchback and Different Film Genres

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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 picture image

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 picture image

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 picture image

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 Notre Dame de Paris picture image

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, Enchanted Tales, Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Melody, a.k.a Not Esmeralda in Jail awaiting death

Fantasy – Just add magic and stilted dialogue, easy.

Phoebus and Esmeralda get comfortable (Maureen O'Hara, Alan Marshal) 1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

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 picture image

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.

1986 Plot Review- It’s mostly all there

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Esmeralda and Quasimodo at the Pillory 1986 the Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo at the Pillory

The 1986 Australian version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame is in so many, many ways like the 1956 version. It follows the book plot almost perfectly but the execution on every other aspects of this movie is bad, like the 1956 version .

This version does changes a lot of things especially at the end. Spoiler warning Esmeralda lives.

The Mob 1986 the Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

The Mob

At the climax the crowd attacks the cathedral and demands Esmeralda’s death, so the court of miracles doesn’t try to save Esmeralda and sanctuary is not suspended.

Quasimodo fights them off as well as kill Frollo. As the crowd demands Esmeralda, Phoebus appears and tell everyone the true, that Frollo is a frowny-pants, he was never and dead and Esmeralda’s only crime was being pretty. Esmeralda ends the movie by saying that Quasimodo is is beautiful and innocent. I have seen worst endings but I have to wonder why Phoebus didn’t say anything earlier.

Phoebus 1986 the Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Phoebus in the crowd (can you see him?)

When Esmeralda is about to be burned at the stake, not sure why they change this since they mention hanging, Phoebus is seen walking through the crowd. It just seems so weird for him not to say anything at that point but then he does later.

Esmeralda and Frollo, sort of the Red Door scene 1986 the Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Frollo, sort of the Red Door scene

This version hits the plot notes of the book but it does it in a mechanical way. It’s like they have things happen for no reason than the book say it must, like there is not reason why the mob attacks Notre Dame the just do it. There is no fluidity or joy to the story telling. It’s almost as through the filmmakers felt that if they got the majors plots point right they could skip on other things, like character development or emotion.

Esmeralda and Gringoire 1986 the Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Gringoire

The Plot adherence is this version only viable strength they tweaked some things and made weird decision but no version is all faithful.

And if this version had a better script, animation, design, music, etc it could have been much stronger.

Next Time- I guess I should talk about the characters next…….? There is not much to them though.
I guess we’ll start with Esmeralda.

Esmeralda 1986 Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda

7 Great Hunchback Movie Posters

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Among the more famous versions of Hunchback, each version has a lot of movie posters. For this post, we’re going to look at the top seven best Hunchback movie posters. These are not in a specific order and they are all available on Amazon.

#1 All the characters, the Disney version

Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

This poster has a lot of energy. You get a sense of the personality of all the characters. I like how Clopin and is front and center and I like how Frollo looms over everyone from on high. I don’t really like how central the gargoyles are but that is a nitpick.

2# All the characters Chaney version

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

I really like how front and center Esmeralda is in this poster. All the other character are pretty much there in the crowd and their personality come through. I also like the color palette on this one which is ironic seen this was a tinted movie.

#3 Pseudo-Monster Movie, 1939 Version

1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

I debated whether or not to included this one since it kind of plays with the audience’s expectation of a monster and Laughton is one of the least monstrous hunchbacks but that’s its strength. It has the signifier that says it’s a hunchback movie but makes it feel different and I like that it hides Quasimodo‘ looks. I also like the red tone

There is a similar 1939 poster with a Quasimodo in silhouette against Notre Dame and pillory but it just not a dynamic.

#4 Stark Simplicity, 1923 Version

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

This one made simple but it captures the imagination of what this movie could be like. And I find the design bold and graphic.

#5 Trio, 1939 Version

1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

I like this one as I really like the rendering of Maureen O’Hara. It just has a good composition to it though I can’t really tell if that is Jehan or Gringoire but I would it’s Jehan.

#6 Captivatingly Overprice, 1956 Version

1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1956 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

I really like the picture vignettes in this and Gina Lollobridga looks lovely in this. Somehow this poster just makes the movie seem more like an epic.

#7 Pillory Scene, 1923 Version

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster picture image

1923 Hunchback of Notre Dame Poster

I debated between this one and another 1939 poster. I went with this one because I really like the way Esmeralda is depicted. It is also interesting to showcase the pillory scene in a movie poster.

 

1986 Introduction

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Quasimodo 1986 Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo

If I were to look at the script of the 1986 Australian version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame, I would think it was first draft. It had promise at adapting the story but none of the characters are  fleshed out or had anything at all interesting about them. It’s just dull and it’s not is just the script and the characters, the animation, colors, music, etc are just sleep inducing. I forgot I had even saw this one before it was mentioned that I review it.

I bashed the Enchanted Tales version but as horrible as that was at least there was something to discuss, as for the 1986, I’m not even sure there is that much there but I’m sure I can find something.

Though at least being made a decade earlier than the Disney version, it didn’t rip that one off or was made as a cash grab, so that is something.

Next Time – The plot

Esmeralda 1986 Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project Re-Read! Book 8 Chapters 1-3

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Book 8, Chapter 1, The Crown Piece Changed to a Dry Leaf

 

Esmeralda (Maureen O'Hara) and Aristotle share a moment 1939 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda (Maureen O’Hara) and Aristotle share a moment

This chapter Esmeralda’s unfair farce of a trial. Basically, she’s doomed before this thing even starts. I mean the treat it like an obligation. They really just need her to confess and when she fails to do so in this chapter, the old judge complains that she is holding up their meal. What Jerks.

Poor Djali, all she did was simple tricks and these jack-ass are like witchcraft. Oh and that La Falourdel bitch, her kid stole her money and then she complains about how her house was described in the report. Hate that lady.

 

Book 8, Chapter 2, Continuation of the Crown Piece Changed

 

Esmeralda being Tortured picture image

Esmeralda being Tortured

Since Esmeralda doesn’t want to confess to a crime she didn’t commit, she is tortured. She doesn’t last at all long before she breaks and starts confessing to just f-up stuff, like having intercourse with satan in the form Djali. This medieval judges are f-ed in the head.

Not a really fun chapter.

 

 

 

Book 8, Chapter 3, End of the Crown Piece Changed to a Dry Leaf

 

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

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda,

This chapter is Esmeralda and Djali sentence. Can say much about it though apparently part of her penance in paying the judges of the Bishop’s court and the candle she has to hold at Notre Dame is 2 pounds.

 

Poor Esmeralda.

Enchanted Tales Conclusion; Oh Yay, I’m Done with this crap

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Melody and Quasimodo Enchanted Tales Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Melody and Quasimodo

The Enchanted Tales version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame has got to be one the worst Hunchback versions there is. It’s full of bad technicals, annoying characters, terrible songs and the single worst moral I have ever seen in a children movie. A Handsome Quasimodo?! That should just not be. I’m not a purist, I just want the basics. If looks don’t matter why is he even drawn handsome. GAH!

Melody and a handome Quasimodo Enchanted Tales Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Melody and a “handome” Quasimodo

I LOATHE this version.

Next Hunchback Version – The 1986 Australian Version… sigh…………. just sigh…..

The 1986 Australian Version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

The 1986 Australian Version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Project Re-Read! Book 7 Chapters 7 & 8

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Book 7, Chapter 7, The Specter Monk

The Shadow Notre Dame de Paris 2011-2012 Asian Tour picture image

The Shadow Notre Dame de Paris 2011-2012 Asian Tour

I find this chapter silly and I think it’s meant to be so, people forget how silly this book can be because of the ending.

Basically Frollo, in creepy monk form falls Phoebus. After they exchange some words, Frollo calls Phoebus a liar about meeting Esmeralda, which gets a real bee in P-boy’s bonnet and he tires to challenge Frollo.

Frollo deals him by telling him for  he is forgetting his date but poor Phoebus wants both the fight and the girl but darn he is out  cash. Frollo gives him the money in exchange for letting him watch and he ensures Phoebus that one day he will slit Phoebus‘ throat. Phoebus seems unfazed by this and lets him in the room to watch.

You have to wonder what is going through Phoebus‘ head? I know he is over confident but really. Ah well, he is probably a but drunk from the previous chapter.

 

 

Book 7, Chapter 8, The Advantage of Windows Overlooking the River  

Jean Danet as Phoebus & Gina Lollobrigida as Esmeralda,1956 Hunchback of Notre dame picture image

Jean Danet as Phoebus & Gina Lollobrigida as Esmeralda,1956 Hunchback of Notre dame

In this chapter Phoebus brings Esmeralda to the fateful room where Frollo is watching. Phoebus is ready sex Esmeralda up but she is not really in to as she is innocent and wants to maintain her purity so she can find her parents. Phoebus is working his pick-up lines and love speeches into overtime which eventually wins over Esmeralda but then Phoebus gets stabby-stab by Mr. Frollo.

Pretty much till the end of this chapter where Esmeralda is arrested, this chapter plays out on the humorous side. Gotta love Phoebus‘ butchering Esmeralda names and poor dear naive Esmeralda tell him she’ll change it for him. I do think him calling her Similar is very silly. Then there is all Phoebus’ love lines and Miss Esmeralda falling for them. It’s a rather silly chapter.

Also the description of Frollo’s face as he stabs Phoebus always reminded me of the Grinch.

Next Stop After La Jolla

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La Jolla Hunchback Poster picture image

La Jolla Hunchback Poster

The musical version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame is first to play at the La Jolla playhouse in San Diego on October 26 through  December 7. You can get tickets for it now.

However after that starting on March 4th through April 5th the production goes to Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn New Jersey.  So east coast people can get a chance.

I hope they release the casting of the musical soon.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Tickets-Now-on-Sale-for-Disneys-HUNCHBACK-OF-NOTRE-DAME-at-La-Jolla-Playhouse-20140802#.U_OgU15muxo