Topsy Turvy follows in the path of the big show stopping music numbers of Disney. Other songs like this included (but not limited to) Under the Sea (The Little Mermaid), Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast) and A Friend Like Me ( Aladdin). Unlike these, Topsy Turvy is not a show stopper, it doesn’t stop the movie for the sake of a spectacle, but instead  Topsy Turvy propels the plot forward.

 

Clopin during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

There is a lot that happens within the course of the song with regards to story telling. The festive starts and Quasimodo gets caught in the swing of it, Quasimodo meets Esmeralda, Esmeralda dances getting the attention of Quasimodo, Phoebus and Frollo, the King of Fools contest starts, and Quasimodo is crown the king.  There so much that happens that the song is broken up into four part essentually. These parts are well connected and the last portation with Quasimodo as the King of Fools features a keynote change to denote the ending of the song.

Clopin Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Quasimodo Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Disney Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame Dance picture image

Esmeralda's Dance Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

As far as the song is concerned it’s fun. It’s very celbratory, the lyrics are clever and Paul Kandel does well singing it. It’s the only Disney song to use a word meaning prostitutes. The line “Join the bums and theives and strumpets,” a strumpets is an old fashion word for a prostitute or a harlot. Kind of intresting that the only Dinsey song to use a word for prostitute would also feature a pole dance.

 

Reversal Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Reversal Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo reacting to the craziness Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo reacting to the craziness Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Topsy Turvy CG Crowd Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Topsy Turvy CG Crowd Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The visuals help make this song memorable. There lots of  reversals to help keep the momentum going and the fun up. This visually also give Quasimodo something to react to and since he is seeing all this craziness for the first time, Quasimodo acts as the audience in this song.  There is a cast of thousand. The crowds were made using CG and at the time were a feat but the crowd in movie hasn’t aged well.

 

Clopin Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback Notre Dame image picture

Clopin Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

The song has several reference that harken back to Victor Hugo’s Novel. First the lyrics mention the date a being January 6, which is the day the Feast of Fools took place on. Of course the movie doesn’t seem to take place in winter, then again it could just be unseasonably warm.

 

 

 

Disney Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame Dance picture Image

Esmeralda's Dance Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Another Reference is Clopin referring to Esmeralda as “La Esmeralda”. Esmeralda in the book is very often referenced to with the article “La.”

 

 

 

 

Shock the Priest Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Shock the Priest Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

The last reference and probably the most interesting. Is on the line “shock the priest” Clopin is holding a Frollo puppet. This is a clear reference to Frollo being a priest in the book.

 

 

 

Quasimodo as the King of Fools Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo as the King of Fools Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

The song itself is fine, it big and fun but it’s not my favorite. I would position this song in the middle of the ranking  however I can understand why many would like it, it’s a fun song that adds to the movie and alludes to the book very appropriately.

 

Next Song – God Help the Outcast

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame singing "God Help the Outcast" picture image

Esmeralda singing "God Help the Outcast" Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

The main characters of Disney’s Hunchback don’t give us much indication of how “normal” people of Paris conduct themselves. Quasimodo is a forced shut-in, Frollo essentially King, Esmeralda and Clopin  are outcasts, and Phoebus, well he just comes off too perfect to really be associated with “normal people”. So which characters represent as Frollo put it “the common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd”? That would be the two guards that  are seen throughout the movie. They are credited as the Brutish Guard (voiced by Corey Burton) and the Oafish Guard (voiced Bill Fagerbakke aka  Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants ). I’m just going to  call them as Brute and Oaf.

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda, Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf shooing nobody Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf shooing away nobody Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We first see Brute and Oaf harassing Esmeralda because she’s a Gypsy and judging by all the gold in her hat, she is probably better paid then them. Anyway they try to assert their authority but then became submissive when Phoebus out ranks them. They are quite stupid, they shoo away people to show Phoebus to the Palace of Justice, but when viewed from behind you can hear them still shooing people but there is no there. These guy are all talk and no action, Djali can take them with very little effort.

 

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf up to no good Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf trying to crowd surf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brute and Oaf are the main cause for the getting the plot moving. Yes, it’s all them. If wasn’t for them, Quaismodo would have been King of Fools without incident and Frollo would just have been mad at him. But because Oaf throw a tomato (where did he even get that) it sets  the chain of events into motion. The Crowd throws food at Quasimodo then ties him down, Frollo refuses  to help, Esmeralda helps Quasimodo, Frollo gets mad at her, she defies him and hello chase scene and obsession. Thank you Oaf and Brute for being common, vulgar, weak, and licentious and getting the plot in motion.

 

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali takes out Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute with Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Brute and Oaf represent the common people, they promote distrust in authority figures for Esmeralda, cause the plot to take off but that not it. They also provide some humor. Brute provides Achilles with a sit and  oaf provides some amusement being an oaf and all. Plus Oaf’s voice sounds comedic (Patrick from Spongebob). But don’t count on them in a pinch – storming a certain cathedral – they’re no help at all.

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Oaf and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basically Brute and Oaf are glorified extras but they do something for the plot unlike some glorified extras that are memroable but do nothing for the plot, just add humor.

 

Next Time- a memorable old chap  who “enjoys” a running gag (well not really).

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

If it wasn’t for the the Archdeacon of Notre Dame (voiced by David Ogden Stiers) the movie would have ended with Frollo throwing baby Quasimodo into to the well of most certain Doom. After Frollo killed Quasimodo’s mother, (because he didn’t know how people hold babies), the Archdeacon used fear to manipulate Frollo into making amends for murdering somebody outside the cathedral. The Archedeacon basically says that Notre Dame saw what he did so make amends and raise the child. Frollo in fear for his soul decided to take care of Quasimodo so long as Quasimodo lives in Notre Dame.

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Kicking Quasimodo's mother Disney picture image

Frollo killing Quasimodo's Mother

The Murder of Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

The Murder of Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame seeing Quasimodo for the 1st time  picture imageDisney

Frollo seeing Quasimodo for the 1st time Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Well Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

The Well Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Eyes Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Sees all Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Notre Dame Sees all Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Archdeacon is in control in Notre Dame and has sway over Frollo but only in Notre Dame that is till Frollo goes batshit crazy pushes him down the stair towards the end.

Archdeacon and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Fall Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Archdeacon is also the voice of reason and tries to help Esmeralda by sticking up for her and giving her advice(caution). He also tries to help before she is almost burned (he pops his head out of the cathedral but is stopped).

Archdeacon and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Stopped Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Archdeacon doesn’t do lot in the film but he is a big part of the  Frollo and Quaismodo’s relationship which is a major plot point, so for him it quality over quantity. If he’s in a scene, you know there is damn good reason for it.

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

The Disney version is the last time that the role of Frollo (the lusty guy ) and the Archdeacon role have been separtated into two different characters. Will it be the last time? On ne sais jamais (one never knows)

Next Time – Quasimodo’s Mother

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So a little bit more on Achilles and Djali— yeah there is more, go fig….

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Djali and Achilles rock as sidekicks, adding humor and charm to the movie. However as I was working on  analyzing   Djali and Achilles I noticed that their function in the movie goes deeper than just being awesome and fun sidekicks. The key element into this function is that both of the have the same coloration. They’re both white and gray, but they’re gray in the same places. Their muzzle, legs, tails, and hair. I think this  maybe overlooked by many viewers because Djali and Achilles only appear on screen once together and Djali dancing so it’s hard to make that connection.

Djali and Achilles Same look Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali and Achilles Same look Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what does it matter that Djali and Achilles look alike? Well I think this is one more way that the production tries to reinforce Esmeralda and Phoebus as “the” couple. It’s not enough that they see each other first, that they have the same personality, that they are pretty much counterparts in every way but now they animals links them together. It’s pretty funny that the movie works this hard to tell its’ audience that Phoebus and Esmeralda are made for each other and some viewers still malign Esmeralda for being shallow because she fell in love with Phoebus instead of Quasimodo.

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

Djali, Esmeralda, and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next Time – Memorable/Important Side Characters

First to bat The Archdeacon of Notre Dame…..mmmmm I wonder if his offical title is the same as Frollo’s in the novel????

Archdeacon Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

Next – Achilles and Djali

So where the Gargoyles fail to add levity, Djali and Achilles succeeded and they don’t even speak. Let’s start with Achilles. Why? Because we see Achilles first, his name is comes first and there less to say about him

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Achilles is Phoebus‘ war horse. According to the DVD commentary, the directors jokingly said that Achilles is Phillippe’s (Beauty and the Beast) dimwitted cousin. Both Disney horses were animated by Russ Edmonds.

 

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles with Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phillippe from Beauty and the Beast Disney  picture image

Phillippe from Beauty and the Beast Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

Achilles being a war horse takes excellent direction, he sits on command regardless of who he might sit on. But fear not Achilles never crushes anyone to death, just for comedy.

Achilles and Phoebus Sit command Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Sit command Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles the Set up Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles the Set up Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles' Butt Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles' Butt Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Achilles is mosly white and he adds to Phoebus’ perfect knightly look, but he also has grey legs, snout, mane and tail. Mmmm his look is awfully similar to another character…..

 

 

 

 

Achilles and Snowball Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles and Snowball Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

One thing that is not commonly know about Achilles is that he hates Frollo’s horse, Snowball ( not sure if it Snowball 1 or 2).

 

 

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The command regarding Achilles to sit, according to the commentary was the big laugh during the trailers. Achilles may not have done much and may have been relegate to an accessory but he almost as much laughs than the supposed comic relief even with his limited screen time. If wasn’t for the Gargoyles’ dress/tress line I think the Sit gag would have been the big laugh of the film and that’s only because grown-up heard tress and kids heard dress, so it’s two jokes.

Frollo's nose is long and he wears a tress/dress Disney Hunhcback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo's nose is long and he wears a tress/dress Disney Hunhcback of Notre Dame

 

Achilles Heeling Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Achilles Heeling Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Fun Fact- Achilles name was chosen just so they good do the “Achilles Heel” joke.

 

 

 

Next Time Djali -Hooray

Disney Djali from Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Disney Djali from Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Gargoyles – Victor, Hugo and Laverne.

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

The Gargoyles are the most annoying characters in this movie. They’re the comic relief but they fail at it (ok there are some funny bits but they’re few and very far between).

Hugo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo (voiced by Jason Alexander), the short piggish one, is a load mouth and the most annoying. He also has a thing for Djali.

Victor Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor (voiced Charles Kimbrough) is the tall prissy serious one. He is the least interesting.

Laverne Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne (voiced by Mary Wickes/ Jame Withers) is the old one who tells it like is. She is probably the most of tolerable of the gargoyles.

Victor and Hugo were named for Victor Hugo the author, the writers thought they were being clever and they  really wanted to prove they had read the book. Laverne was named after Laverne Andrews, one of The Andrew Sisters. They each have their own personalities and at least they balance each other out.

Hugo and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne and the birds Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne and the birds Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Theory goes that the  Gargoyles are aspects of Quasimodo’s imagination because he is a forced shut-in who is  desperate to be love. However the Director people who thought they were being all smart and junk by trying to deep and profound, forgot (actually they didn’t forget they’re just inconsistent) that Djali interacted with Hugo and they fought to defend Notre Dame.  Quasimodo’s main squeeze also saw the Gargoyles in the Sequel {shudders at the thought of the sequel shudders}. So let’s say that the directors are right and their theory  that the Gargoyles are imaginary holds water; does this mean Quasimodo imagines Djali seeing Hugo? Does his means when Quasimodo is crowned King of Fools he imagines the Gargoyles cheering him on?  Does he imagines the Gargoyles the throwing stuff off off Notre Dame and the soldiers getting hurt especially when Quasimodo is occupied? Does this mean that Quasimodo is the source the pop culture anachronisms? And if the Gargoyles are Quasimodo’s imagination does this mean that after Quasimodo made some real life friends and was accepted by the people the Gargoyles would cease to be? Because they’re still around in the {shudders} sequel {shudders}. If Quasimodo lives in his head this much does this mean Quasimodo in the book is more functional? Plus he must be contently winded from lugging three stone statues around the place, then again made that’s why he can lift up Phoebus in full armor one handed.  Personally I think that the Gargoyles are Pan’s Labyrinthesque beings; only those who are innocent and pure can see them, hence why Quasimodo and Djali can see them but they can some effect on the actual world.  Though in the German Musical, Der Glockner van Notre Dame, they are imaginary (and they have different names).

 

Victor, Hugo and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne draw pictures Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne draw pictures Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo in drag as Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo in drag as Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So why are the sidekicks Gargoyles in the first place? Well the oh so smartie directors said in the commentary that Quasimodo speaks to the Gargoyles in the book. They also claim that Quasimodo has long conversations (plural) with the Gargoyles. Looking over the book, I found that he was fond of a ‘grotesque personages sculptured on the wall’, and to this he says “why wasn’t I made of stone like you” (book 9 chapter 4  Earthenware and Crystal). I’m not sure what version of the novel they read where Quasimodo had long conversations with Gargoyles (1939 version? In the 1939 version Quasimodo utters this line to a gargoyle).   If they were going to base a sidekick character off of objects that Quasimodo had a relationship with, it should have been the bells. They could’ve a sassy bell named Patti (Patti the Bell (Patti LaBelle) bad joke) that would have much better than the Gargoyles.

Hugo plays poker Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo plays poker Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Victor and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Gargoyles Victor, Hugo and Laverne, make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what do the Gargoyles do in the film? They’re Quasimodo’s friends and guardians. They make [try] funny quips. They also make pop culture references. Disney has a habit of doing this. They started with the Genie in Aladdin. With the Genie it makes a level of sense because Genies are a supernatural beings, but in Hunchback this doesn’t work as well. The Gargoyles are part of Notre Dame, so how can they have inferences to the future? I don’t care that they magically – they’re part of an ancient building, they should be funny without making stupid references, Djali doesn’t resort it. Plus if they’re in fact imaginary, this means Quasimodo is the one doing it, so it makes even less sense.  The only thing that the Gargoyles do well is they get Quasimodo off his ass and encourage him. But they also build Quasimodo’s expectations up too high. They convince him that Esmeralda is in love with him, which leads to some of Quasimodo’s emoness when she doesn’t reciprocate.

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

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

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne trying to liberate Quasimodo in emo-mode Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne trying to liberate Quasimodo in emo-mode Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So the point of the Gargoyles is to provide levity but they just distract from the movie. Disney boasts the Hunchback as being their darkest movie but the Gargoyles hinder it.  Plus the movie has some good levity already, Phoebus, Esmeralda, Clopin, Djali, Achilles, those stupid bumbling guards, the old heretic, the torturer guy etc, they all provide good comedy while keeping the flow of the movie and without making references. Disney really could have done better in the sidekick department for Quasimodo.

Speaking of Sidekicks next time – Achilles and Djali

Disney Djali eating wooden a figurine

Disney Djali eating wooden a figurine

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

Next Character – Clopin – The Story Teller plus that Large life character who gets the big Musical Numbers

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin (voiced by Paul Kandel) is the Leader of The Court of Miracles, Master of Ceremonies and Story Teller of the film. He accomplishes all this with only about 8 minutes of screen/voice time in the movie. Amazing! Clopin also gets three song which means he sings the most songs in the film and each song is big and over the top. Despite his limited screen time Clopin exhibits a lot of personality. He’s fun loving, mischievous diplomatic, funny, and somewhat nice. He also has a puppet version of himself (he also has one of Frollo. Makes you think who else does Clopin have puppets of?)

Clopin Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

Isn’t it Cute???

 

 

 

Examples of Clopin varoius roles: Master of Ceremonies The Court of Miracles,  and Story Teller.

Clopin presenting Quasimodo as the "King of Fools" Disney Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Clopin presenting Quasimodo as the "King of Fools" Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin with Frollo Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin with Frollo Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clopin has looks very similar to Kuzco from the Emperor’s New Groove. Has a long pointy long face, straight long black hair, pointy nose, and thin. Clopin is older and has a few age lines, balding (a little bit) a beard, bushy eye brows and some missing teeth. Clopin gets two costumes, a performance look and a casual look. Unlike Esmeralda he is seen more in this performance outfit. It Harlequin that is purple and yellow with bells on his neck piece, a purple mask, and long back gloves. He has wears a purple hat with a big yellow feather. The hat is akin to the one that Thomas Mitchell wore in the 1939 version. Clopin casual costume looks similar to this performance garb but it all purple and less festive. He also wears the same hat. Like Esmeralda and Djali, Clopin also wears a single golden hoop earring. He cosplays (costume play) as Frollo. He also makes awesome expressions.

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Kuzco The Emperor's new Groove Disney  picture image

Kuzco from The Emperor's new Groove Disney

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo while tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo while tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo overruling his puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo overruling his puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clopin with Esmeralda Disney Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Clopin with Esmeralda Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Clopin and Esmeralda have some connection to each other independent of being Gypsies and living in the Court of Miracles. Since Esmeralda performs with him in the Feast of Fool and she has some sway in the Court she must have some significant connection to Clopin. Since we’re given no back story for these two it’s impossible to know for certain. He either raised her, they’re related, or Esmeralda is just well liked in the Court of Miracles. I wish there was an answer but I guess this would have taken too much focus off of Quasimodo.

 

 

Clopin with Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin with Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Like Phoebus, Clopin moonlights for the role of Gringoire. Gringoire in the book is a poet so in various versions Gringoire is a story teller, or the voice for the audience. Clopin fills this role, he tells the back story of Quasimodo and Frollo and reprises the theme of the film at the end.

 

Given his limited screen time there is not a ton that can be said for him as a character but he one of the most enjoyable characters in the film. He should have gotten more screen time!

Clopin Disney Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

Clopin Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

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

Clopin, Phoebus,and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next up
The Gargoyles (shutters)

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey People in internet land, make your opinions known (to me)! Who is your favorite character from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame? I’ll go first, I like Djali and Clopin. Now it’s your turn, don’ t be shy, I’d love to know. And you don’t like anyone well then say so ^_^.

Next Character – Phoebus – Auxiliary Hero?

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Part of Disney’s formula to success for their films  of the 90’s are archetypes. You have the hero/heroine, villain, sidekicks both good and evil, some kind of parental figure and some kind of larger than life characters that’s usually one of the side kicks (they’ll usually get the show stopper of the film). Of course these are not set in stone, different characters are given different presidencies. So how does Phoebus fit into the Disney’s archetypes? That’s a good question, he’s not the hero that’s Quasimodo. He’s not the villain, Frollo fits very snugly into that role. He’s not the heroine – wrong sex.  He’s not an annoying sidekick- the film already exhausted that one. He could be a villain sidekick as he worked for the villain but those are usually goofy or bumbling if a villain gets one at all and plus he not villainous. He’s kind of parental in the way he encourages Quasimodo but he’s not that archetype either. Mmmmmm, I’m out of archetypes. Well I guess Phoebus is the Auxiliary Hero. He does heroic stuff but all the credit goes to Quaismodo but Phoebus gets the girl. I guess Phoebus gets a better deal “half the work and a girlfriend.” Better luck in the sequel Quasi.

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus is a weird character in the realm of the Hunchback adaptions: sometimes he’s the hero, sometimes he’s an asshole, sometimes he just a plot point, sometimes you hardly notice him and sometimes he’s not even there. In this way Phoebus is like Pierre Gringoire. The differences between the two is Gringoire is a coward not a jerk and sometimes he’ll be the story teller.  Now for the people who have only seen the Disney film, Gringoire is not in the film but his characterization was split between Clopin and Phoebus.

 

Phoebus and Achilles Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

Phoebus and Achilles

Phoebus and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus noticing Esmeralda "Disgusting Display" Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus noticing Esmeralda's "Disgusting Display"

 

 

 

 

 

 

We’ll get back to thought in a bit but let’s look a Phoebus a little. Phoebus (voiced by Kevin Klein) is a nobel who is a captain in the army. At the start of the film he gets a promotion to Captain of the Judges’ Guards which means he has to  “take care” of Gypsies. This evidently wasn’t in the job description because he had no idea what he signed up for and he’s annoyed to come back from the wars to deal with beggars, street performers and fortune tellers. Phoebus has a dry wit, a lot of integrity and morality (He’s the male Esmeralda). He has a very different look than most disney men – he’s older and has facial hair (a first for Disney).   He falls for Esmeralda very early in the film when he first sees her dancing and is further interested when he sees her “conflict aversion” skills (the chase scene).

Phoebus executed Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus about to be executed Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo warn Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo warn Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

He saves Esmerlda from Frollo by saying  that she claimed sanctuary which she never did. Phoebus proves to be of the hero variety when he stands in opposition of Frollo’s mad man antics. Phoebus is ordered to burn down a house of a family who accused of harboring Gypsies with the family inside. Phoebus doesn’t compile and saves the family. Because Frollo doesn’t take kindly to people not obeying his every little insane whim, Phoebus is to be executed. Esmeralda creates a distraction and Phoebus tries escape on Frollo’s horse but is shot and falls into a river and Esmeralda has to save him agian. Esmeralda takes him to Notre Dame for safety. It’s there where they share the longest Disney kiss (over 30 seconds). After Frollo announces he going to attack the Court of Miracles, Phoebus unwittingly encourages Quasimodo to warn Esmeralda and the rest of the Gypsies. So they find the Court of Miracle and after a brif encourter with the noose, he and Quasimdo warn the Gypsies to leave but Frollo shows up and arrests everyone. So Phoebus is to be executed after Esmeralda but luckily Quasimodo saves Esmeralda and Phoebus escape his cage and rallies the people to fights against Frollo. Phoebus then saves Quasimodo from falling off Notre Dame and happy ending are shared by all (except Frollo).

Captured Phoebus and Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Captured Phoebus and Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus Rallies the People Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus Rallies the People Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Happy Ending Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Esmeralda Happy Ending Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

So Phoebus is a hero but Quaismodo is the focused hero  and the film never wants you to forget that. Back to the thought of Phoebus filling in as Gringoire. Gringoire in the book has the best relationship with Esmeralda and that’s why so many of the films place these two together more than the Phoebus/Esmeralda relationship.   The rallying of  the people and helping Esmeralda are   things that Gringoire exhibits. One of the deleted songs from the Disney version called  “As Long as there a Moon” and it occurs right after Esmeralda saves Phoebus and Quasimodo from Clopin’s fun. It was supposed to be a love song for Phoebus and Esmeralda and  it included a wedding ceremony where they smashed a pitcher. So Phoebus takes on Gringoire in this delated scene. The reason why it was delated is because the  directors felt it took the focus off of Quasimodo but it really did throw off the pacing of the film

Phoebus – Hey Frollo’s coming leave now,

Clopin – Ok, but let’s have a wedding first,

Phoebus – Well that’s sensible

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo Hug Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus and Quasimodo Hug Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phoebus is a very mallable character that can be used to carter to the whims of the movie. In the Disney film he’s a  male Esmeralda (think about it, they’re the same) he does everything Esmeralda does, stand for the same things, gets into the same scrapes as she does and is an agent of Quasimodo’s liberation.  In book Phoebus is not that static of character, Phoebus changes in his regard for his fiancee Fleur de Lys. In the Disney movie he has a change, which was defying Frollo’s authority but from the word go he was never keen on Frollo’s politics so it was only matter of time (a day) for that insubordination to occur. Phoebus a fun character and he did prove necessary for the story that Disney was telling.

Next Character – Clopin

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tell me who your favorite character from Disney Hunchback? Just Leave a comment or just leave a comment about any old thing that you want to say about Phoebus or the Hunchback in general. Until Next Time!

Next Character: Esmeralda; The Heroine

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Disney Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame dancing

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda is a gypsy dancer who is the subject of the three male main characters’ affections. She’s very beautiful and sensual. In this version Esmeralda is 100% Romani. She has a dark complexion (darker than Jasmine), thick black hair and emerald green eyes (attributive to her name). She wears a white chemise blouse that off shoulder, a blue corset with thin gold stripes, a purple skirt with a darker purple kercheif

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame red dress image picture

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame Dancing

worn at the hip with coin trim. She wears some gold jewelry; bracelets, an anklet and one gold hoop. She were a pink scarf in her hair to keep her hair back. She has a second outfit, that is used as an formal dance costume. It’s red with purple flutter sleeves and a purple sash at the waist. In addition to her normal jewelry she where a bindi and a crown.

 

 

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda helping Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda is a very different type of Disney Heroine, she’s  mature and not a dreaming of new life. She deals with her lot in life and gets by the best she can. To make a income she dances.She also dabbles in fortune telling. She is also in the company or her goat Djali. Djali acts are her security system, warning her of danger and trying to protect her from would be harm. In the Disney version, Djali doesn’t get her into in trouble like in book. Infact Djali helps her get out of trouble by helping her deguise as an old begger man.

 

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda demanding Justice Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda’s main motivation is social justice for mainly her own people but also for those on the outskirts of the social order (i.e. Quasimodo). It’s in this way she is the opposition of Frollo and she hates  him and defies him every chance she gets. Prior to her defiance she teased/mocked him with her flirtatious dancing during the festival of fools.  She also wary of those in power positions. That’s why she didn’t take a shining to Phoebus at first, but his persistent charm and wit won her over (plus saving an innocent family that almost cost him his life didn’t hurt much either).

 

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda dealing with soldiers Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame red dress picture image costume

Esmeralda mocks Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda defying Frollo by helping Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esmeralda and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Speaking of Phoebus and Esmeralda here is a little point I would like to make. A few people feel that it was shallow of Esmeralda to choose Phoebus over Quasimodo. In movies, couples are usually established early, you can usually tell whose going to end up together. As a I mention in another post Esmeralda and Phoebus only have one scene without either Frollo or Quasimodo and that is where they are both introduced, meaning that their relationship was established before either of them met Frollo or Quasimodo. Also I can’t see Esmeralda and Quaismodo being anything but friends. She treats Quasimodo with kindness and politeness  and comes off like an older family member; she really does treat him with kid gloves. There is no  passion unlike  Esmeralda and Phoebus. The creators wanted a romance  between Esmeralda and Phoebus and  that what the movie worked towards.

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

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

 

 

 

Esmeralda and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Djali having a little fun Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

As far of Esmeralda’s personality, she’s kind, she has a dry wit and she’s loyal to her friends. She is  very resourceful, for example Phoebus owns his life to her make-shift sling shot that saved him from decapitation. She also has a bit of mischievous streak. During the chase after she frees Quasimodo she looks like she is legitimately having fun avoiding arrest while raising some hell.  She also uses her feminine charms to get what she wants. She uses it to earn money from dancing but she also gives Quasimodo a peak on the check to get him to allow her to visit him. She is very physically fit; she dances, very agile in a fight (or chase), she can swim underwater, hold her breath long enough to get Phoebus out of his armor and pull up in record time. She also has seems to have some sway in the Court of Miracles as she can stop executions

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda exerting some power Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

and order the people to leave. She also can seem to refer people to the Court, not sure if that map/cryptic instructions she gave Quasimodo are standrad issue in the Court of  Miracles or if she is some high rank there. Not only that but the other Gypsies wouldn’t devalue her location, meaning either they’re loyal to their fellow gypsies or she is respected. She also seems to have a close relationship to Clopin who like in the book is leader in the Court of Miracles. She performs with him and he not put off with her meddling in the hanging of Quaismodo and Phoebus, which Clopin seem to be enjoying. It seems to me that she must hold some power amongst her people or the Court of Miracle is egalitarian.

 

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame singing "God Help the Outcast" picture image

Esmeralda singing “God Help the Outcast” Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda is not a dynamic character. She remains  consistent throughout the movie; she’s mature, self-confident and kind at the beginning and she remains that way thoughout the end. The only aspect about that changes is her feelings towards Phoebus. In defense of static characters, Esmeralda is not a dynamic character in the book either and Disney doesn’t do dynamic characters very often.

 

 

 

Esmeralda and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame grope picture image

Frollo gropes Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda avoiding Frollo’s hunt Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo arresting Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esmeralda is not a typical heroine, the scarps she gets into are serious. She’s almost arrested, assaulted in a church, threaten, hunted down by a control-freak mad man, almost burned, nearly dies of asphyxiation and then chased with a six foot sword a top a massive edifice. Makes other Disney heroine’s tribulations look like a child’s play. All she really did to get into all that trouble was being a Gypsy and a defing a powerful public offical; she stayed in trouble because of her beauty and sex appeal.

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image stake

Esmeralda on the stake Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Quasimodo thinking Esmeralda has died Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quasimodo being threaten Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre dame picture image

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

I admit it was refreshing to see a different type of heroine when I first saw the movie in 1996 and it’s great that  Disney ventured outside the profitable typical Disney heroine. If Hunchback had come out before this shift in heroine  Esmeralda could have easily fit into the Disney princess line. Now if your thinking “Esmeralda’s not a princess” well I would say neither is Mulan but let me explain some minor points. The Disney Princess brand isn’t actually about the characters being princesses  it’s about how their movies did with girls in a certain age demographics, hence why Esmeralda isn’t in the line up already.  But if Esmeralda behaved more like Ariel, Belle, or Jasmine (dreamer wanting more) she may have done better with young girls, though it’s hard to say. I suppose the creators thought Quasimodo fit  dreamer model better than Esmeralda and she would do better as an agent of Quasimodo’s liberation from being a focused shut-in. But another point worth mentioning is Esmeralda in the book fits the Disney princess mold very well and she was very well regarded in the Court of Miracles. So making like a princess wouldn’t have been a stretch and she does dream of a different life with regards to Phoebus. I wonder if Disney regrets this since the Disney Princess line was establish in 2001.

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

Esmeralda, Quasimodo and Phoebus leaving Notre Dame

 

 

Next Character –Phoebus

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre dame picture image

Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next up the Villain: Frollo

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame  picture image

Judge Claude Frollo

Frollo is Quasimodo’s counterpoint and the Villain of the movie. Frollo is a bit different from other Disney villains. Many of the villains are trying to get more power (Ursula, Jafar, Scar etc), Frollo already has Power, he is the High Justice of Paris. His motivation keeping control and he is fueled by hate. He thinks he’s better than everyone else from a moral stand point and if he judges it as amoral than he thinks he is in the right, from killing an innocent women, to trying to kill a baby, burning Paris or attempted genocide.

 

Disney Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Judge Claude Frollo

Disney villains generally have two looks to them, elegant and slim or fat yet still elegant. Frollo is of the elegant, slim and tall variety. Looking at the concept art you can see parallels between Disney’s Frollo and Sir Cedric Hardwicke. He dresses like noble but

Concept Art for Frollo disney Hunchabck of notre dame picture image

Concept Art for Frollo

we’re given no back story other than his relationship with Quasimodo so we have no where he comes from. In the musical Der Glökner von Notre Dame ( German musical by Alan Menkan based on the Disney movie) Frollo was a priest prior to becoming the high Justice, which makes  his pious-bent makes a little more sense, but you don’t go from a priest to High Justice. At least in 1939 version his piousness was the result of having a Brother who was the Archdeacon. With Disney Frollo there is no hint or reason given for a morally-corrupt pious Judge. You can make guesses as to  what the reason is for Frollo’s behavior but Disney films have never been a venue for giving out much character development of their villains. Character Development might prompt sympathy. My Guess would be being pious and acting moral helps Frollo maintain his hold over the Parisians.

 

Frollo and Quasimodo Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo and Qausimodo

Frollo is very conniving and manipulative. He raises Quasimodo out of guilt for killing Quasimodo’s mother in front of Notre Dame  but he keeps him locked away in Notre Dame. I can’t quite figure out his logic for keeping Quasimodo in Notre Dame (other than the almighty plot and source material told him to), I mean Frollo lives in a jail. Anyway Frollo also raises Quasimodo with the hope that Quasimodo will be useful to him in some capacity. It’s hard to know if Frollo actually likes Quasimodo or he simply likes the dynamics of their Master/slave:Father/son relationship. My guess is Frollo all about Power and keeping power and Quasimodo serves as a consistent reminder of his hold over Paris and when Quasimodo proved too willful for him he tried to kill him.

Frollo and Quasimodo Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo trying to control Quasimodo

Frollo and Quasimodo Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo trying to kill Quasimodo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Esmeralda Disney red dress costume picture image

Esmeralda giving Frollo a Kiss

In direct opposition to Frollo’s control is Esmeralda. Esmeralda is everything that Frollo hates, she’s a free-spirited Gypsy who dances and lives outside the social order that he controls.  Frollo first notices her when she danced a very sensual dance and kissed him on the nose. The dance, while getting his attention wasn’t the factor to make him obsessives towards her, it was her defying him in support of Quasimodo who was being tortured by the crowd. Esmeralda uses some parlor tricks that Frollo misconstrues as witchcraft (another of Frollo’s turn off) and after a merry chase she gives him the slip

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame groping Esmeralda picture image

Frollo groping Esmeralda

and  goes into Notre Dame. Frollo’s obsession for her intensify to the point where he has to over come her, at this point by arresting her. Frollo tries to arrest her in Notre Dame but due sanctuary, she is protected. It’s at this point Frollo loses control and gropes her, and sniffs her hair, and thus the lust begins.  As he can’t arrest her, he blocks her in Notre Dame stationing guards at every door of the cathedral. Frollo then sings about how his losing control is the fault  of Esmeralda and not his (Hellfire). At this point arresting Esmeralda is not enough, he needs to be in possession of her or she mustn’t exists.  It’s

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Hellfire picture image

Frollo and an illusion of Esmeralda during Hellfire

during this song where he  learns that once again that Esmeralda has given him the slip.  Frollo then goes on a spree of burning Paris, trying to bribe other Gypsies for Esmeralda’s whereabouts and then arresting them for not being helpful.  Frollo  manipulates Quasimodo to learn the

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame with Esmeralda picture image

Frollo’s ultimatum to Esmeralda

location of the Court of Miracles. This is where Esmeralda is when Frollo attacks and arrests everyone there. As Esmeralda is tied to the stake and about to be burn, Frollo gives Esmeralda his final ultimatum, (him or Flame). Ultimately, like all Disney  movies there is a climax that ends with the villain’s death, like many Disney movies, Frollo is not killed or subdue by the hero, he’s actually about to kill Esmeralda and Quasimodo but the gargoyle he is standing on breaks and Frollo falls to his death. So the real hero of the story is Notre Dame.

Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame death picture  image

Frollo’s Death

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Hellfire picture image

Frollo singing Hellfire

So in the history Disney of Villains, Frollo is one of the favorite. Nostalgia Critic and Nostalgia Chick from the immensely popular website Thatguywiththeglasses.com, ranked Frollo as one of the best villains after The Chernabog from Fanastia and Mola Ram from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, respectively. As far as Disney Villains go, he’s guilty of some of the most heinous acts. Within the first two minutes of his introduction, he kills

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Kicking Quasimodo's mother Disney picture image

Frollo killing Quasimodo’s Mother

a women and tries to kill a baby, he shows no remorse for

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Well Disney picture image

Frollo attempting to drown baby Quasimodo

these acts, in fact he justifies them; the women ran, he just followed (he must have thought the kick was an act of God) and he justifies almost killing a baby because it’s ugly (ok he thinks it’s a monster, hey Frollo you’re no great beauty either).  What makes Frollo more compelling as a Villain is his control and power and the fact that he thinks he both righteous and pure.

Next Time – Esmeralda
Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame red dress costume picture image

Esmeralda