In the Spirit of Valentine’s Day I want to pick Fan-Art that was romantic in nature but then I saw this;
Notre Dame Pick Up Lines by Samahatter
It was so silly and on point that I had to post it this week. Art by SamaHatter. I also like the mixing of the Hunchback sources as inspiration for how the guys look also I love the cute style.
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
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
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
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
More Pictures of the Asian Tour cast of Notre Dame de Paris for everyone. Please Enjoy!
Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Ian Carlyle as Clopin Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour of Notre Dame de Paris
Stephen Webb as Phoebus and Lily-Jane Young as Fleur de Lys Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Robert Marien as Frollo and Matt Laurent as Quasimodo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Candice Parise as Esmeralda and Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Cadice Parise as Esmeralda performing Court of Miracles Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Candice Parise as Esmeralda and Matt Laurent performing the Pagan Ave Maria Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Matt Laurent as Quasimodo and Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Dancers performing Attack on Notre Dame Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Comment if you like these Notre Dame de Paris Picture Posts. ^_~
I’ve found a ton of pictures from the Asian Tour Cast but in an effort to keep my sanity I’m going to post them over a series of posts, so Enjoy!
Dennis Ten Vergert as Gringoire Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Ian Carlyle as Clopin Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Candice Parise as Esmeralda Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Stephen Webb as Phoebus and Lily-Jane Young as Fleur de Lys Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Dancer Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Court of Miracles Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Stephen Webb as Phoebus Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Robert Marien as Frollo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
Matt Laurent as Quasimodo Asian Tour Notre Dame de Paris
This is the fifth part of my review on the music of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda
Esmeralda saving Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda is the closing number of Act 1 so it’s high on drama and plot. This song takes place when Frollo is searching for Esmeralda and Phoebus realizes that he would rather be “good than smart”, (morality over career ambition) and he disobeys Frollo. After he stands up to Frollo, Frollo condemn his to death and Phoebus flees with Esmeralda’s help. Frollo then begins to burn down Paris for Esmeralda while Quasimodo worries.
Musically this song is the melody that Clopin and Esmeralda sing in Tanz auf dem Seil and Draußen. However there are other melodies floating around in this piece and therefore it have more of mash-up feel.
Frollo and Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
What I like about this song is that it speaks to the basic plot of Hunchback, three men one women. There is another famous Notre Dame song like this, mmm but it’s name escapes me, what could it be?
Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
All in all Esmeralda is a very dramatic song that ends the first act perfectly with Phoebus falling into a river. Mmm that reminds me of another Hunchback musical where the first act ends with Phoebus getting injured, mmm which one was that?
Click here to watch a video of Esmeralda being performed on Stage
Note – this song made my list of the top Ten Best Hunchback song which was my fist squidoo lens. Click Here to go there now
Next time – Trommeln in der Stadt & Ein Mann wie du
Mob Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
This is the second part of the music review of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Tanz auf dem Seil
Esmeralda and Clopin Tanz auf dem Seil Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Tanz auf dem Seil (Dance on the Rope) is first new song of the show. It introduces Clopin as the Leader of the Gypsies and to Esmeralda. Clopin starts the song by telling the audience and the new members of the Court of Miracles what roles they play in Paris as Travelers. Those roles are beggars, artist, and the scapegoats and they must understand them in order to survive. One of the newcomers catches Clopin’s attention and that is Esmeralda, a dancer. Esmeralda had to move to Paris as she can’t keep her opinions to herself and it gets her into trouble but she is determine to try and make Paris her home.
Musically this song is fun. Clopin sings a bit of the from the final number of act one Esmeralda (which is one of my favorite from the show {it got the 8th position in my top ten best hunchback songs list ). But more than that Tanz auf dem Seil shows the audience how the Court of Miracles functions and what it means to be a Gypsy in Paris under Frollo’s control. It also gives Esmeralda a back story and ironically it seems to take it a bit from the 1939 version where Esmeralda was new in Paris and the Court of Miracles. Plus it’s nice to know that the map amulets were standard issue as you see Clopin give it to Esmeralda.
This song is the first big number of the show so I’m sure the staging was full of dancing. I enjoy this song, it’s interesting, informative, and fun.
To watch a clip of Tanz auf dem Seil performed on stage click here
Ein bißchen Freude
Fredrik Lycke as Phoebus in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Ein bißchen Freude (A Bit of Joy) introduces us to Phoebus. Like the movie, Phoebus has been relieved of military duty and has been promoted to Captain of the Guard. Unlike the Disney movie, Phoebus here acts more like he does in the book. He just wants to indulge in vices and have lots of “wine, women and song” you know A bit of Joy. He also flirts with a random girl during the course of the song. It also gives us some basis for character development with Phoebus seeing him start out as more of a member of the “common, weak, licentious” crowd to becoming a more righteous person later at the end of act one.
Musically the song uses the Phoebus’ Lemotif from Disney (you know that march music you hear when Phoebus is first introduced). It’s a good introduction to Phoebus as a combination with Disney and the book. The song has good energy and a bit of fun and it’s nice to hear Phoebus get a song to himself (spoiler- this is Phoebus’ only solo song).
Drunter drüber
Esmeralda, Quasimodo and Clopin Drunter drüber Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Drunter drüber (Topsy Turvy) is similar to the Disney version but there are a lot of big little differences. A quick staccato introduces the song and seems like people running to get there in time for the start. Then it follows the songs with the crowds and Clopin. Quasimodo get some lines here to the tune of Out There (Draußen {His Leitmotif}). Also the music of Esmeralda’s dance is different. It’s slower and sounds more like what is typically considered “Travelers Music.” So you can imagine her dance is not the pole dance of the Disney movie, but you couldn’t really have a stage actress performing the moves Esmeralda did in the movie plus in book I don’t think Esmeralda would have done the those moves either. So the slow tempo dance music is a nice mitigation
Drunter drüber is akin to the Disney version but the difference make it fun and interesting and fun in its own right.
To watch a video of Drunter drüber performed on stage Click here
Next Time –
Hilf den Verstoß’nen (God Help the Outcast)
Hoch über der Weltt (High above the World)
Esmeralda and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Pictures are of the Original cast of Der Gloeckner Von Notre Dame
Drew Sarich as Quasimodo in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Quasimodo in this version is not deaf but he has trouble expressing himself in verbal communication. He is however able to express himself when he sings. He seems to have a more of a morose attitude than he had in the Disney version but he is still pretty much the same.
Judy Weiss as Esmeralda in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda is a young dancer who is a newcomer to the Court of Miracles. She gets very frustrated with inequality. She a has a difficulty keeping her thoughts to herself which is why she had to move to Paris and why she gets in trouble with Frollo. She is not a sassy or as sexual aware as she in the movie but she does come off sweeter and naive, which is more like the book.
Norbert Lamla as Frollo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Frollo was a priest in his youth and decided that Paris needed to be save so he became a became a Judge. He hates Gypsy and believes that they are sole the problem with Paris. He takes care of Quasimodo as a act of contrition for killing Quasimodo’s mother. He hopes Quasimodo will think like him and his emotional abuse is something that he is unaware of. Frollo becomes consumed with lust for Esmeralda which drives him insane. He thinks the cure is either to possess her or destroy her. He seems to have intensity than he has in movie. I would also point out that Frollo being a former priest is only mention once. (Then again I can’t find the copy of the script I found ages go and I didn’t read the whole thing, so it could have been mention several time in the dialogue portion {that’s the problem with not have a public DVD recording of the show}).
Fredrik Lycke as Phoebus in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Phoebus is the newly promoted Captain of the Guards. He hopes the job will offer him some rest and relaxation. He also enjoys flirting with girls. After meeting Esmeralda he decides that he rather be good than obey Frollo’s insane orders and becomes a criminal. I rather like that Phoebus starts off similar to the book more or less a playboy type and then betters himself.
Jens Janke as Clopin in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Clopin is the story teller, leader of the Court of Miracles and the Festival of Fools. Clopin does very little for the plot but he seems to enjoy regaling the tale to the audince and providing exposition. In his storyteller role he dresses like an old begger which further separates his character into two distinct characters unlike the movie where he does as pretty the same person.
Tamas Ferkay as Antoine in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Valentin Zahn as Charles in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Yvonne Ritz Andersen as Loni in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
The Gargoyles are Quasimodo’s imaginary friends. They try to encourage Quasimodo to leave Notre Dame and recuses Esmeralda. They also try to comfort him after Esmeralda dies. They don’t have the over the top personalities that their Disney counterparts have nor do the make pop culture references or fart jokes. Their levity is light-hearted and subtle. I don’t think the production could really take these character away nor could they make them akin to Disney movie characters if they wanted to achieve a dark tone. So making them subtle and completely imaginary was a good way to handle them, though they are still a bit annoying but no where near the level they are in the movie.
*Trivia – Gargoyles names are taking from Famous actors who played Quasimodo:
Loni- Lon Chaney (1923)
Charles – Charles Laughton (1939)
Antoine – Anthony Hopkins (1982)
Carlo Lauber as the Archdeacon in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
The Archdeacon guilts Frollo into taking care of Quasimodo. He also orders Frollo to leave Notre Dame when he tries to arrest Esmeralda. He is also the one who asks Quasimodo to hide Phoebus after he is shot. Like the Disney movie he does have that much personality. He does seem to do a bit more in the play than the movie but not much.
Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
In a nutshell Der Glöckner von Notre Dame follows the plot of the Disney movie. So please forgive me for rehashing the Disney plot, more or less. Also please forgive me, it’s a little hard to review this as I can’t watch the show in it’s entirety.
Act 1
Frollo (Norbert Lamla) with Baby Quasimodo and the Archdeacon Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Der Glöckner von Notre Dame starts with Clopin dressed as an old Beggar, telling the origin tale of Frollo and Quasimodo, in which a group of Gypsies try to illegally enter Paris and are ambushed by the Minster of Justice, Claude Frollo. One of these gypsies is a mother who attempts to flee and tries to claim sanctuary in Notre Dame but Frollo accidently kills her. The Archdeacon guilts Frollo in taking care of baby who is deformed, Frollo agrees to raise the baby, which he named Quasimodo and hopes he can raise him to think like him.
Quasimodo with Antoine, Charles and Loni Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Twenty years later Quasimodo is the bell ringer of Notre Dame. Quasimodo is shy, awkward, and is of few words. His only friends are imaginary Gargoyles, Antoine, Charles, and Loni. The gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to venture outside for the Festival of Fools. Frollo visits Quasimodo and tells him that if Quasimodo were to leave he’ll only confront the cruelty of the world but the Gargoyles keep telling him to disobey Frollo. After Frollo leaves, Quasimodo’s desire to spend one day outside wins over his loyalty to Frollo.
Esmeralda and Clopin Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
As the Parisians prepare for the Festival of Fools, Clopin, the King of Gypsies and leader of the Court of Miracles prepares the Gypsies for the festival. A newcomer to the Court of Miracle becomes the focus of their attention. This newcomer is a young dancer named Esmeralda. While this is occurring, Phoebus is returning to Paris and if excited about his new promotion and hoped to get to a little rest and relaxation in this new post. He also takes this time to flirt with a local girl. His flirting is interrupted with a gypsy accused of theft is fleeing. the gypsy pleads their innocence but Frollo arrives of the scene and orders the soldier to arrest the Gypsy. Frollo tells Phoebus he plans on finding the Court of Miracles eliminating the Gypsy.
Quasimodo and Clopin Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
As the Festival begins Quasimodo dresses in a disguise to hide from Frollo’s gaze. However Frollo’s gaze follows to Esmeralda as she dances for the crowd. After her dance, the King of Fools contest starts. Thinking Quasimodo’s face is a mask, Esmeralda pulls him on stage where is he then crowned the King and then the crowd turns on him and he humiliated. Esmeralda helps Quasimodo and openly insults Frollo for his cruelty. Frollo orders Phoebus to arrest her but Esmeralda disappears. Frollo then scolds Quasimodo for disobedience and sends hims back to Notre Dame.
Esmeralda singing Helf den Verstoß'nen Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda follows Quasimodo into Notre Dame but Phoebus catches her in the cathedral and Frollo arrives to arrest her but the Archdeacon orders Frollo to leave because she is protected under sanctuary. Frollo orders guards at every door of the cathedral to ensure that Esmeralda can’t escape. Esmeralda then prays for her people and the down-trodden.
Esmeralda and Quasimodo Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda follows Quasimodo up to the bell tower. Once up there, Esmeralda becomes captivated by the view of Paris. The Gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to talk with Esmeralda. Quasimodo tries a little bit but then in order to repay her kindness he helps her escape. Before leaving Esmeralda gives Quasimodo an amulet which will lead him to the Court of Miracles should he ever need her and she give a kiss on the cheek. After she takes her leave, Quasimodo expresses his tender feelings of love for her while Frollo expresses the torment she brings him and feelings of lust.
Esmeralda saving Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Frollo hears that Esmeralda has fled the cathedral. Frollo asks Quasimodo where she has gone and Quasimodo lies to Frollo by claiming her doesn’t know. Phoebus then realizes Frollo is insane and defies him. Frollo orders Phoebus to be executed but Esmeralda saves him while Frollo and his men begin the search for her by burning Paris to ground. As Phoebus is fleeing he is shot by an arrow and falls into a river.
Act 2
Mob Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Frollo’s men continue their search while Esmeralda rescues Phoebus and tells him to seek sanctuary at Notre Dame while she returns to the Court of Miracles. Meanwhile the Gargoyles convince Quasimodo that Esmeralda has romantic feeling towards him and is safe from Frollo’s madness. The Archdeacon then bring Phoebus up to the bell tower knowing that Esmeralda is friends with Quasimodo asks him to hide Phoebus.
Quasimodo, Phoebus and the Gargoyles Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Frollo then turns up at the Bell Tower and finds out that Quasimodo helped her escape. Frollo then tells Quasimodo that he knows the location of the Court of Miracles he plans on attacking at dawn. After Frollo leaves Phoebus asks Quasimodo to help him find the Court of Miracles and warn Esmeralda. Quasimodo refuses to leave the cathedral but Phoebus and the gargoyles tell him about the values of devotion and selflessness, and Quasimodo agrees.
Dance of the Gypsies Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Quasimodo uses Esmeralda’s amulet to find the Court of Miracles. The Gypsies assume that that they are Frollo’s spies but Esmeralda assures them that they are their friends. Phoebus tells them about Frollo’s plans. Clopin orders the Gypsies to leave. Esmeralda and Phoebus decide to leave the city together while Quasimodo watches them and is heartbroken as Esmeralda prepares to leave with the man she truly loves. However before anyone can flee the Court of Miracles, Frollo’s men show up and arrests everyone and reveals that he followed Quasimodo.
Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda singing Einmal Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Quasimodo is taken back to Notre Dame where he is tied up. The Gargoyles implore him to help Esmeralda but Quasimodo tell them to leave him. Frollo visits Esmeralda in jail and offers her freedom by becoming his women. She tells Phoebus that she would except Frollo’s offer if only to save him but Phoebus tell her to do it for herself but she tells him that a life with Frollo doesn’t seem like living. As Esmeralda awaits her execution she hopes that humanity learns to live in peace.
Molten Lead Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Esmeralda is tied to the stake and she refuses Frollo and he lights the pyre. Quasimodo seeing Esmeralda in pain rescues her and takes her into the safety of Notre Dame. Frollo’s order an attack on Notre Dame and Phoebus and the other Parisian stand up against Frollo. Quasimodo defends the cathedral with molten lead and as he tells Esmeralda he has won he sees her die. As Esmeralda is dying she thanks Quasimodo for being an good friend. Quasimodo mourns her as Frollo breaks into the room to try to kill him. In a fit of rage Quasimodo throws Frollo off of Notre Dame. The Gargoyles try to console Quasimodo by saying the world is full of good and evil. Quasimodo then carries Esmeralda’s body though the Square with Phoebus by his side. Clopin appears and brings the show full circle and ask what makes a monster and what makes a man.
Quasimodo carry Esmeralda and Phoebus Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Next Time – Characters of Der Glöckner von Notre Dame Musical
Ann Christin Elverum as Esmeralda Der Glöckner von Notre Dame
Diseneycember
So in December 2011 Doug walker ( who plays the insanely Popular Internet Critic Character The Nostalgia Critic on That Guy With the Glasses) reviewed all the Disney Featured Films. And Since I have a Blog about the Hunchback of Notre Dame this gives me the right to do a review of a review, clique I know. So Here we go.
Esmeralda in the dungeon of La Tournelle. Illustration by Burdet
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Louis Boulanger's Illustration of Frollo, Esmeralda and Sachette
The first I noticed that either Walker hasn’t read the book or it’s been a while. First thing he claims the book is “Dark and Twisted.” Now I could I be the twisted one but I don’t find the book that dark or twisted. I mean I guess since main all the characters die and it has a tormented Priest as a main character this qualifies it as “dark” but there are darker books in the world. And dare I say there is a lot of humor. Maybe it’s because it a French story that the darker element stick out and it if were Russian it would fit in. Maybe it’s because people are inclined to thinking the book is of the Gothic Style, which it is not it’s actually Romantic. Anyway the Book will have it’s time here but I disagree with Walker, it’s comparatively darker than some Books but Twisted: No.
Aimé de Lemud Illustration of Phoebus saving Esmeralda from Quasimodo
Esmeralda defying Frollo by helping Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Esmeralda being Tortured
Another thing that made it clear he doesn’t recall the book is the mentioning of the crimes by Esmeralda and Quasimodo. He says that Quasimodo “accidently commits some sort of crime” and he claims that Esmeralda is not arrested for witchcraft. Quasimodo doesn’t accidently kidnapped Esmeralda, Frollo orders him to do it and he does no question. And Esmeralda 100% accused of witchcraft, there was a whole thing in the book where she accused of turning a coin in a dry leave and the tricks she taught Djali which are far more innocent than her trick in the Disney movie. Considering the Kidnapped attempt and Esmeralda’s trail are big portions of the plot I’m not going to let this generalization of Walker’s part go. But then again these scenes are not really in the Disney movie it’s a little forgivable.
Quasimodo as the King of Fools Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Illustration of Quasimodo as the Pope of Fools by Edouard de Beaumont 1844
Shock the Priest Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Another slight problem with his fact checking is the Feast of Fools, Walker calls it a celebrations of Gypsy but the Feast of Fools was a Festival which akin to April’s Fool. Also he brings up some confusion on the way the Gypsy are portrayed. I think that in his thinking the Feast of Fool tripped him up in this explanation but when he says that Esmeralda say that they’re not all thieves but then there is the Court of Miracle where they keep there stolen stuff. However this a problem of making the Court of Miracles in a Gypsy haven which is not in either the book or actuality. In the book the Court of Miracles is where beggars and thieves lives and some Gypsy live there as well including Esmeralda. In actuality the Court of Miracles is the slums.
Gargoyles A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Walker is a fan of this movie however like me he did hate the Gargoyles. He bring up an interesting point about the Gargoyles being Judgmental and berating each others one looks, which goes against the point of the movie. Walker admits that he could have given the film credit if they were imaginary. The thing is they were supposed to be, if you listen to the commentary that’s what they strived for but they just forgot and there are too many inconsistencies. The film tried they just failed to make that aspect come out.
Molten Lead over Notre Dame Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Frollo groping Esmeralda
Notre Dame of Paris Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Walker likes the look of the movie, how grand everything looks and the shear scope. He likes both Frollo and Quasimodo but really didn’t mention the other character except the Gargoyles. He did mention Esmeralda and Phoebus’ romance being boring. He like Hellfire and The Bells of Notre Dame. He like that the film tackles the issues of faith, Good, Evil, Heaven, Hell and Lust. Which if you’re going to do Hunchback of Notre Dame you need to handle the lust, I mean that drives the plot.
Frollo and Baby Quasimodo during the Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunch back of Notre Dame
Esmeralda as a fire demon dancing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Walker admits the film is clunky but on the whole he loves it. He can understand why it wasn’t a be hit and he admires it for the risks it took.
Djali licking Phoebus with Esmeralda Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney
The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Clopin, Phoebus and Quasimodo Court of Miracles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
The thing about it is if you’re a fan of Hugo’s book, you can still like it, I think you just have to accept it as a different story, which it is. I’ve commented enough on this version (6 months) but it’s not a bad movie for what it is: a children’s version of Hunchback of Notre Dame, it works, so I agree with Walker, just wished his fact checking had been better. (Though I’m not a big fan of Quasimodo)
Quasimodo reacting to the craziness Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Madeline and Quasimodo kiss Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney
Phoebus and Esmeralda Kiss Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Stupid La Fidèle Hunchback of Notre Dame II
In the case of Disney’s Hunchback sequel, this was Disney’s chance to give Quasimodo a love story as they didn’t in the original movie because Esmeralda and Phoebus are made for each other and pretty much the some person. However the whole plot with the bell was stupid. What Disney should have done was used the sequel to mitigate between the book and the movie instead of creating a villain who was pretty much universally despised by the masses, an idiotic impractical bell and not utilizing the more beloved main characters -Esmeralda, Clopin, and Djali.
Bruno Pelletier as Gringoire in Notre Dame de Paris
Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
Madeline Hunchback of Notre Dame II Disney
Here what they should have done, since Disney is in the business of contrived romances we’ll keep the Madeline character but instead of working for a vain magical bell thief she’ll be in league with Gringoire whose is a poet and a goat thief. Gringoire is original to the book and he does steals/rescues Djali. But having Djali as a focal point it would have been easier to incorporate Esmeralda and Clopin. Plus Djali was a smart Goat who could spell, tell time and do numerous of other tricks, plus Disney could have marketed more Djali toys instead that stupid Bell. Plus there would have been no lame Sarousch or hopefully no Zephyr. (Did anyone like either of them? Seriously I wanna know.)
Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame
However, I think Disney should have forgone the whole Quasimodo story line and done a prequel with Esmeralda because I can tell you right know more people search for Esmeralda than Quasimodo, she is just more popular. I think an Esmeralda backstory who have been a better waste of time. Who agrees? I mean we know nothing of Esmeralda’s childhood, parents, how she came to the Court of Miracles, or anything. I guess this makes her mysterious but it would have been more interesting to watch than watching Quasimodo force a girl into liking him with a jewel-crusted bell that isn’t even in the first movie. An Esmeralda origin tale would have mitigated the Disney story of Hunchback and Hugo’s Notre Dame de Paris, I mean Esmeralda is the titular character and the book revolves around her and Disney trying to downplay her in favor of Quasimodo just didn’t work. So they should have done a Prequel full of Esmeralda and not the sequel that they poop out.
Next Time – Conclusion Time for the Sequel
Frollo hates the Hunchback sequel and is happy to watch it burn
