Day 34: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

Starring: Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Heidi Mollenhauer, Tony Jay, Kevin Kline, Paul Kandel, Charles Kimbrough, Jason Alexander, Mary Wickes, David Ogden Stiers, Frank Welker, 

Songs: "The Bells of Notre Dame," "Out There," "Topsy Turvy," "God Help the Outcasts," "Heaven's Light," "Hellfire," "A Guy Like You," "The Court of Miracles"

The Renaissance continues with 1996's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on the Victor Hugo novel.  It tells the story of Quasi Modo, a deformed young man who has been kept in the bell tower of Notre Dame Cathedral his whole life and longs to be accepted and loved.  He disobeys his master Frollo and goes to the Festival of Fools, where he meets and falls in love with Esmeralda.

The idea for this movie began in 1993, when the studio was fresh of the success of Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.  They were working on development for a film about the Orpheus myth at the time, but as it became difficult to adapt the story, Jeffrey Katzenberg pushed this project forward, feeling it had better potential.  

This movie is so different than most of the previous movies.  The music, which has several songs with a religious influence because of the theme and setting of the film, is unlike any previous Disney soundtrack.  But it is beautiful music -- the upbeat songs are fun and catchy and the moodier pieces are haunting and heartfelt.  The animation, of course, is stunning, and the backgrounds help this animated Paris come alive.  But the biggest difference is definitely in tone -- it's very dark and dramatic.  If it wasn't animated, I don't think anyone would ever think of it as "a kids' movie."  But overall, the movie is beautiful and enjoyable.  I liked it as a kid though it wasn't a favorite, and I still like it now.  I do have to be in a certain mood to watch it though.

What I Liked: The "Topsy Turvy" scene in the Festival of Fools.  The Wizard of Oz reference when Lavern says, "Fly my pretties!"

What I Disliked: Nothing, really.  I mean, there are things about the world of the story I don't like, but nothing about the story itself, if that makes any sense.

Should You Watch This Movie: Yeah, I would recommend it.  It's a little heavy, so it may not be for everyone, but it's a beautiful, enjoyable movie.