Opening on 3 January 2014 at BFI Southbank, Renoir, IFI Dublin and selected cinemas nationwide.
More beautiful than ever in a new 4K digital restoration, Cocteau’s spellbinding, sensuous masterpiece, based on a fairytale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1711 – 1780), was recently described by director Guillermo del Toro as ‘the most perfect cinematic fable ever told’. It is the last in a series of three features released by the BFI in cinemas nationwide as part of GOTHIC: The Dark Heart of Film.
A hapless merchant, lost in a dark forest, seeks refuge in the castle of a hideous monster who threatens to kill him unless one of his three daughters will agree to take his place. But when Beauty appears in the castle, the Beast falls madly in love with her. Hauntingly portrayed by Jean Marais, the Beast is all repressed lust and melancholy refinement, while Beauty (Josette Day) – despite her demure appearance – is no mere damsel in distress, overcoming her fears to explore a glittering, shadowy realm which abounds in supernatural terrors and delights. Could it be that she secretly relishes this adventure which will help unlock her deepest desires? Click above for the trailer.
