Introduction
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is a classic fairy tale that has been retold in various forms across the years. Its most famous adaptation is the 1991 animated musical film, which led to numerous awards and nominations. Another adaptation came in 2017 in the form of a live-action movie. The live-action film featured a star-studded cast, including Emma Watson, who played the lead role of Belle.
Who played Belle in Beauty and the Beast? This article will explore the answer to this question and focus on Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle. It will examine her career, preparation for the role, and contribution to Belle’s evolution.
Emma Watson: The Magic Behind Her Portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast
Emma Watson is a British actress, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series. After the end of the Harry Potter franchise, Watson ventured into other roles in films that include The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Bling Ring and Little Women.
Casting as Belle in Beauty and the Beast
In 2015, Watson was approached to play Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She was initially hesitant since she was in the middle of completing her degree at Brown University. However, the script excited her, and she felt she could not pass on the role.
Watson’s preparation for the role
Watson had to prepare both physically and mentally to play Belle. Her training included taking vocal lessons so she could perform the film’s songs, as well as dance rehearsals with the choreographer to prepare for the film’s musical numbers.
Watson’s goal was to make Belle more modern and relatable in the live-action adaptation by showcasing her independence and intelligence. She also wanted to infuse some of her personality into the character, hoping to make Belle more significant to this generation of young girls.
Watson’s portrayal of Belle
Watson’s interpretation of Belle turned out to be a resounding success, which thrilled fans of the Disney classic. She succeeded in making Belle a modern female protagonist by taking elements of the character from the original animated movie and the Broadway adaptation. Watson’s Belle emphasized intelligence, wit, and courage, making her a strong figure that young girls could look up to.
The Enchanting Tale of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Its Leading Lady, Belle
Overview of the Beauty and the Beast story
Disney’s animated and live-action adaptations tell the story of a young French bookworm called Belle who lives in a provincial town. Belle’s love of books is not well-received in her community, but she remains firm in her passion. Her life changes when her father, Maurice, is taken prisoner by the Beast, who lives in a castle nearby. In exchange for her father’s freedom, Belle takes his place and becomes a prisoner of the Beast. Throughout the movie, the two develop an unlikely friendship that evolves into love.
Belle’s character and role in the story
Belle’s character is different from other Disney princesses. She is independent, intelligent, free-spirited, and courageous. Belle’s unique qualities are highlighted throughout the movie, and she doesn’t change for anyone, staying true to who she is. Her love for reading sets her apart from others in her town, and her compassion and empathy for others are evident in her dealings with Maurice, Gaston, and, ultimately, the Beast.
Significance of Belle as a Disney princess
Belle is more daring than previous Disney princesses due to her unique characteristics. She was different from the princesses before her, which made her stand out among her peers. Belle’s traits have resonated with young girls worldwide, making Belle one of the most popular Disney princesses.
From Hogwarts to France: Emma Watson’s Transition to Becoming Belle
Watson’s previous roles
Before taking on the role of Belle, Watson was famously known for her character, Hermione Granger, in the Harry Potter series. Her role as Hermione was quite different from Belle, and she had to transition her acting skills to portray the character successfully.
Challenges in transitioning to Belle
Watson faced several challenges in the transition from Hermione to Belle. One of the most significant challenges was finding her voice as a singer. Watson had not sung professionally before and had to take vocal lessons to develop her singing ability.
Watson’s French language training
A critical aspect of Belle’s character is that she is French. Watson had to undergo extensive French language training to perfect a flawless French accent to portray the character authentically.
Belle’s Evolution in Beauty and the Beast: A Look at the Actress Behind the Iconic Role
Belle’s character development throughout the movie
Belle’s character in the 2017 live-action adaptation noticeably differs from her animated counterpart. Watson’s interpretation adds layers to Belle’s personality, fleshing her out into a timeless, relatable, and unforgettable character. Her portrayal showed a more in-depth look at the multifaceted character that Belle truly is.
Watson’s contribution to Belle’s evolution
Watson brought a new level of humanity and relatability to Belle’s character, giving the iconic role a fresh and updated look. Her focus on adding new layers to Belle’s personality, highlighting her intelligence and bravery, has made the character even more of a role model to young girls worldwide.
Other actresses who have played Belle
Other actresses who have played Belle in various adaptations include Susan Egan in Disney’s Broadway musical adaptation and Paige O’Hara in the original animated movie. However, Watson’s portrayal of Belle remains the most memorable in recent years.
A Tale as Old as Time: The Role of Belle and Its Significance to Disney Princesses
Analysis of Belle’s character in relation to other Disney princesses
Belle represented a turning point in Disney’s princess narrative. Before Belle, Disney princess stories were more of a passive damsel in distress waiting for someone to save them. Belle, on the other hand, was independent, brave and uncompromising in living life on her terms. She wasn’t waiting for anyone to save her.
Belle’s impact on Disney and popular culture
Belle’s popularity extended beyond the realm of Disney. Her revolutionary character became an inspiration to young girls worldwide and has cemented her place in popular culture. Belle inspired positivity and strength in young girls and appealed to people of all ages.
Reception to Watson’s portrayal of Belle
Watson’s portrayal of Belle was widely celebrated, with most fans and critics alike embracing her interpretation of the character. She brought something new to an already iconic role and elevated the character to new heights.
The Legacy of Belle: Emma Watson’s Contribution to the Beauty and the Beast Franchise
Impact of Beauty and the Beast on Watson’s career
Beauty and the Beast helped propel Watson’s career to new heights. The success of the film increased Watson’s mainstream visibility, introducing her to a new generation of fans.
Future of the Beauty and the Beast franchise
Following the movie’s immense success, there has been speculation on what the future holds for the Beauty and the Beast franchise. It is clear that Belle’s character and iconic role will forever remain a cornerstone of Disney animation and live-action films.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast continues to be widely celebrated and admired. Her dedication and hard work in preparation for the role have cemented her legacy as one of the most iconic actresses in recent years. Her portrayal added new layers to Belle’s personality, highlighting the character’s intelligence and bravery, and making her relatable to young girls worldwide. Emma Watson’s role as Belle has undoubtedly left a mark on the Beauty and the Beast franchise’s legacy and paved the way for more exciting adaptations of this timeless tale.