Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast

Image citation: Amazon. (n.d.). [Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Disney Beauty and the Beast (Updated Edition): Inside Stories from the Animated Classic to the New Live-action Film (Disney Editions Deluxe (Film))]. Retrieved July 1, 2024, from https://www.amazon.com/Tale-Old-Time-Animated-Live-action/dp/1484758374/ref=pd_sim_d_sccl_1_7/134-2557218-4995556?pd_rd_i=1484758374&psc=1. 

Several famous movies, such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and The Sound of Music, have books devoted to them. Some may believe the same could not apply to a single animated Disney movie, but film critic Charles Solomon's books have proved otherwise.

One of Solomon's books describes the making of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, from its folkloric origins to the 2017 remake. It begins with an introduction from Bill Condon, who directed the live-action film, and ends with acknowledgements. Most of the chapters in between discuss certain aspects of the animated film (creating songs, characters, world, etc.).

Each chapter is named after a set of lyrics from a Beauty and the Beast song. For instance, the first chapter on the origins is "True as It Can Be," the chapter on the initial film is "Finding You Can Change/Learning You Were Wrong," the chapter on creating the characters is "True That He's No Prince Charming," etc. There is also a related image and quote at the beginning of each chapter. For instance, the first chapter features an illustration from the original French fairy tale. 

The book, in all its chapters, features detailed information about the film's predecessors, production, and legacy. Solomon incorporates quotes from those involved with the projects, as well as accompanying illustrations. These include, of course, early concept art for the animated film. 

Solomon did not explain every aspect of Beauty and the Beast. For example, the last chapter on the live-action remake did not explain why the filmmakers toned down Gaston and Belle's dynamics. However, quotes and pictures provide several hints that suggest answers. 

One thing I could critique was the lack of mention of Clairce, Belle's would-be sister, in the chapters focusing on the animated film's production. I understand why the filmmakers removed Clarice, but Solomon forgot to provide an answer for those who do not. Since I understood why, though, the lack of explanation did not bother me.

In addition, the chapter on the animated film's release showed a picture of concepts for merchandise that were not discussed in the text; the only merchandise mentioned was a sweater given to Howard Ashman. I would have liked to learn more about the merchandise became some appeared to be household products, which Disney doesn't sell anymore. However, that's probably nitpicking.

Tale as Old as Time: The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast is a must-read for fans of the animated/live-action films and/or the stage production, giving almost all the information they need to know.

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