P-13 Class and Gender Relations in “Beauty in the Beast” in two Film Adaptations by Jean Cocteau and Christophe Gans
Abstract
This paper will examine the two major French film adaptations of “The Beauty and the Beast”, one directed by Christophe Gans (2014), and one by Jean Cocteau (1945), as they re-imagine a story conceived in folklore, then written and published, and finally, put to film. The medium’s influence on the story will be analyzed, as well as that of historical context. This paper will scrutinize primarily the gender and class relations portrayed in these films, and how this tale designed to inculcate domestic values in 18th century bourgeois women evolved over time in its treatment of class and gender relations.
Start Date
2-28-2020 2:30 PM
P-13 Class and Gender Relations in “Beauty in the Beast” in two Film Adaptations by Jean Cocteau and Christophe Gans
This paper will examine the two major French film adaptations of “The Beauty and the Beast”, one directed by Christophe Gans (2014), and one by Jean Cocteau (1945), as they re-imagine a story conceived in folklore, then written and published, and finally, put to film. The medium’s influence on the story will be analyzed, as well as that of historical context. This paper will scrutinize primarily the gender and class relations portrayed in these films, and how this tale designed to inculcate domestic values in 18th century bourgeois women evolved over time in its treatment of class and gender relations.
Acknowledgments
J.N. Andrews Honors Scholar and Undergraduate Research Scholar
Mentors:
Sonia Badenas, International Languages & Global Studies
Vanessa Corredera, English