Book Review and Ramblings on Tale As Old As Time: The Art and Making of Beauty and the Beast

Rating: ★★★★★/★★★★★

After reading The Art of Tangled which I reviewed here, I enjoy knowing the success stories and behind-the-scenes work involved begin in making a film, whether it is live-action or animation feature. When I find this gem on display at my workplace, I knew I must put it at the top of my list of books to be read.

Basically, this delightful book is split into eleven chapters from the origins of the fairytale story, initial concept of the film to the pre-production, animation process and right up to the present day with Broadway adaptation, IMAX and 3-D release. The chapter headings are recognisable as it is taken from lyrics from some of the best loved songs in the animated film and composed by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman. For instance, the first chapter, True as It Can Be is from a line from the theme song, Beauty and the Beast. This chapter tells the origins of the tale that can be traced back to Greek legend, Cupid and Psyche. It exists in every culture wherein the moral of the story is universal — look beyond a person's appearance to his or her heart. The author also mentions the most famous French version that influence the heart of the story for this animated film in addition to earlier adaptations such as Jean Cocteau's black-and-white 1946 film and the 1987 American television series.

The second chapter takes a look into the history of Disney animated features when there was a change of management in 1984. This directly influence the decision to start pre-production with several comparisons to the different animated films released by Disney before Beauty and the Beast and how it can be made better. The next six chapters is devoted to the heart of the film with collaboration and support from all team members which comprises the directors, producers, Disney executives, composers, animators, story artists and voice actors involved in this whole process of making the dream a reality. Initially, directors and story artists were chosen to take on this project and ideas were thrown about resulting in early sketches being drawn before culminating to a research trip to France to study the intricate details of the location, fabrics, costumes and props which the film will be set in. After making some changes to the team of crew members and new directors were picked, the project was back on track with a creative decision to make this a musical animated film. I begin to understand and appreciate the difficulties, enormous effort and sacrifices made by all team members in order to make a truly outstanding and satisfying film that tugs at the heartstrings of audiences. There are also some interesting trivia and anecdotes which I learn such as striking a balance between the costs and getting the visuals done realistically without sacrificing the quality. I find it fascinating that there were two scenes at the beginning and ending that was recycled from Disney's archives when the film could not be finished on time.

After completing the film, it was released in November 1991 to critical acclaim and box office success. In addition, it also earned six Academy Award nominations including a first Best Picture nomination for an animated feature and won two Oscars for Best Score category and Best Original Song for the hit musical, Beauty and the Beast. On a sad and poignant note, composer Howard Ashman did not live to see his wonderful achievement as he passed away some months before it was shown in theaters. After the success of this breakthrough animation, Disney studio executives decided to stage an adaptation for Broadway which was quite a feat and it was a commercial fame with the audience, doing two tours with a third tour in planning. In between, Disney Animation Studio released two direct-to-video midquel continuing the story of Belle and the beast in Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas and Belle's Magical World. As the emergence of new technology in films with the introduction of IMAX and 3-D, Beauty and the Beast follows this path to give viewers an enhanced digital rendering without tinkering with the storyline.

Although there were numerous names mentioned here and there without any further reference of the role they play, I find it did not detract my enjoyment of the book. Best of all when I really need to refer to a particular name that was mentioned but could not remember his or her post, I just have to turn to the last few pages for the index and look it up. This was the one thing that was sorely lacking in The Art of Tangled. Nevertheless, The Art of Tangled offers more colourful illustrations, drawings and sketches compared to Tale As Old As Time. In retrospect, I love reading both books devoted to telling the complex and complicated process of making a Disney animated feature.

In my opinion, Charles Solomon does a marvellous job in making me fall in love with the behind-the-scene actions of making this animated film come to life. I conclude by recommending this hardcover book to anyone who enjoys watching this movie and would love to know the story behind the success of this film.