Publication Date

1998

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Legacy Department

Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures

LCSH

Cocteau; Jean; 1889-1963. Belle et la bête; Myth in motion pictures; Motion pictures--France--History

Abstract

Jean Cocteau's film, La belle et la bete, is an enchanting and complex film. Its themes, those of love, the psychological motivations of the characters, child-like acceptance and symbolism are intertwined and are related to the audience through the lens of the camera. The viewer responds to the pattern of visual and audio stimulation on a psychological level. This level is accessed due to patterns that relay the myths of our society with which the viewers are already familiar. Because there are no off-screen voices, which often represent the mind of the narrator, the field of vision as restrained by the camera's lens becomes the medium through which the action and meaning of the film is presented. Other senses are aroused in the film, as well. The soundtrack, for instance appeals strongly, sometimes overwhelmingly, to the audience's sense of hearing. The aspects of the film form a complex masterpiece that functions on the level of myth.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [51]-53)

Extent

50, [3] pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS