Disney has earned itself a bad reputation when it comes to representing women and girls. Seemingly, the classic "Disney Princess Story" has followed the storyline of a distressed young girl who is rescued by Prince Charming. Over the years, Disney has attempted to make the fairy tales more and more progressive. Despite criticism, Disney has evolved over the years moving from the passive princesses, like in Cinderella, to the more headstrong, like in Mulan, and ending with fair success with Anna and Elsa in Frozen. This Beauty and the Beast remake is the next movie in Disney's course of evolution. Here are 5 reasons why this film is anything but an outdated Disney production:
1. Belle doesn't let her clothing physically constrain her.
Belle does not seem to care about society's expectations about how she should dress. Yes, she still wears dresses typical of the time period, but she doesn't ever seem to wear them properly. That is, she always seems to have the skirt tucked into her bloomers. At the climax of the movie, she even rips off her famous yellow ball gown because, well, who wants to wear a 50lb dress when you need to save the Beast from the angry mob?
2. There is a tribute to crossdressing.
Not only does Disney challenge how females traditionally sport their clothes, but it challenges menswear, as well. In the midst of the provincial townspeople storming the castle to kill the Beast, an enchanted wardrobe spews women's clothing on three of Gaston's henchmen. The first two men show utter disgust at being dressed like women, but the third is obviously delighted. This moment illustrates acceptance of crossdressing.
3. Belle's education starkly contrasts the men's.
In the beginning of movie, the audience is shown school boys marching into class while Belle is made fun of for being well-read. It seems all too ridiculous that she is made fun of for being educated while the boys are encouraged to be so. The scene in the movie, however, where this contrast is most apparent is when LeFou sings "Gaston" and attempts to spell out Gaston's name. In the midst of singing, he admits he cannot continue because he is illiterate. Meanwhile, Belle reads Shakespeare.
4. The Beast is not the boss--Belle is.
Many often think of Beauty and the Beast as an example of Stockholm Syndrome, but this live action version shows Belle as anything but a victim of this. Throughout her captivity she remains true to herself and speaks out against the Beast. Belle sets the rules and the tone of the relationship, not her captor.
5. Gay Dance Moment
Disney traditionally likes to illustrate fairy-tale endings as something shared between a man and woman, but the very end of the movie briefly shows two men being brought together in an "exclusively gay moment". Two men--one of whom is LeFou--begin dancing with women, but eventually find their way into each other's arms. It is brief--and far from being a featured moment in the story. But it is there--and that's progress.
