The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Disney’s darkest story

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), despite being a children’s film, has a dark plot that is difficult to digest. I don’t mean a happy darkness, like that of Nightmare Before Christmasnor to the terrifying darkness that presents Taron and the magic cauldron, one of Disney’s great unknowns. No, the darkness of The Hunchback of Notre Dame It has nothing to do with all this, it is a different darkness, real and raw. Perhaps, for this reason, many children of the 90s did not know how to appreciate it.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame It is not an unknown film, since it had good publicity, obtained good reviews and good collections. However, the truth is that when it was released Many of us were too young to understand it and perhaps this is the reason we did not find this film among Disney’s Top 10.

For this reason, it has not enjoyed great recognition among children and has in many cases been relegated to the trunk of oblivion. On the other hand, although there are many Disney films that hide a murky plot and a background worthy of analysis, The Hunchback of Notre Dame It is quite far from the Disney stereotype and presents us with a story full of criticism of society and power, especially that of the Church.

The film is based on Our Lady of parisa novel by Victor Hugo published in 1831. This fact also produced rejection among the followers of the French writer, as they expected to find a work even more somber and faithful to the original. But, as expected, Disney sweetened a work that has little sweetness so that children would not leave the cinema scared. However, even with this effort, the film was grim enough for many children that we failed to appreciate it at the time.

Disney’s is not the only adaptation of Hugo’s novel, as there are others that are cruder and intended for an adult audience, such as Esmeralda, the gypsy (1936) or The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1956). Seeing it from a distance and with an adult perspective, we realize that we are watching a great animated film, whose settings are fascinating and the message it hides. The Hunchback of Notre DameWithout a doubt, it surprises and captivates us..

The ecclesiastical in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The main difference with respect to the original work of Victor Hugo is found in the character of Judge Frollo. In the original version, Frollo is the archdeacon of Notre Damebut in the Disney version he is a judge, something totally understandable considering that it is aimed at a children’s audience.

The image of the Church is quite discredited in the film because, despite presenting Frollo as a judge, the character is closely linked to the cathedral, He has strong religious beliefs and, sometimes, his attire is very close to ecclesiastical.

Frollo should be a man of law, a respectable and fair character, but he is quite the opposite. Already From the beginning we see his evil, his arrogance and his contempt for different people.. Frollo hates gypsies, he hates all those who are not like him; But life will play tricks on him and he will end up experiencing emotions that he never thought he could develop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_mB9SHD9KY

Frollo begins to become obsessed with the gypsy Esmeralda, his feelings towards her are not healthy at all. Esmeralda becomes a kind of very precious and tempting object, she will be the incarnation of evil. At the same time, a sick desire appears in Frollo that will lead him to consider her faith. Frollo considers his desire for Esmeralda to be a kind of test from God and he must avoid sin, but his desire is so obsessive that he will come to long for it to be his property and, if it is not, he will have to die.

All of Frollo’s irrational obsession will lead to one of the most disturbing musical moments in the entire Disney universe. A song in which the religious connotations are evident from the beginning: ecclesiastical choirs, a giant crucifix, Frollo’s outfit, etc. All of this, seen from an adult perspective, makes us think that, perhaps, Frollo is not simply a judge, but that he is linked to the Church.

This musical moment seems crucial to me to delve a little deeper into the character; Not only are we before a cruel and merciless judge who imposes his law, condemning a large number of innocent people, but he hides something else. Frollo is a really shady and uncomfortable character, his irrational and obsessive desire for Esmeralda is almost more terrifying than anything else in the film. and, without a doubt, I think it was very risky because of everything that the scene entails. We are introduced to a villain who is truly scary; Behind that image of a puritan and lord of the law, hides a man of very dubious morals.

Victor Hugo’s work does not show compassion, it is ruthless, however, The Hunchback of Notre Dame It is a sugary version, more digestible for the general public and, of course, less controversial. But Through the character of Frollo and, especially, the musical scene, we see what is perhaps a trace of the original work, a trace of that harsh criticism of the Church and its indisputable power..

What’s different in The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Beyond criticism of society and the Church, The Hunchback of Notre Dame It is a song to differences, to acceptance. Kindness is something that is not linked to image, thus, we have a cruel judge and an innocent and good-hearted character whose image is unpleasant for most people. Quasimodo cannot be accepted in society due to his appearance, therefore, the only day he dares to leave Notre Dame is “the day of everything backwards”, a kind of carnival where the grotesque is celebrated.

Quasimodo generates fascination with the public for his “disguise”, but when he discovers that it is not a costume, but rather his true appearance, he will be classified as a monster.. Only one character will show compassion for Quasimodo, Esmeralda, the young gypsy who, because of her origin, is marginalized and persecuted just like Quasimodo. Esmeralda is a true warrior, she is the only one who dares to confront Judge Frollo and ask for justice and equality for all.

Quasimodo himself, due to his seclusion, describes himself as a monster., Frollo has created great insecurity in him. Having no contact with society, Quasimodo has established a kind of friendship with the cathedral gargoyles, who will be a kind of conscience for Quasimodo. Esmeralda, along with the gargoyles, will be the one who makes Quasimodo open his eyes and see reality as it is.. Captain Febo will also play an important role, a soldier who will turn his back on Judge Frollo and join the fight for equality.

Who is the real monster at Notre Dame? The film shows us the true nature of the monster, a camouflaged monster that walks among us day after day and enjoys the respect of society. Definitely, The Hunchback of Notre Dame It is a film that must be rescued and whose plot is more complex and dark than most children’s films, but at the same time, It is loaded with deep values ​​that make it an apology for justice and equality..

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