21.10.25, 20:30, La Belle et la Bête (1946)

Come on in! Be our guest! The well-known fairy tale La Belle et la Bête has many variations and colors. We serve you the monochrome, yet glittering dream world of Jean Cocteau (and co!). His version is a visually poetic work that was ahead of its time. Cocteau, a multidisciplinary French artist—poet, playwright, painter, and filmmaker—brought his fascination with myths, dream symbolism, and French movie stars to the silver screen with this film. Actor Jean Marais, who was also Cocteau's partner, played the Beast and showed his most endearing side. Marais later took on numerous other imaginative roles, such as in Orphée (1950) and Peau d'Âne (1970). The classic beauty Josette Day gave an iconic performance as Belle.

With inventive sets, playful special effects, mirrors, and lively sculptures, set and costume designer Christian Bérard created an atmosphere reminiscent of surrealism. Cocteau also collaborated on this film with the famous cinematographer Henri Alekan, whose subtle lighting effects and use of shadow enhance the magical character of the film. In a France still marked by the occupation and devastation of World War II, Cocteau's La Belle et la Bête offered audiences a return to childlike imagination and fairy-tale escapism.

This film will be introduced by Film-Plateau coordinator Julie Daems.