Disney’s 2017 live-action remake of its animated classic Beauty and the Beast has been all the rage—literally. Some are raging with glee, others raging with, well… rage. In this episode of Persuasion, Erin Straza and Hannah Anderson hash out all the cheers and jeers of Beauty and the Beast. Two controversies shape the discussion. First is the charge the film wasn’t feminist enough. Arguments have been raised of Belle’s captivity and oppression. There have been charges of Stockholm Syndrome. Eyes have rolled over using Belle’s ingenuity in developing a hands-free washing machine. Are these points valid? Perhaps this tale as old as time is beyond rescue and needs to be put to rest?
In addition, the second set of charges came from some Christian leaders who were concerned about the “nice, exclusively gay moment” (so-described by director Bill Condon). Was the film appropriate for children? Was it promoting same sex attraction? Should Christians refuse to see the film? Hannah and Erin tackle these controversies and discuss aspects of the film that were enhanced or marred by the updated plot points for the 2017 release. Listen in to hear their hot takes on the blockbuster film and the fairy tale itself.
Listen to Persuasion Episode 91:
“Emma Watson’s Faux-Feminism in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ “, Observer
“Franklin Graham Wants People to Boycott Beauty and the Beast Over Gay Character“, Time
“Becoming Human: How Community Forms Us, by Hannah Anderson“, Christ and Pop Culture
“‘Beauty and the Beast’ Director Talks of ‘Exclusively Gay’ Moment“, NY Times
Theme music by Maiden Name.