Phoebus in the 1982 version
Robert Powell as Phoebus, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
First off, Phoebus in the novel is a handsome womanizer but is this movie his is just a womanizer. He is not very attractive and he seems old for the role.
Robert Powell as Phoebus & Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
So as was mention before Phoebus is a jerk with no redeeming quality. He first meets Esmeralda and woos her and as soon as he gets in the room he starts acting stand-off and doesn’t really try to continue the seduction. Then the ball drops, Phoebus in this version is married. Upon hearing this Esmeralda leaves and then Phoebus, who is unremorseful, berates her. So when he gets stabs she is leaving anyway but the catharsis is there.
Phoebus getting stab, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Of course the joy of his stabbing is short lived as he lives and his near death experience doesn’t make him a better like in the book. As he is recovering he is still a big jerk as he believe Esmeralda should die as she tried to kill him, of course he is looking at her when Frollo stabs him so we can add idiot to his personality.
Robert Powell as Phoebus, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
He’s just a jerk with no personality or likability. He also has stupid hat.
Robert Powell as Phoebus, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Next 1982 Article; Clopin
David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame
Phoebus is my least favorite character in pretty much every adaptation. The characterization in the ’82’ adaptation shows why. And I agree, this Phoebus isn’t good looking at all and he looks about 35, maybe 40. When I sit down to watch an adaptation of HOND/NDDP I expect Phoebus to be young and so good looking that I want to like the character.