1986 Esmeralda
The 1986 version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame
The 1986 Esmeralda’s personality is more of a result of bad writing than actual character development.
1986 Esmeralda
So what do we know about this Esmeralda. Despite following the major plot points of the book, the Sister Gudule subplot is not present, so Esmeralda is full Romani. She also is proud to work hard for her living.
She does have a bit of growth as she claims that she first judged Quasimodo as ugly but learned that he is really beautiful on the inside.
Her being a Gypsy also wasn’t her problem, the movie says it was her being born beautiful, which is different since no other Hunchback version says that so bluntly.
She also is tortured a lot long than every other Esmeralda. Esmeralda is tortured for like a second but 86 Esmeralda lasts from 10:50am to 3pm. There was a clock to tell us, even though clocks with hands were are anachronism for 1482.
She is also the only Esmeralda who lives, that doesn’t get a fully relieved love story. She ends up with no one and seems ok with that. Of course, the movie just ends so it doesn’t really matter.
1986 Esmeralda
As far as looks go, despite the bad animation and general bad character design, she is pretty. Her costume is yellow and red. Ah, red Esmeralda costume, we meet again. At least her costume is mostly yellow. It’s a weird design though, I think I just find the large puff sleeve sans the length of the full skirt awkward. It hits her ankles and has two red ruffles along the skirt
I’m not sure if it her voice actress or not but this Esmeralda seems more mature but that could also be her vague personality too. But the low British accent doesn’t help much.
Esmeralda and Gringoire
So what aspects of her personality are the result of bad writing? She is rather matter of fact and blunt. She tells Gringoire, point blank, after marring him her reason for doing it was to save him. She wastes no time. She is also not shy about approaching Phoebus. And she tells Frollo that she doesn’t know him. I don‘t think there was ever an Esmeralda as forthcoming as this one.
1986 Esmeralda
Since the movie tells the story has a fast rate this personality trait of being honest is for utility, this film does not have time for an ideal dreamy Esmeralda. So to get the story across she has to be honest and straightforward. It’s a interesting take on her but it wasn’t done initially.
Next Time – Quasimodo
1986 Quasimodo
is one those movies that has a lot of nostalgic power, if you loved it as a kid you probably still love it. I for my part only saw a trailer when I was a kid so it has no nostalgic meaning for me.
is a slight variation of this but I still remember this wording from the first time I read the book.
does this scene well but libertto was written but Hugo himself and it hasn’t performed as an full opera since like 1836, people didn’t like it. I also know Der Glockner von Notre Dame had this scene in it but I have seen it and I can’t recall the script that I read ages ago.
! Little Nemo was based on the comic from 1905 and was in movie development hell from 1982 to initial release in 1989. It was released in the US in 1992. It was Japanese-American venture and it was the worst experience of Hayao Miyazaki’s professional career when he worked on it. But I’m not here to discuss the behind the scenes, I’m here to review what was shown to me on screen which was an odd combo of mild-surrealism and awkward boringness.
