cartoons | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

19Jul 2011

Let’s get Superficial – The looks of Quasimodo from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame

by jess

Quasimodo Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Quasimodo’s Reveal

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In an effort to get the audience of Quasimodo’s side, Directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale gave Quasimodo a gentle disposition made compete with a kind look. He has big, friendly doe eyes, a full head of red hair and wears a green tunic. Two of the more uglier factors are his big stub nose and his teeth (large teeth in the front of his mouth). I mean for Disney he’s ugly but for Quasimodo he’s adorable. I think Disney was afraid of making Quasimodo too ugly and risk scaring people off of seeing the movie.

Quasimodo gazing at Esmeralda

Quasimodo

Quasimodo accepts Esmeralda and Phoebus as a couple Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

It’s also interesting to mention (and I’ll be mentioning this again) that for many characters in the movie there is not glint in the eyes. Many of the characters their eyes are just small black pupils, exception would be Esmeralda who has green irises, black pupils, and no glint. Quasimodo is one of the few who does has a sparkle in the eyes (other are Djali (though inconsistent) and the little girl who gave Quasimodo a hug, who doesn’t have it till the final even though you see her at the beginning.) Maybe this glint is indicative of innocence, an inconsistencies, or playing favorites? I dunno. I can understand why Quasimodo would have it but for Djali and little girl (only at the end) to have it and no one else, I sense a deeper reasoning here. I’m going with innocence.

Quasimodo shine in the eye Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Little Girl Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So how does Disney Quasimodo compare with book Quasimodo?

Oh not at all. I said Quasimodo is adorable here. In the book he is not, not at all. Quasimodo is described by Victor Hugo as having a horse-shoe mouth, a small left eye with bushy red eyebrow, a right eye that’s completely hidden by a monstrous wart, uneven broken teeth with gaps that project out like tusks, callous lips, and forked chin. He was also described ” a giant who had been broken and badly put together again. Disney’s Quasimodo looks like to extent but everything about is soft and round. His mouth is normal. His eyes are both visible despite the protrusion, His hair isn’t bushy in the slightest, it’s smooth and straight and he eyebrows are slightly think but not bushy. His teeth are uneven but not like tucks. He doesn’t have callous lip or a forked chin (he hardy has either).

Quasimodo Illustrtion Francois flameng picture image

Illustration of Quasimodo

Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Same character and yet no comparison.

In the concept art for Quasimodo ranges all other the place. Sometime he look scary (the way he should look) and sometimes almost handsome ( he just needs a haircut, and eyebrow plucking). For More Concept Art of Hunchback

Quasimodo Concept Art Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

A Monstrous version of Quasimodo Concept Art Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The closest to movie version Quasimodo Concept Art Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Jockish looking Quasimodo Concept Art Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo in the scope of things is just deformed, not ugly. There are ugly people in the crowds in the movie and they don’t have the crutch of deformties for an excuse. I mean Frollo is no looker himself.

Next Character up – Frollo

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

14Jul 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 8; Minor Characters – The Old Heretic

by jess

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

A Memorable Character who has no affect on the plot is The Old Heretic (voiced by Gary Trousdale one of directors who as did non-baas for Djali). The guy who yells “I’m Free’ after getting out of some form of confinement but then immediately gets into a new one and then proclaim “Dang it” because they can’t use the word Damn.

The Old Heretic is free Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Old Heretic falling Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Old Heretic railing against the cruel hand of fate Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So why I’m I bothering with this character. Well, he’s funny, he’s a running gag done well. You see him twice, it the same joke but it’s funny. And though the film goes out of it’s way to do this joke, it feel natural and not forced. Mainly because of control freak Frollo it’s believable that an old guy would be locked away in a cage for X number of years. But odd that a stock would left open during a festival.

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Old Heretic looks likes Jafar from Aladdin in his disguise (this make four cameos by other Disney characters, others are Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Carpet (Aladdin), Pumbaa (The Lion King) and the Baker (Beauty and the Beast) . Maybe the Jafar Disguise is the default look for Disney’s prisoners. If Disney made a version of the Count of Monet Cristo, Abbe Faria would probably look like Jafar/Old Heretic too.

Jafar Disguise Disney Aladdin picture image

Jafar in Disguise Disney Aladdin

Belle, Carpet, Pumbaa Disney Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lion King picture image

Belle, Carpet, and Pumbaa

Baker Figurine Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Baker Disney Beauty and the Beast

Little is known about the Old Heretic. We have no idea why he is a heretic or even how old he is. You don’t even learn that he is supposed to be a heretic. One thing that we do know is this; he has a Confinement Destiny*. He just a gag no more no less. But in the scope of a running gag it’s enjoyable.

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

*This is a lame joke relating to Ananke (very simply it means Death Destiny). Ananke plays a big part in the novel and I’m making up another type of destiny, it’s a lame joke, I have a Lame Joke Destiny ^_~.

Next Time – It’s a surprise ^_^

Quaismodo and Hugo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

12Jul 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 8; Minor Characters – Brute and Oaf

by jess

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The main characters of Disney’s Hunchback don’t give us much indication of how “normal” people of Paris conduct themselves. Quasimodo is a forced shut-in, Frollo essentially King, Esmeralda and Clopin are outcasts, and Phoebus, well he just comes off too perfect to really be associated with “normal people”. So which characters represent as Frollo put it “the common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd”? That would be the two guards that are seen throughout the movie. They are credited as the Brutish Guard (voiced by Corey Burton) and the Oafish Guard (voiced Bill Fagerbakke aka Patrick from SpongeBob SquarePants ). I’m just going to call them as Brute and Oaf.

Esmeralda, Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf shooing nobody Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Brute and Oaf shooing away nobody Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

We first see Brute and Oaf harassing Esmeralda because she’s a Gypsy and judging by all the gold in her hat, she is probably better paid then them. Anyway they try to assert their authority but then became submissive when Phoebus out ranks them. They are quite stupid, they shoo away people to show Phoebus to the Palace of Justice, but when viewed from behind you can hear them still shooing people but there is no there. These guy are all talk and no action, Djali can take them with very little effort.

Brute and Oaf up to no good Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf trying to crowd surf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf are the main cause for the getting the plot moving. Yes, it’s all them. If wasn’t for them, Quaismodo would have been King of Fools without incident and Frollo would just have been mad at him. But because Oaf throw a tomato (where did he even get that) it sets the chain of events into motion. The Crowd throws food at Quasimodo then ties him down, Frollo refuses to help, Esmeralda helps Quasimodo, Frollo gets mad at her, she defies him and hello chase scene and obsession. Thank you Oaf and Brute for being common, vulgar, weak, and licentious and getting the plot in motion.

Djali takes out Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute with Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Brute and Oaf Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So Brute and Oaf represent the common people, they promote distrust in authority figures for Esmeralda, cause the plot to take off but that not it. They also provide some humor. Brute provides Achilles with a sit and oaf provides some amusement being an oaf and all. Plus Oaf’s voice sounds comedic (Patrick from Spongebob). But don’t count on them in a pinch – storming a certain cathedral – they’re no help at all.

Brute and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Oaf and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Basically Brute and Oaf are glorified extras but they do something for the plot unlike some glorified extras that are memroable but do nothing for the plot, just add humor.

Next Time- a memorable old chap who “enjoys” a running gag (well not really).

The Old Heretic Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

07Jul 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 8; Minor Characters; Quasimodoâ€™s mother

by jess

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Another Minor/major Characters is Quasimodo’s nameless mother (voiced by Mary Kay Bergman). She’s not in the film long but she’s quite important.

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Very little is know about her other than she’s a Gypsy, she wants to live in Paris, and she tries to keep Quasimodo away from Frollo. In trying to protect Quasimodo from Frollo she brought them together. Frollo then uses her as a way to manipulate Quasimodo in to remaining loyal to him. Frollo would tell Quasimodo that his “heartless” mother abandoned him as a baby. This keeps Quasimodo grateful and loyal to Frollo. It’s not till Frollo tries to kill Quasimodo that Frollo tells him the truth.

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo’s mother raises a lot of question . We know she’s a gypsy and she’s a mother, but Quasimodo looks (coloration wise) nothing like her. Was she his biological mother or she did adopt him? Or maybe (like in the sequel) boy-children look like their fathers and nothing like their mothers? And would that mean that the man with Quasimodo’s mother was not her husband/lover? My guess given her looks and her interaction with the Gypsy guy is that he was her husband and that they did adopt Quasimodo.

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame Kicking Quasimodo's mother Disney picture image

Frollo killing Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo's Mother's Death Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Murder of Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Disney used the death of Quasimodo’s mother to reinforce the point that they read the book. Quasimodo’s mother dies the same way Esmeralda’s mother does in the novel. Spoiler’s— Esmeralda’s mother, Sister Gudule (Paquette Guybertaut a.k.a La Chantefleurie) dies trying to save Esmeralda from the gallows and is push to the pavement, hits her end and dies. In the book Sister Gudule prayed for 15 years to have her child returned to her if only for an instant, classic case of be careful what you wish for. She and Esmeralda were reunited for only a few hours.

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So Quasimodo’s mother is a very important element to the story as she helps establishes Frollo and Quasimodo relationship and she reinforces it by Frollo being a lying and manipulate jerk (but he’s the best Disney villain so kudos to you Frollo on every terrible thing you do).

Next Time; Those guards, you know the ones

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda dealing with soldiers Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

05Jul 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 8; Minor Characters- Archdeacon

by jess

If it wasn’t for the the Archdeacon of Notre Dame (voiced by David Ogden Stiers) the movie would have ended with Frollo throwing baby Quasimodo into to the well of most certain Doom. After Frollo killed Quasimodo’s mother, (because he didn’t know how people hold babies), the Archdeacon used fear to manipulate Frollo into making amends for murdering somebody outside the cathedral. The Archedeacon basically says that Notre Dame saw what he did so make amends and raise the child. Frollo in fear for his soul decided to take care of Quasimodo so long as Quasimodo lives in Notre Dame.

Frollo killing Quasimodo's Mother

The Murder of Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo Hunchback of Notre Dame seeing Quasimodo for the 1st time picture imageDisney

Frollo seeing Quasimodo for the 1st time Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Well Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Eyes Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Sees all Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Archdeacon is in control in Notre Dame and has sway over Frollo but only in Notre Dame that is till Frollo goes batshit crazy pushes him down the stair towards the end.

Archdeacon and Frollo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Fall Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Archdeacon is also the voice of reason and tries to help Esmeralda by sticking up for her and giving her advice(caution). He also tries to help before she is almost burned (he pops his head out of the cathedral but is stopped).

Archdeacon and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Archdeacon Stopped Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Archdeacon doesn’t do lot in the film but he is a big part of the Frollo and Quaismodo’s relationship which is a major plot point, so for him it quality over quantity. If he’s in a scene, you know there is damn good reason for it.

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Disney version is the last time that the role of Frollo (the lusty guy ) and the Archdeacon role have been separtated into two different characters. Will it be the last time? On ne sais jamais (one never knows)

Next Time – Quasimodo’s Mother

Quasimodo's Mother Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

01Jul 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 7: Animals – The Epic Conclusion

by jess

So a little bit more on Achilles and Djali— yeah there is more, go fig….

Djali and Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali and Achilles rock as sidekicks, adding humor and charm to the movie. However as I was working on analyzing Djali and Achilles I noticed that their function in the movie goes deeper than just being awesome and fun sidekicks. The key element into this function is that both of the have the same coloration. They’re both white and gray, but they’re gray in the same places. Their muzzle, legs, tails, and hair. I think this maybe overlooked by many viewers because Djali and Achilles only appear on screen once together and Djali dancing so it’s hard to make that connection.

Djali and Achilles Same look Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So what does it matter that Djali and Achilles look alike? Well I think this is one more way that the production tries to reinforce Esmeralda and Phoebus as “the” couple. It’s not enough that they see each other first, that they have the same personality, that they are pretty much counterparts in every way but now they animals links them together. It’s pretty funny that the movie works this hard to tell its’ audience that Phoebus and Esmeralda are made for each other and some viewers still malign Esmeralda for being shallow because she fell in love with Phoebus instead of Quasimodo.

Djali, Esmeralda, and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next Time – Memorable/Important Side Characters

First to bat The Archdeacon of Notre Dame…..mmmmm I wonder if his offical title is the same as Frollo’s in the novel????

Archdeacon Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney picture image

Archdeacon Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

29Jun 2011

Deeper look at the Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 7: Animals continuation – Djali

by jess

If Achilles gets one of the most concentrated laughs in the movie, then Djali gets more laughs spread out through the movie. Djali is a mascot type of character for the film like other cute animal Disney side-kicks. The up side is that Djali was not created for the film but came out the source material.

Djali is Esmeralda’s pet goat. Djali helps her make money and reminds of her not to leave money when she about to run off.

Part of Djali’s function is to be Esmeralda’s double. In the book this meant that Djali was dainty, pretty, and talented with gilded hooves and horn and was white.

Djali flips Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image — Djali flips Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

In the Disney movie Djali is grayish white with black hooves and an earring. The earring is meant to link Djali and Esmeralda. Like the book, I think Disney’s Djali is also a double for Esmeralda. In DVD commentary, they discussed that the reason why they cast Demi Moore as Esmeralda is because they wanted the heroine to have a rougher quality to the the voice, that sounded like (and I’m quoting this from commentary, I’m not making this up) like “she had been around.” Not saying that I think Djali has been “around” but Djali is not the dainty, delicate goat she is in the book. So I think Disney’s version fits Esmeralda’s aesthetic more in this movie.

Djali also has another functions than being Esmeralda’s better half. Djali is her security system.

Djali is distrustful of anyone Esmeralda meets (Phoebus and Quasimodo included). Djali also bleats when someone is approaching them (Frollo or guards).

DJali as a old man Dinsey Hunchback of Notre dame picture image — DJali as a old man Dinsey Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali also aids Esmeralda in her old beggar disguise. This enables her to go undetected by Frollo and the stupid guards .

Djali in gut Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image — Djali in gut Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Djali also kicks ass in a fight. More than a few times Djali springs into action

So what makes Djali a great character? Djali provides levity without hindering the movie (like Achilles). Djali reacts to things in the movie and does not inject the movie with randomness to try to make a joke like the Gargoyles.

Another aspect of Djali that is charming which is a good attribute for a mascot character. All of Djali emotions and thoughts are always showed on his (her) face.

Djali started off in the Disney movie as a minor character but do to the animation done by Ron Husband (Commentary, got love them) the executives demanded more Djali and so the screen time was double.

Djali is called a “him” throughout the movie and Hugo has a thing for Djali (Hugo being gay is a sensitive issue with Disney). My guess is this is a case of male pronoun default. Djali’s sex mattered in the book because Hugo(the author) wanted to communicate that Djali is Esmeralda’s double, so Djali is a female goat. In the Disney’s version, it doesn’t really matter so the default male pronouns are used. (Remember this movie came out in 1996)

Next time – a little bit more on Achilles and Djali (there is something more alike about these two)

27Jun 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 7: Animals – Achilles

by jess

Next – Achilles and Djali

So where the Gargoyles fail to add levity, Djali and Achilles succeeded and they don’t even speak. Let’s start with Achilles. Why? Because we see Achilles first, his name is comes first and there less to say about him

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles is Phoebus‘ war horse. According to the DVD commentary, the directors jokingly said that Achilles is Phillippe’s (Beauty and the Beast) dimwitted cousin. Both Disney horses were animated by Russ Edmonds.

Achilles with Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phillippe from Beauty and the Beast Disney

Achilles being a war horse takes excellent direction, he sits on command regardless of who he might sit on. But fear not Achilles never crushes anyone to death, just for comedy.

Sit command Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles the Set up Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles' Butt Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles Sitting Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Achilles is mosly white and he adds to Phoebus’ perfect knightly look, but he also has grey legs, snout, mane and tail. Mmmm his look is awfully similar to another character…..

Achilles and Snowball Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

One thing that is not commonly know about Achilles is that he hates Frollo’s horse, Snowball ( not sure if it Snowball 1 or 2).

Achilles Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The command regarding Achilles to sit, according to the commentary was the big laugh during the trailers. Achilles may not have done much and may have been relegate to an accessory but he almost as much laughs than the supposed comic relief even with his limited screen time. If wasn’t for the Gargoyles’ dress/tress line I think the Sit gag would have been the big laugh of the film and that’s only because grown-up heard tress and kids heard dress, so it’s two jokes.

Frollo's nose is long and he wears a tress/dress Disney Hunhcback of Notre Dame

Achilles Heeling Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Fun Fact- Achilles name was chosen just so they good do the “Achilles Heel” joke.

Next Time Djali -Hooray

Disney Djali from Hunchback of Notre Dame

21Jun 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 6: The Gargoyles (Hugo, Victor, and Laverne)

by jess

The Gargoyles – Victor, Hugo and Laverne.

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

The Gargoyles are the most annoying characters in this movie. They’re the comic relief but they fail at it (ok there are some funny bits but they’re few and very far between).

Hugo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo (voiced by Jason Alexander), the short piggish one, is a load mouth and the most annoying. He also has a thing for Djali.

Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor (voiced Charles Kimbrough) is the tall prissy serious one. He is the least interesting.

Laverne Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne (voiced by Mary Wickes/ Jame Withers) is the old one who tells it like is. She is probably the most of tolerable of the gargoyles.

Victor and Hugo were named for Victor Hugo the author, the writers thought they were being clever and they really wanted to prove they had read the book. Laverne was named after Laverne Andrews, one of The Andrew Sisters. They each have their own personalities and at least they balance each other out.

Hugo and Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Laverne and the birds Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Theory goes that the Gargoyles are aspects of Quasimodo’s imagination because he is a forced shut-in who is desperate to be love. However the Director people who thought they were being all smart and junk by trying to deep and profound, forgot (actually they didn’t forget they’re just inconsistent) that Djali interacted with Hugo and they fought to defend Notre Dame. Quasimodo’s main squeeze also saw the Gargoyles in the Sequel {shudders at the thought of the sequel shudders}. So let’s say that the directors are right and their theory that the Gargoyles are imaginary holds water; does this mean Quasimodo imagines Djali seeing Hugo? Does his means when Quasimodo is crowned King of Fools he imagines the Gargoyles cheering him on? Does he imagines the Gargoyles the throwing stuff off off Notre Dame and the soldiers getting hurt especially when Quasimodo is occupied? Does this mean that Quasimodo is the source the pop culture anachronisms? And if the Gargoyles are Quasimodo’s imagination does this mean that after Quasimodo made some real life friends and was accepted by the people the Gargoyles would cease to be? Because they’re still around in the {shudders} sequel {shudders}. If Quasimodo lives in his head this much does this mean Quasimodo in the book is more functional? Plus he must be contently winded from lugging three stone statues around the place, then again made that’s why he can lift up Phoebus in full armor one handed. Personally I think that the Gargoyles are Pan’s Labyrinthesque beings; only those who are innocent and pure can see them, hence why Quasimodo and Djali can see them but they can some effect on the actual world. Though in the German Musical, Der Glockner van Notre Dame, they are imaginary (and they have different names).

Victor, Hugo and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne draw pictures Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo in drag as Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So why are the sidekicks Gargoyles in the first place? Well the oh so smartie directors said in the commentary that Quasimodo speaks to the Gargoyles in the book. They also claim that Quasimodo has long conversations (plural) with the Gargoyles. Looking over the book, I found that he was fond of a â€˜grotesque personages sculptured on the wall’, and to this he says “why wasn’t I made of stone like you” (book 9 chapter 4 Earthenware and Crystal). I’m not sure what version of the novel they read where Quasimodo had long conversations with Gargoyles (1939 version? In the 1939 version Quasimodo utters this line to a gargoyle). If they were going to base a sidekick character off of objects that Quasimodo had a relationship with, it should have been the bells. They could’ve a sassy bell named Patti (Patti the Bell (Patti LaBelle) bad joke) that would have much better than the Gargoyles.

Hugo plays poker Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor and Laverne singing A Guy like you Disney Hunchback of Notre dame

Gargoyles Victor, Hugo and Laverne, make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Gargoyles make an Amadeus reference Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So what do the Gargoyles do in the film? They’re Quasimodo’s friends and guardians. They make [try] funny quips. They also make pop culture references. Disney has a habit of doing this. They started with the Genie in Aladdin. With the Genie it makes a level of sense because Genies are a supernatural beings, but in Hunchback this doesn’t work as well. The Gargoyles are part of Notre Dame, so how can they have inferences to the future? I don’t care that they magically – they’re part of an ancient building, they should be funny without making stupid references, Djali doesn’t resort it. Plus if they’re in fact imaginary, this means Quasimodo is the one doing it, so it makes even less sense. The only thing that the Gargoyles do well is they get Quasimodo off his ass and encourage him. But they also build Quasimodo’s expectations up too high. They convince him that Esmeralda is in love with him, which leads to some of Quasimodo’s emoness when she doesn’t reciprocate.

Victor and Laverne's drawing of Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Hugo draws Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Victor, Hugo and Laverne trying to liberate Quasimodo in emo-mode Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

So the point of the Gargoyles is to provide levity but they just distract from the movie. Disney boasts the Hunchback as being their darkest movie but the Gargoyles hinder it. Plus the movie has some good levity already, Phoebus, Esmeralda, Clopin, Djali, Achilles, those stupid bumbling guards, the old heretic, the torturer guy etc, they all provide good comedy while keeping the flow of the movie and without making references. Disney really could have done better in the sidekick department for Quasimodo.

Speaking of Sidekicks next time – Achilles and Djali

Disney Djali eating wooden a figurine

Achilles and Phoebus Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

12Jun 2011

Deeper look at the Disneyâ€™s Hunchback of Notre Dame Characters part 5: Clopin

by jess

Next Character – Clopin – The Story Teller plus that Large life character who gets the big Musical Numbers

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin (voiced by Paul Kandel) is the Leader of The Court of Miracles, Master of Ceremonies and Story Teller of the film. He accomplishes all this with only about 8 minutes of screen/voice time in the movie. Amazing! Clopin also gets three song which means he sings the most songs in the film and each song is big and over the top. Despite his limited screen time Clopin exhibits a lot of personality. He’s fun loving, mischievous diplomatic, funny, and somewhat nice. He also has a puppet version of himself (he also has one of Frollo. Makes you think who else does Clopin have puppets of?)

Clopin Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Isn’t it Cute???

Examples of Clopin varoius roles: Master of Ceremonies The Court of Miracles, and Story Teller.

Clopin presenting Quasimodo as the "King of Fools" Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin with Frollo Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin has looks very similar to Kuzco from the Emperor’s New Groove. Has a long pointy long face, straight long black hair, pointy nose, and thin. Clopin is older and has a few age lines, balding (a little bit) a beard, bushy eye brows and some missing teeth. Clopin gets two costumes, a performance look and a casual look. Unlike Esmeralda he is seen more in this performance outfit. It Harlequin that is purple and yellow with bells on his neck piece, a purple mask, and long back gloves. He has wears a purple hat with a big yellow feather. The hat is akin to the one that Thomas Mitchell wore in the 1939 version. Clopin casual costume looks similar to this performance garb but it all purple and less festive. He also wears the same hat. Like Esmeralda and Djali, Clopin also wears a single golden hoop earring. He cosplays (costume play) as Frollo. He also makes awesome expressions.

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Kuzco The Emperor's new Groove Disney picture image

Kuzco from The Emperor's new Groove Disney

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo while tormenting Phoebus and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin cosplaying as Frollo overruling his puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin with Esmeralda Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Clopin and Esmeralda have some connection to each other independent of being Gypsies and living in the Court of Miracles. Since Esmeralda performs with him in the Feast of Fool and she has some sway in the Court she must have some significant connection to Clopin. Since we’re given no back story for these two it’s impossible to know for certain. He either raised her, they’re related, or Esmeralda is just well liked in the Court of Miracles. I wish there was an answer but I guess this would have taken too much focus off of Quasimodo.

Clopin with Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin at the end Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Like Phoebus, Clopin moonlights for the role of Gringoire. Gringoire in the book is a poet so in various versions Gringoire is a story teller, or the voice for the audience. Clopin fills this role, he tells the back story of Quasimodo and Frollo and reprises the theme of the film at the end.

Given his limited screen time there is not a ton that can be said for him as a character but he one of the most enjoyable characters in the film. He should have gotten more screen time!

Clopin Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

Clopin, Phoebus,and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin noticing Quasimodo during the Feast of Fools Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

Next up
The Gargoyles (shutters)

The Gargoyles; Hugo Laverne, Victor Hunchback of Notre Dame Disney

Hey People in internet land, make your opinions known (to me)! Who is your favorite character from Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame? I’ll go first, I like Djali and Clopin. Now it’s your turn, don’ t be shy, I’d love to know. And you don’t like anyone well then say so ^_^.

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Tag Archives: Cartoons

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