Clopin | The Hunchblog of Notre Dame

07Oct 2014

The Other Characters in 1986; Because they are there

by jess

By now you should know that the characters in the 1986 version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame are not rich, complex or by any means interesting and that’s just main characters who get screen time and apparent motivations. Considering this version misses with the main characters. the minor characters don’t have a snow flake’s chance in hell to be interesting and yet they do as result weird writing.

Phoebus

1986 Phoebus

Phoebus in gets the most important role of the minor characters. He does his Phoebus duties of saving Esmeralda, getting stab and conveniently not saying anything about not dying.

It weird that Phoebus didn’t say anything when he walked by as Esmeralda is about to die only to clear the air at the end. It also seems like he was sincere about Esmeralda unlike book Phoebus.

Did he just notice her execution or her trial? I find that hard to believe but it was convenient because Quasimodo has to save her. It’s just a head scratcher. I wish this Phoebus had more of a character then being a plot point because the bad writing could have made him interesting.

Gringoire

1986 Gringoire

He whines and marries Esmeralda and is bummed that she doesn’t like him. I don’t think he adds anything. Well strictly speaking he tells Frollo about Esmeralda and Phoebus’ meeting but really, Frollo could have overheard that just as easily. And Gringoire is not even shown after that point anyway.

Djali

1986 Djali

Djali is considered Esmeralda’s double but not here as Esmeralda herself calls Djali a “dirty little beast” in fact that is her first line, Djali misses the marks as they depict her as brown and not white with glided horns. Other than that Djali does her tricks and gets Esmeralda in trouble.

Clopin

1986 Clopin

Clopin is ONLY in the Court of Miracles scene. So because he is self-contain scene that they place straight to the book, it a decent short depiction that doesn’t get muddled. Best depiction in the 1986 version!

Next Time – The Voice Acting

Esmeralda 1986 Hunchback Notre Dame picture image

1986 Esmeralda

06Sep 2014

US Premiere of Stage Musical of Hunchback Cast

by jess

We have a Cast! (I’m late on this news)

Michael Arden as Quasimodo

Patrick Page as Frollo

Ciara Renee as Esmeralda

Andrew Samonsky Phoebus

Andrew Samonsky as Phoebus

Erik Liberman as Clopin

Nothing I can find on Gargoyles or the Archdeacon, since they were in the original German version. We’ll see.

I will see if I can for later posts find any info on these actors. I’m sure I find something.

16Jul 2014

A 2007 Version of The Hunchback; Why do I feel like I’m getting Trolled

by jess

I was on a hunt for information on the upcoming Josh Brolin version of Hunchback and I found a 2007 version that had a cast and script attached. I’m a little unsure if the movie is in preproduction or in development hell or finished or what. It’s seems to be called, The Hunchback, real original.

It seems to be lead by actor Max Ryan and seems to be another vanity project. According to cinema.theiapolis.com, Monica Cruz plays Esmeralda and John Rhys-Davies plays Frollo. Both actors are listed under “in negotiations.” It’s a little funny because Hazel D’Jan, who has a good look and is fairly age appropriate for Esmeralda is casted in the film as “Figment,” whatever that means. Since this movie seems up in the air and may not happen or did not happen or did, I can’t find lot information on this, I will hold off judgement on Cruz and Rhys-Davis, though methinks casting posts are in order.

However, the Script did win Best Screenplay at the Queen International Film Festival in 2007 and that is what I want to discuss. You can read a synopsis RIGHT HERE
I may seem like a book purist but I’m a fan of good adaptations. This movie might be great but based on the little info I have on the plot, I dunno how good this version is or will be. Here are 5 WTF things from the plot summary.

– Quasimodo parents loved him and Clopin killed his parents to sell him but Quasimodo escaped. Shame on you movie for making Clopin evil.

– Frollo is guilted into caring for Quasimodo. Disney did the same thing but this Frollo seems less gray than Disney Frollo, this Frollo is a Grade-A jerk-face.

– Quasimodo lives in “the cave” of Notre Dame. Not sure that that means but they elude to it being in the high grounds. Shrugs

– Quasimodo saves Esmeralda when she attacked by wolves. What? Huh? Kidnapping is not evil enough for you movie? Oh, that would imply Frollo and Quasimodo have a relationship where Quasimodo loves Frollo and would do anything for him and in this version they hate each other. It’s new, I give it that but it’s dumb. It also seem like Frollo involvment with Esmeralda comes from Quasimodo’s first involvement and not the other way around.

– Frollo kills the guy who guilted him into raising Quasimodo and frames Esmeralda. Semi ripping of the 1997 version here, huh?

It strikes me that this plot took too many liberties with the original and made some dumb choices. But who know maybe it’s better than the little PDF makes it out to be.

What are your thoughts on this plot? And if you have or find any more info on the this version let me know.

11Jun 2014

Top Ten Best Things about The Disney version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame

by jess

Being forced to watch very, very bad versions of Hunchback makes me more grateful to the Disney version. The Disney version is not perfect but they did at least put out a solid effort into their version and made a good movie. You can’t really say that for the Enchanted tales version. So I thought I would list of what I consider to be the Top Ten Best Things about The Disney version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin with Puppet Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

10. Clopin
Clopin is just such a fun and interesting character. He kinds neither good or bad. I guess he more of a light gray. I wish he was in more of the movie.

Esmeralda Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame singing "God Help the Outcast" picture image

Esmeralda singing “God Help the Outcast” Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

9. Animation
Gorgeous Animation is a Disney hallmark and the Hunchback is no exception. There are some gorgeous shots. Though the CG crowds didn’t age well but you seldom really notice them unless you’re looking.

Esmeralda and Quasimodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Esmeralda and Quaismodo Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

8.The Pacing
The pacing is great in this movie. There are no low points and the story moves from point to point really well.

Esmeralda singing God Help the Outcast Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

7. Accuracy to Notre Dame
The way they rendered the Cathedral is lovely and you can see all the effort that went in to it. I mean they did make it larger but they did capture its Beauty and it intricate little details. They might have been to accurate since they included elements that were not present at the time of the story but that is a nitpick that you would have to be aware of.

Clopin Topsy Turvy Disney Hunchback Notre Dame

6. The Songs
With one exception, you know the one, the songs are really great. Some are better than others but on the whole they are great.

Frollo and Notre Dame Bells Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo stares at Notre Dame during the Bells of Notre Dame FDisney Hunchback of Notre Dame

5. The Music Score
The Score was inspired by Mozart’s Requiem Mass and it really is gorgeous especially Sanctuary. It really one the best Disney scores ever.

Frollo and Baby Quasimodo bells Disney Hunch back of Notre Dame picture image

Frollo and Baby Quasimodo during the Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunch back of Notre Dame

4. Frollo
Frollo is one of the most complex Disney Villains. On one hand he is cool and cruel and the other he’s bat-shit crazy but he thinks he’s good and just even when trying to kill a baby he thinks he is in the right.

Frollo singing Hellfire Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

3. Hellfire/Heaven’s Light

This is kind of like A Night on Bald Mountain/Ave Maria in reverse. A Lot of the drama comes from the duality of the Heaven and Hell. Though you would get little argument that Hellfire is the better song in both the visuals and the lyrics. It so dark and twisted but Heaven’s Light just elevates Hellfire crazed hellish tone. It’s kind ironic that Frollo is praying to Mary in this song.

A Puppet of Quasimodo bells Disney Hunchback of notre dame picture image

A Puppet of Quasimodo during the Bells of Notre Dame Disney Hunchback of notre dame

2. The Opening
The Opening is amazing. In 5 minutes we get some drama, some humor and all the backstory. The song and the visuals are wonderful. I like how dark this gets and there is no denying that crescendo at the end. Flawless

Quaismodo Bells of Notre dame reprise Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

1. It introduced people to The Hunchback of Notre
While of course this is not true for everyone, The Disney version did introduced people to the characters and the ideas of the novel. Without it people may not be fans of original story today.

Honorable mention Djali

I love Djali to pieces

Djali Disney Hunchback of Notre Dame

18Mar 2014

1997 Clopin; Fun yet fairly Forgettable

by jess

Jim Dale as Clopin

The Clopin in the 1997 version of The Hunchback is very reminiscent of the Disney version. He is pragmatic and slightly cruel in his ruling approach but he is fun.

Jim Dale as Clopin

This Clopin is fairly standard as far of what is asked of Clopin. He is leader of the Court of Miracles and is cruel to outsiders except for Quasimodo. He uses Esmeralda for distractions but he also enjoy her dancing over listening to Gringoire. Overall he is one of the more jovial Clopins.

Jim Dale as Clopin

Unlike other Clopins he doesn’t lead the attack to save Esmeralda. This is because the climax was changed and the assault of Notre Dame follows Quasimodo saving Esmeralda in the middle of the film. Because he is not involved in attack on Notre Dame, he lives. He and Gringoire do lead a fairly peaceful protest to save Esmeralda and he gives a speech to Nobel’s king in her defense. Other than that he is pretty by the book

Jim Dale as Clopin

Is this a great memorable Clopin? No, can’t say he is. Is it an identifiable and characteristic Clopin? Yes and that is really all one can really ask for in an a Hunchback movie version.

Next time – Phoebus….. wait he’s not this movie…is he?

Benedick Blythe as Phoebus

29Nov 2013

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Mega Post

by jess

Watches are great gift to give as holiday present as they are fun, fashionable and useful. But What watches reflect the Hunchback characters sense of style? I went through the watches to find the best watches that fit the characters. I found an option for both men and women watches. So either buy one for someone in your life who fits the style of a character or ask for one as gift (be sure to the person buying it for to click the link on the Hunchblog ^_~), and above all else, have fun looking.

ESMERALDA

Esmeralda’s style is youthful, charming and exuberant.

For the Ladies

Invicta Women’s Pro Diver Collection 18k Gold-Plated Watch

For the Guys

Lucien Piccard Men’s Excalibur Black Textured Dial Gold Ion-Plated Stainless Steel Watch

QUASIMODO

Quasimodo’s style is down to earth, humble, and unique.

For the Ladies

Anne Klein Women’s Gold-Tone Tortoise Shell Plastic Bracelet

For the Guys

Bulova Men’s Automatic Mechanical Brown Leather Strap Dial Watch

FROLLO

Frollo’s style is dark and refined with an edge.

For the Ladies

Lucien Piccard Women’s Veleta Black Mother-Of-Pearl Dial Swarovski Crystal Accents Black Leather Strap Watch

For the Guys

Bulova Men’s Precisionist Leather Strap Watch

PHOEBUS

Phoebus’s style is bright, simple and militaristic

For the Ladies

Timex Women’s Ameritus Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Mesh Bracelet Dress Watch

For the Guys

Bulova Men’s Dress Classic Goldtone Watch

GRINGOIRE

Gringoire’s style is bold with a flair for the dramatics.

For the Ladies

Swatch Women’s Quartz Rainbow Dial Plastic Watch

(This watch looks Gringoire’s pants in Notre Dame de Paris )

For the Guys

Stuhrling Original Men’s Classic Cuvette SD 23k Yellow Gold-Plated Stainless Steel and Brown Leather Strap Watch

CLOPIN

Clopin’s style is bold and edgy

For the Ladies (this is unisex)

ESQ Movado Unisex Round Stainless Steel Watch

For the Guys

Kenneth Cole New York Men’s Classic Grey Dial Roman Numeral Detail Strap Watch

FLEUR DE LYS

Fleur de Lys’ style is classic, delicate and elegant.

For the Ladies

Anne Klein Women’s Swarovski Crystal Elements Silver-Tone Bangle Watch

For the Guys

Citizen Men’s A Eco-Drive Axiom Watch

DJALI

Djali’s style is fun and bold

For the Ladies

Invicta Women’s Angel Collection Multi-Function Rose Gold Plated White Rubber Watch

For the Guys

Bulova Men’s Classic Two-Tone Tank Watch

SISTER GUDULE

Sister Gudule’s style is humble and simple

For the Ladies

Michael Kors Runway Slim Rose Vachetta Women’s Watch

For the Guys

Citizen Men’s “Eco-Drive” Gold-Tone Stainless Steel and Leather Strap Watch

JEHAN

Jehan’s style is bold, youthful and carefree.

For the Ladies

MULCO Women’s Analog Chronograph Swiss Watch

For the Guys

Stuhrling Original Men’s Triumph Classic Swiss Quartz Multifunction Gold Tone Watch

30Oct 2013

What Would Quasimodo Wear?

by jess

Tomorrow is Halloween. A day of candy, costumes and feeling mildly scared in a fun way. But what would our dear Hunchback characters wear as their costumes?

Phantom of the Opera Halloween Costume for Quasimodo

Quasimodo – Phantom of the Opera (Another deformed French but considered sexy by many)

Darth Vader Halloween Costume for Frollo

Frollo – Darth Vader (he love wearing black and has a flair for dramatics)

Flapper, Halloween Costume for Esmeralda

Esmeralda – Flapper

Chick Magnet, Halloween Costume for Phoebus

Phoebus – Chick Magnet

Edgar Allan Poe, Halloween Costume for Gringoire

Gringoire – Edgar Allan Poe

Jack Sparrow, Halloween Costume for Clopin

Clopin – Captain Jack Sparrow

Wicked Queen, Halloween Costume for Fleur de Lys

Fleur de Lys – A Wicked Queen

Beer Keg, Halloween Costume for Jehan

Jehan – Beer Keg

Kangaroo, Halloween Costume for Sister Gudule

Sister Gudule – Kangaroo (she wants to keep her baby close to her)

Lady Gaga, Halloween Costume for Djali

Djali – Lady Gaga (would need to be modified for a Goat)

03Sep 2013

The Joyless King of Theives; The 1982 version of Clopin

by jess

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin in the 1982 version is a lot more ruthless, cut-throat, and practical than he is other versions.

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

He has no sense of merriment to him. Instead he is all about getting money by stealing methods and using his authority as king. He uses Esmeralda as distraction to steal and for all intended purposes threatens her when she refuses to dance. He also doesn’t like being question at all by anyone.

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

He has a protective streak in a practical way in that he wants to secure the longevity of the people of the Court of Miracles. He doesn’t want to save Esmeralda from Notre Dame at first because Esmeralda is protected there and fed so he counts her lucky. He does want to save when she being threaten from the suspension of sanctuary.

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

He does all the usual Clopin tasks but he’s pragmatic and very joy-less in way he conduces himself.

Next 1982 article costumes

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

27Aug 2013

Jerk-Face Womanizer; The 1982 Version of Phoebus

by jess

Phoebus in the 1982 version is a straight-up jerk face. Which makes him a whole new depiction as there is NOTHING redeemable about him, NOTHING!

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

23Jul 2013

Plotting at the Plot of the 1982 Hunchback

by jess

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Pretty much the 1982 version follows the 1939 model of how to tell this story. However the 1982 version doesn’t dive into social commentary the same way. The blight of Gypsies is not an issue and Esmeralda doesn’t concern herself social inequality. Esmeralda’s main concerns are not getting arrested, marrying Phoebus and keeping Frollo off of her.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame picture image

Derek Jacobi as Frollo & Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Frollo is also different than his 1939 incarnation. For one thing, in the 1982 version he is a priest and has no younger brother. Also he is a little more forward, instead of staring at her he basically tries to get with Esmeralda in the first 20 minutes. He went right to lust. But this version has a decent jail scene so point in its favor. Although I would point out that having Frollo bring Esmeralda into Notre Dame after she gets arrested for dancing and then trying to seduce her robs a bit from the jail scene when Esmeralda asks why he hates her. Esmeralda in the book was scared of Frollo and Frollo’s interaction with her was very limited to no existent. In this movie he is not really acting hateful toward Esmeralda. He acting confused and desperate but he was acting fairly nice toward till he tried touch her and she ran off. So Esmerald questioning him was tad on the unnecessary side.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Gerry Sundquist as Gringoire, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Since the social concerns are not presence in this movie Gringoire has little else to do but moon over Esmeralda, although like in 1939 version he and Esmeralda do fall in love and leave together at the end.

The Death of Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Speaking of the end, Quasimodo kills Frollo in self- defense by impaling him on a nail. This…..this ……is not cool movie. While I get that the self-defense angle, impaling Frollo on a nail is A) stupid and anti-climactic and B) having Frollo fall from Notre Dame is a powerful metaphor. My guess the reason why Frollo dies in this manner is the budget but still shame.

Anthony Hopkins as Quasimodo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Quasimodo is pretty much the same from 1939 version, Hopkins plays him very sympathetic but it works.

David Suchet as Clopin, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Clopin is not fun in this version, He is very conniving. He is not to concern about anything other than survival.

Robert Powell as Phoebus & Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

Phoebus is depicted as huge womanizing jerk who is married in this version. Another strange addition to this version is Frollo offering to buy Esmeralda from Gringoire.

Lesley-Anne Down as Esmeralda & Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

This version plays the story out pretty conventionally. It doesn’t make too many big annoying changes to the plot. The changes they make are small and mostly the impact the characters.

So let’s dive deeper into those characters, let’s start with the heart and soul of the movie; Frollo

Derek Jacobi as Frollo, 1982 Hunchback of Notre Dame

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Tag Archives: Clopin

The Other Characters in 1986; Because they are there

US Premiere of Stage Musical of Hunchback Cast

A 2007 Version of The Hunchback; Why do I feel like I’m getting Trolled

Top Ten Best Things about The Disney version of the Hunchback of Notre Dame

1997 Clopin; Fun yet fairly Forgettable

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Mega Post

What Would Quasimodo Wear?

The Joyless King of Theives; The 1982 version of Clopin

Jerk-Face Womanizer; The 1982 Version of Phoebus

Plotting at the Plot of the 1982 Hunchback

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