Introduction
Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale that has captured the hearts of generations. With the 2017 live-action adaptation, a new wave of fans were introduced to this classic story. However, many people are still left wondering, who plays Belle in Beauty and the Beast? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and more.
Meet Emma Watson, the Actress who brought Belle to Life
Emma Watson is a British actress who rose to fame as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter franchise. Born in Paris, she moved to England at a young age to pursue her acting career. In 2015, she was approached by Disney to play the role of Belle in their upcoming live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
Watson’s experience in Harry Potter provided her with a strong foundation of acting ability, which served her well in playing Belle. Her role as Hermione particularly helped her as she was already familiar with portraying strong and intelligent female characters.
Behind the Scenes with Belle: An Interview with Emma Watson
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Emma Watson discussed her experience playing Belle. She noted that it was both an honor and a challenge to take on the role of such a beloved Disney princess. Watson also talked about how she worked to bring her own interpretation and vision to the character.
In the interview, Watson also highlighted how she wished to portray Belle as a multidimensional character who was much more than just a pretty face. She aimed to showcase the character’s intelligence, strength, and independence.
Emma Watson’s Journey to Playing Belle
Watson’s journey to playing Belle began after she was approached by Disney for the role. She was initially hesitant to take on such an iconic character, but after reading the script, she couldn’t resist. She loved the script’s strong feminist message and was excited to be a part of such a positive portrayal of women.
In preparation for the role, Watson took singing and dancing lessons to ensure that she could perform the role as authentically as possible. She also worked closely with the director and wardrobe department to ensure that the character’s outfits and overall appearance matched her vision for Belle.
Belle as a Feminist Icon
Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle embodies the ideals of strong and independent women. Throughout the film, Belle is shown as a woman who is more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent, courageous, and unafraid to stand up for herself and her beliefs.
An example of Belle’s courage and independence can be seen when she refuses Gaston’s advances. Though Gaston is seen as the town’s hero, Belle is not willing to compromise her values for anyone. In another scene, Belle shows her tenderness and heart when she nurses the Beast back to health after he saves her from the wolves.
The Iconic Yellow Dress
One of the most iconic moments in Beauty and the Beast is when Belle dances with the Beast in her yellow ballgown. The dress is not only visually stunning, but it also represents Belle’s character growth and transformation.
According to Emma Watson, the dress was designed with the aim of being a more active and functional version of a traditional ballgown. The skirt was made from organic cotton, and the bodice was made from silk. The dress also featured a high-low skirt to make it easier for Belle to move and dance in it.
Belle’s Love Interest
Belle’s love interest in Beauty and the Beast is the Beast himself. The chemistry between Belle and the Beast is palpable, and their relationship develops gradually throughout the film.
Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle and Dan Stevens’ portrayal of the Beast helped to make their on-screen relationship believable. Belle is initially wary of the Beast, but as she begins to see past his appearance and gets to know him, she falls in love with him.
Belle beyond the Screen
Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle has become an inspiration for young girls worldwide. Watson has been an outspoken advocate for feminism and other issues, using her platform to raise awareness and effect change.
She has also been vocal about her hopes for all young girls to see themselves as strong and capable leaders. In a 2017 interview, Watson stated, “I want to see young girls feel like they can be protagonists of their own stories—their own heroes.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emma Watson’s portrayal of Belle in Beauty and the Beast is a shining example of strong, independent women. She brought a new and fresh perspective to a beloved character while still staying true to the essence of Belle. Her performance has inspired young girls around the world and will continue to do so for years to come.
