Jean Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bete), is the French filmmaker's interpretation of Mme. Marie Leprince de Beaumont's fairy tale.

"Once upon a time" begins the story about a world out of balance (os goal-obtaining), largely because of the self-absorbed objective characters' (objective story thematic conflict-self-interest vs. morality) avarice and discontent. Beauty (main character) plays the Cinderella role (os prerequisite-being) in the midst of a grand family facing financial ruin. Exquisite, "even the floor wishes to become your mirror"-she nevertheless is treated as a minion (mc symptom-help). Wicked sisters, a "rotter" for a brother, a careless father, and roguish suitor Avenant (os symptom-pursuit) are the society she serves.

Father sets out to see if any of his ships have come in (os concern-obtaining). Losing his way on the journey back-he chances upon the Beast's (influence character) fortress, hidden deep in the forest. He plucks a rose for Beauty, an act (story driver-action) that enrages the Beast: "You were unlucky. You may take anything, but not my roses. For this you must die. Or one of your daughters must take your place." (mc domain-universe) Would Father have honored the pledge? Not too likely (os response-avoidance). In any event, Beauty slips out (mc approach-do-er) to the Beast's citadel to spare the weak father she adores (os catalyst-morality). Once there, she is drawn through the enchanted corridor by invisible power--toward the Beast that awaits.

The Beast is hideous. Ravenous appetites drive him (ic concern-subconscious)--his "hands smoke when he slays (ic symptom-pursuit) a victim." Beauty faints at first sight of the Beast--he falls instantly (ic benchmark-preconscious) in love.

BEAUTY

You are the master.

BEAST

No, it is you. You find me repulsive.

BEAUTY

I cannot lie.

BEAST

Everything here is at your command.

BEAUTY

I don't feel at ease . . . and I'm not used to being waited on (mc solution-uncontrolled). But I feel you're doing everything to make me forget your ugliness (rs domain-psychology).

BEAST

My heart is good. But I am a monster.

BEAUTY

There are men whose ugliness is all within.

BEAST

I'm not without soul.

BEAUTY

You have courage.

BEAST

. . . Every evening at seven . . . I'll ask the same question. Always the same question. Will you marry me? (rs thematic issue-commitment)

BEAUTY

No.

BEAST

Until tomorrow then (ic resolve-steadfast).

The days are long for Beauty in her gilded cage, but in time she grows quite fond of the eloquent Beast (rs journey 3-being to becoming). Fear abated-she entreats him to allow her a visit home (rs catalyst-responsibility).

BEAST

What you're asking me is very serious. I must think (ic problem-consider). . .

Beast will grant Beauty this wish, on the condition she consents to marriage upon return (rs inhibitor-self-interest). Beauty refuses, and falls ill at the thought of her dying father. Beast reconsiders (ic solution) his edict, and leads Beauty out to the balcony to show her the goddess Diana's Pavilion:

BEAST

Everything I possess is by magic. But all my earthly riches are . . . there . . . and one can only enter with a golden key. Here it is, Beauty. I am giving you the greatest possible proof of my confidence in you. If you don't return, I'll die (ic unique ability-dream). After my death everything will belong to you. Take this key . . . I have faith (rs driver) in you.

Beauty is magically transported to her overjoyed father's bedside.

BEAUTY

The Beast let me come.

FATHER

He has a soul?

BEAUTY

He is suffering . . . he is more cruel to himself than to human beings (ic thematic issue-denial).

FATHER

. . . You cannot live with him.

BEAUTY

I must. It's a strength that obeys, that commands. If I run away, I will endanger both of you (female mental sex).

Greed overtakes the others, as they connive to fool Beauty into remaining (mc critical flaw-hope), during which time they intend to steal the Beast's fortune (os concern-obtaining)-then commit murder. Alas for them, self-interest (os thematic issue) proves to be their undoing. Avenant dies (os solution-uncontrolled), his handsome visage exchanged for that of the bewitched Beast's-who is saved from his own death by Beauty's "loving look." (mc resolve-change)

The Beast proclaims Beauty has made the fair choice (mc unique ability) explaining: "Love can make man a beast. Love can beautify ugliness (rs concern-becoming). . . . You'll be a queen (mc concern-future). You'll find your father . . . and your sisters will serve you." (limit-optionlock)

In dazzling opulence, Beauty and her beautiful Beast most assuredly will live happily ever after (outcome-success; judgment-good).