Introduction"The Beast" (also called "La Bête") is a 1970 French mental drama film directed by Walerian Borowczyk. The film, which is an adaptation of the novella "Lokis" by Prosper Mérimée, informs the story of a wealthy landowner who becomes consumed with a mystical animal that strolls his estate. The Beast is a deeply climatic and haunting film that explores styles of sexuality, repression, and the dark side of human nature.
Plot Summary"The Beast" is set in the late 19th century, in a remote and collapsing chateau owned by the nobleman Mathieu de Lancre. Mathieu is wed to the devoutly religious Marianne and is the adoptive dad of the lovely and perky Romilda. The estate is overshadowed by the legend of a frightening beast that prowls in the surrounding forest, and Mathieu is consumed by his fixation with the animal.
The movie begins with the arrival of a young teacher, Pierre, who has actually been commissioned by Mathieu to tutor Romilda. Pierre concerns the townspeople about their experiences with the beast, but they are divided in their accounts of the animal. Some claim to have seen it, explaining it as a massive black feline, while others dismiss the stories as simple superstitious notion.
As Pierre settles into life at the chateau, he rapidly becomes drawn in to the enigmatic Romilda. Nevertheless, Mathieu warns Pierre to keep away from her, claiming that she is engaged to another man which any involvement would just bring problem. Pierre can not withstand, however, and the 2 start an enthusiastic affair.
Mathieu's Obsession with the BeastThroughout the movie, Mathieu's fixation with the beast grows, and he spends his days and nights searching for it in the forest. He becomes progressively unhinged, alienating himself even more from his spouse and the people in his village. In his pursuit of the beast, he likewise becomes obsessed with a climatic painting of a wild monster being pursued by a group of naked ladies, which hangs in the chateau.
As the people around him continue to doubt the existence of the beast, Mathieu ends up being more desperate and negligent. In one particularly painful scene, he coerces his wife Marianne into accompanying him on a nighttime hunt, during which she ends up being apart and horrified by the beast. This deepens the rift between the couple and further isolates Mathieu.
The Beast RevealedThe climax of the film comes when Pierre, Romilda, and Mathieu become trapped in the forest during a storm. As lightning lights up the night, they catch a glimpse of the beast, a monstrous feline animal with radiant red eyes. The creature strikes horror into the hearts of the characters, pushing them to the edge of madness.
In a final, stunning twist, it is exposed that Mathieu himself is the beast, unable to manage his primitive desires and impulses. Romilda, horrified by the discovery, runs away from the chateau, pursued by the desperate Mathieu.
Last Thoughts"The Beast" is a complex and diverse movie that delves deep into the human mind, exploring styles of fascination, desire, and the darker side of human nature. The climatic setting and haunting soundtrack serve to heighten the stress and anxiousness throughout, while the vibrant and striking visuals require the viewer's attention.
With its intriguing expedition of ancient misconceptions and dark desires, "The Beast" is an unforgettable venture into the depths of human depravity. Its undercurrent of sexuality and stunning twists make sure that it stays a powerful and befuddling film, even decades after its release.
Top Cast
