Once in a while I take a break from science fiction and delve into other genre such as comedy, horror, or believe it or not, fairy tales, which can at times be horrific in and of themselves in terms of the content of the story. Some of the early work (around the early 1800's) of the Grimm brothers, for example, was not seen as appropriate for young readers but revised editions more suitable for children were praised and inspired future writers and the stories have probably touched our lives in one form or another. Walt Disney was particularly fond of fairy tales as evident in many movies made by Disney and the original conception of Disneyland.
Since the title of the post is La Belle et la Bete, I must say, this mid 1700 French fairy tale as been retold many times in many languages in many forms such as prose, film, television, and opera. The most famous film version of the tale is probably the 1946 French version directed by Jean Cocteau, and there is also a modern day version entitled Spike(2008), sort of a horror version of the tale, but I like the television version with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton (1987 - 1990) set in New York in the world above and the world below. I know, this version is a little bit of a corny, chick-flick style of show but I do like it, the story is well adapted to modern times: instead of a castle, the beast lives under the city of New York in a labyrinth of tunnels and secret passages and the story contains what I believe to be the essential moral of the story in that inner beauty and strength of character is what is most important in life, more than material things or false pretense. Whichever version you choose to read or watch, even modern day adaptations, it is like looking through a time machine to the past and how people thought and lived. I think that is the sci fi lover in me, and time travel through great writing turns me on every time.
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