The Underrated Villain in Beauty & The Beast’s Christmas Special

Although Beauty & The Beast‘s holiday offshoot, Belle’s Enchanted Christmas, may not rival the popularity of its theatrical predecessor, it boasts a captivating antagonist: Tim Curry’s Forte. Not every Disney princess film features a memorable villain, which can detract from the enjoyment during subsequent viewings. For instance, while Frozen is acknowledged as a modern classic, the motivations behind Prince Hans’s ill-timed confession of his deceitful intentions towards Anna can leave audiences perplexed. Furthermore, although Gaston from Beauty & The Beast is an iconic adversary, he suffers from a significant drawback.

Gaston epitomizes small-town prejudice, leading to his separation from both Belle and the Beast for much of the film. Their main confrontations occur only towards the climax of Beauty & The Beast, which undermines the potential impact of their rivalry. Fortunately, Belle’s Enchanted Christmas resolves this issue, introducing a multifaceted villain who not only reveals the Beast’s darker aspects but also enriches Belle’s narrative. This interquel occurs during the original film, allowing for the exploration of this dynamics during the festive season.

Understanding Tim Curry’s Villain in Beauty & The Beast

Forte: From Composer to Cursed Organ

Belle and the Beast in a decorated ballroom

Belle’s Enchanted Christmas serves as a unique interquel, set within the timeline of Beauty & The Beast, and chronicles how the spirited Belle managed to unravel the ice surrounding the Beast’s heart during a magical holiday season. The film features beloved compositions like “Stories” and “As Long As There’s Christmas,” which match the musical quality found in the original Disney Renaissance classic. However, it is the character of Forte who steals the spotlight, brought to life with Tim Curry’s signature exuberance. Once the castle’s musical composer, Forte is cursed to exist as a living pipe organ, adding a sinister edge to the tale.

Forte mistakenly believes that his new form is a more advantageous position for the Beast, viewing Belle’s influence as a potential threat. Unlike other enchanted inhabitants, who yearn for their humanity, Forte revels in his grotesque existence and adamantly tries to sabotage Belle’s attempts at opening the Beast’s heart. He even plots an elaborate deception to lead Belle to her demise in a frozen lake, aided by his comedic sidekick, Piccolo, who is voiced by Paul Reubens.

The Thrilling Core of Belle’s Enchanted Christmas

High Stakes in Beauty & The Beast’s Interquel

Belle singing 'Stories' in Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

The plot of Belle’s Enchanted Christmas is condensed to a brief montage in the original Beauty & The Beast, making it evident just how little development their relationship received in that film. While Belle does experience some character growth in her initial story, this interquel offers significantly more depth to her persona and her burgeoning relationship with the Beast. Belle’s unwavering optimism and her efforts to connect with the Beast through storytelling provide insight into how this solitary figure gradually opens his heart.

This narrative serves as the driving force behind Forte’s villainous agenda, as he seeks to manipulate the Beast into believing that Belle is a threat to their bond. Convincing himself that the Beast’s best interest lies in remaining a beast, Forte feels that preserving his status as a living organ grants him a purpose he never had as a human. His desperation culminates in a chilling willingness to eliminate Belle if that’s what it takes to maintain his grip on the Beast’s attention.

The Absence of Tim Curry’s Villain in Beauty & The Beast

The Fate of Forte in Beauty & The Beast

Belle and the Beast ice skating in Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas

This context clarifies the Beast’s intense fears of betrayal throughout the original film, adding emotional weight to his character by demonstrating how a treacherous ally affected his psyche. Notably, Beauty & The Beast did not explore this subplot, making Belle’s Enchanted Christmas an enriching complement to the franchise. Forte, unfortunately, remains absent from the original movie, but this aligns with the narrative of the spin-off.

Forte’s attempt to eliminate both Belle and the Beast ultimately leads to his downfall. As his plan unravels, he resorts to using his music in a desperate bid to crush them under the collapsing castle, yet only manages to destroy himself in the chaotic climax of Belle’s Enchanted Christmas. Since this entire conflict unfolds concurrently with the montage of the couple’s romance in the original film, it explains why Forte is absent from Beauty & The Beast.

Fans can enjoy both Beauty & The Beast and Belle’s Enchanted Christmas on Disney+.

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