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The Beast of Beauty

The Beast of Beauty (2003)

Sep 12, 2003 1h 28m Horror Family

Lotte and her father moves in with Kristin, a former beauty queen, and her daughter, Vendela. Kristin is grooming Vendela to win the Little Miss Norway contest, and as a result both girls get more and more preoccupied with their looks. When Lotte is allowed to participate in the contest, it soon becomes clear that being too vain can be a frightening experience.

Directed by Hilde Heier

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Hilde Heier
Writer
  • Kjetil Indregard
  • Hilde Heier
Producer
  • Finn Gjerdrum

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Family film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Beast of Beauty presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Hilde Heier brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2003, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Beast of Beauty took approximately 27 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1909 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2003, when this film is released:
  • The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Beast of Beauty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike August Rush, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Beast of Beauty subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Wild Chicks and Broken Bird explore similar territory, The Beast of Beauty stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 12, 2003
  • Runtime: 1h 28m

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