The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1997)

Based on the novel, a young gypsy becomes a Minister's obsession in 1483. Only the bell ringer and her husband and the court of miracles can save her.

Director:

Peter Medak (as Peter Medák)

Writers:

Victor Hugo (novel), John Fasano (teleplay)

Stars:

Mandy Patinkin, Richard Harris, Salma Hayek

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mandy Patinkin	...	Quasimodo
Richard Harris	...	Dom Frollo
Salma Hayek	...	Esmeralda
Edward Atterton	...	Gringoire
Benedick Blythe	...	Phoebus
Nigel Terry	...	King Louis XI
Jim Dale	...	Clopin
Trevor Baxter	...	Chief Lawyer
Vernon Dobtcheff	...	Father Michel
Nickolas Grace	...	Gauchére
Matthew Sim	...	Crippled Man
Cassie Stuart	...	Colette
Gabi Fon	...	Queen Anne
Michael Mehlmann	...	Beggar (as Michael Mehlman)
Olga Antal	...	Woman in Crowd

Storyline

Based on the novel, a young gypsy becomes a Minister's obsession in 1483. Only the bell ringer and her husband and the court of miracles can save her.

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Plot Keywords:

minister | bell | gypsy | renaissance | political opposition | 

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Genres:

Drama | Horror | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA Hungary Canada Czech Republic

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Hunchback

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Company Credits

Production Co:

Adelson-Baumgarten Productions, Alliance Communications Corporation, Stillking Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This put an end to Terry Gilliam's rival plans to film this story with Gérard Depardieu.

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Goofs

When Quasimodo returns to the Cathedral after his public punishment there is no sign of it on his skin, though it was prominent in the scenes with Esmeralda.

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Quotes

Quasimodo: [to a gargoyle] Why was I not made of stone like thee?

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Connections

Version of Kampanerang kuba (1974)

User Reviews

One of the weaker versions but still decent

Excluding the low-budget animated versions- the sole exception being the Burbank Films Australia one- this would be the weakest, including them it would be one of them. For the best/most faithful adaptations, look to the Anthony Quinn and Anthony Hopkins versions, for the best versions on their own terms my personal favourites are Charles Laughton's and Disney's(Chaney's is also excellent, and Hopkins'). A lot of scenes do seem under-populated(it looks like only less than 30 people inhabit Paris) and key ones like Esmeralda's rescue done competently but indifferently and with not much impact, especially after Laughton's and Disney's versions doing that scene so brilliantly. The whole thing about Frollo not wanting printed books coming to public use and killing someone over it didn't feel that well thought-out and may make one unsure about when the story is meant to take place. The adaptation is far from ugly, it's very handsomely filmed and lit, Quasimodo's makeup is fairly well-done and the landscapes, scenery and costumes are lovely, but some of the sets are too rural farm sometimes and lack authenticity. Characterisation is also thin especially in the case of Phoebus, here so abridged and underwritten that it feels like he wasn't there at all. There is an exception though and that was Frollo, a very interesting and multi-faceated character here. The music however is very stirring and has a hauntingly beautiful vibe that is capable of pathos and chills, while the dialogue is heartfelt and thoughtful and most of the story is compelling. The relationship between Esmeralda and Quasimodo is poignant and so is the ending, and the adaptation does do a fabulous job with Frollo. The sound editing is not a problem either. And the three principal performances are excellent, the acting honours going to Richard Harris as Frollo, very menacing, imposing yet tormented, the very meaning of a misguided villain and one you end up feeling somewhat pitying rather than properly hating. Mandy Patinkin's Quasimodo is often heartbreaking in how he made him wretched yet gentle, it is very easy to sympathise with him. Salma Hayek is one of the more compassionate Esmeraldas and one of the more youthful(if missing out on her innocence) ones too since Maureen O'Hara, also very sultry and beautiful. Jim Dale, Edward Atterton and Nigel Terry are very good as well, though their characters have been better realised in other adaptations(namely Anthony Quinn's). All in all, a decent version but not one of the best of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 7/10 Bethany Cox