The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
With a few tweaks, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame could be one of the studio's finest. As is, the movie is strong but suffers from out of place, awkward humor throughout. Let’s preface this review by adding that we’re evaluating the animated film and just the film. If you're looking for an accurate adaptation of the book, this isn't it. If that's what you want, you've got no business here.
In 1482 Paris, Judge Claude Frollo (voiced by Tony Jay) is a malicious, unjust, and xenophobic despot. High in the towers of Notre Dame lives his adopted “son”, a deformed hunchback cruelly named Quasimodo (voiced by Tom Hulce). Alone inside the stone walls of the cathedral, he dreams of belonging to the outside world. When a gypsy named Esmeralda (Demi Moore) captures Frollo's heart, the judge’s lust and rage threaten all of Paris.
This film sets itself apart from other Disney classics with its sinister and tragic tone. Quasimodo is deformed and grotesque. Even with a kind heart, he stands no chance with Esmeralda - particularly while she and the Captain of the Guard, Phoebus (Kevin Kline) make eyes at each other. Several tense sequences take dark turns as Frollo expresses his racism towards the Romani (Gypsy) and willingness to do anything in order to pass the blame he should bear onto others. Quasimodo is frequently subjected to cruelty. The downtrodden are frequently stomped on. There’s a tragic undertone as Quasimodo speaks to his only friends, stone statues he "brings to life" with his imagination. The majestic skyline of 15th century Paris, towering cathedral representing both a prison and hope to those seeking sanctuary, it’s powerful stuff.
This film benefits from a truly great villain. You love to hate Frollo. Though he's been changed from archdeacon to a judge, he remains edgy. You might've seen other children's stories proclaiming the importance of not judging others on their appearance but this character makes The Hunchback of Notre Dame stands out and more suitable for older audiences than little kids. The Judge paints himself as a devout Christian but commits horrid crimes. While nothing is ever explicitly said, a vivid scene in which he imagines Esmeralda dancing shows his lust for her. He's irredeemably evil but human.
The city is wonderfully brought to life through Quasimodo's viewpoint. We've got memorable songs with tunes unique among Disney's roster. The voice actors are excellent, the message great, climax breathtaking. What's not to like? The gargoyles. This is not a comedy but it doesn't stop Charles Kimbrough, Jason Alexander, and Mary Wickes' stone buffoons from trying to make you laugh. Crotch shots, fart jokes, a gargoyle wanting to romance a goat, cross-dressing gags all bring the picture to a screeching halt. They give the crappy robot from Treasure Planet a run for its money as “worst and unnecessary comedic sidekick in an animated film”. I wish the film had predated home video so it could've been “lost” and then “found” again years later with some footage “unfortunately missing”.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is not frequently mentioned among Walt Disney's essentials, which is a shame. It contains heart-wrenching drama, powerful imagery, a moving story, and unforgettable moments. Visually, it's a knockout from the backgrounds to the character designs and atmosphere. It’s a movie so good the one flaw it has becomes that much harder to ignore. Don't let that keep you away from viewing (or revisiting) The Hunchback of Notre Dame. You may cringe when it gets "funny" but the rest is worth it. (On Blu-ray, June 5, 2015)
