Sing the Bells: The Hunchback of Notre Dame at 25
In 1996, Walt Disney Pictures would release one it’s most daring animated films, The Hunchback of Notre Dame. A dark but simple adaptation of a classic elaborate novel.
One Bottle of Ink
The book, Notre Dame de Paris was written in 1831 by French author Victor Hugo. What inspired the story was when Hugo found the word “fate” in the walls of the cathedral, Notre Dame.
Hugo spend six moths writing the story with only one bottle of ink, as according to his memoir by his wife. The book would become an international success. But the story doesn’t end there.
From Page to Script
The idea for the Disney version came from executive David Stainton in 1993. When he was a kid, he read a comic book adaptation of the Hugo book and then read the actual book in high school.
Meanwhile, after directing Beauty and the Beast and after working on The Lion King, Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale, were trying to get a new project off the ground. It was called A Song of the Sea but it soon shelved.
Then chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg assigned them to direct The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
As with most Disney animated films, it starts with a challenge. In this case it was trying to be close to book but still have the Disney magic and fun.
After coming up with a few different versions, the story team chose to focus on Quasimodo and his want to find acceptance in the world.
Creating The Characters
For the character of Quasimodo, the Disney artist tried hard to get the audience on his side. As Gary Trousdale put, he’s someone that for his whole life was put upon that tries to let his inner soul break free through his adventure. This all thanks to voice work of Tom Hulse and the animation by James Baxter.
As with most Disney movies, the villain is what propels the story in motion. One of the ways to be close to the Hugo story was to keep the inner torment of Frollo. While he despises gypsies, yet he wants Esmerelda to be his.
This would make Frollo a favorite in the villain category for being both extremely villainous and complex.
Digital Production
At the time of its release, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was the most expensive animated film produced. This was due the amount of computer animation.
Whereas past films such as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King had one or two pieces that had computer animation, this film had to use more. That would include things as the bells and crowds.
Release
Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered on June 19th, 1996. It would get good reviews and be another success. Since it’s initial release, it has become a fan favorite among Disney fans.
This would be because of its dark tone, its mature themes, Alan Menken’s daring musical score, and for having one of the most complex villains in the Disney cannon.
So the classic story of the misshapen bell ringer will continue to enchant audiences as it has done for 25 years.