Is The Hunchback of Notre Dame a True Story? The Plot and More
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jun 06, 2023
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Did you know that "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is a fascinating animated film produced by Walt Disney Pictures? Released in 1996, it is the 34th Disney animated feature and was created during a period known as the Disney Renaissance.
Loosely based on Victor Hugo's novel from 1831, this film delves into mature themes, making it one of Disney's darkest animated works. Despite the need for some alterations to ensure a G rating, it touches on subjects such as infanticide, lust, damnation, antiziganism, genocide, and sin.
Directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, and featuring the voices of talented actors like Tom Hulce, Demi Moore, Tony Jay, and Kevin Kline, the film centers around Quasimodo, a deformed bell-ringer confined to Notre Dame. Quasimodo yearns to explore the outside world and be accepted by society, much to the chagrin of his cruel foster father, Claude Frollo, who also harbors a desire to exterminate Paris' Romani population.
One of the notable aspects of this film is its musical score composed by the renowned Alan Menken, who collaborated with lyricist Stephen Schwartz. They had previously worked together on the film "Pocahontas" (1995) and would later collaborate again on "Enchanted" (2007). The score of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" garnered Academy Award and Golden Globe Award nominations.
Upon its release, the film received positive reviews and achieved commercial success, grossing over $325 million worldwide. In fact, it became the fifth highest-grossing film of 1996. Such popularity led to a stage adaptation by Walt Disney Theatrical in 1999, allowing audiences to experience the story in a different medium. Additionally, a direct-to-video sequel titled "The Hunchback of Notre Dame II" was released in 2002, expanding on the tale.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is an intriguing blend of dark themes, beautiful animation, and memorable music, making it a noteworthy addition to Disney's animated filmography.
Is The Hunchback of Notre Dame a True Story?
Did you know that "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" went through quite a journey during its development? The screenplay was entrusted to writer Tab Murphy, who had the task of adapting Victor Hugo's novel into an animated feature. Interestingly, the focus shifted to Quasimodo, the central character in previous live-action adaptations, early on in the process. Initially, Quasimodo was envisioned as playing a Cyrano-like role between Phoebus and Esmeralda, but that idea was eventually discarded in favor of delving deeper into Quasimodo's personal journey.
There was even contemplation of a love story between Quasimodo and Esmeralda, but the decision was made to make Phoebus a more heroic and integral part of the narrative, leading to the development of a complex triangle between Quasimodo, Esmeralda, and Phoebus. Some characters from the original novel didn't make it into the film, while the inclusion of the gargoyles as Quasimodo's comedic companions was inspired by a passage in the novel where Quasimodo finds solace in these statues.
Disney made some changes to ensure the film would be suitable for all audiences. For example, the villainous Claude Frollo was transformed into a judge rather than an archdeacon, avoiding potential religious sensitivities. The filmmakers drew inspiration from various historical contexts, such as the mania of characters like Frollo being reminiscent of figures from the Confederate South and Nazi Germany. Ralph Fiennes's portrayal of Amon Goeth in "Schindler's List" influenced Frollo's characterization, as Fiennes played a man with conflicting desires.
The opening sequence underwent a transformation as well. Originally, it covered a lot of exposition, but it was Stephen Schwartz's suggestion to turn it into a musical sequence that brought it to life.
The Brizzi brothers, French animators, created storyboards set to the music composed by Alan Menken and Schwartz, resulting in the powerful opening number, "The Bells of Notre Dame." Schwartz also worked closely with the writing team, adding depth to characters like Phoebus by leaving the audience wondering about his choices before his dramatic retaliation against Frollo.
Interestingly, the film's conclusion also saw revisions. While Frollo's fate became more explicit, both Quasimodo and Esmeralda were given a happier ending, deviating from the novel. This revised ending drew inspiration from Victor Hugo's own libretto for a Hunchback opera, where Captain Phoebus saves Esmeralda from execution.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" underwent a creative evolution, resulting in a unique blend of Disney magic and the original story's themes. The filmmakers' curiosity and willingness to explore different angles brought depth and resonance to the film, making it a remarkable addition to Disney's animated catalog.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Voice cast
Actor
Character
Tom Hulce
Quasimodo
Demi Moore
Esmeralda
(singing voice)
Heidi Mollenhauer
Tony Jay
Judge Claude Frollo
Kevin Kline
Captain Phoebus
Paul Kandel
Clopin Trouillefou
Jason Alexander
Hugo
Charles Kimbrough
Victor
Mary Wickes
Laverne
(final dialogue)
Jane Withers
David Ogden Stiers
The Archdeacon
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Plot
In the intriguing story of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," the narrative unfolds through the captivating voice of Clopin, a Romani puppeteer, as he enchants a group of children with his tale.
The story begins with a group of Roma immigrants on their way to Paris, only to be ambushed by Judge Claude Frollo, the Minister of Justice, and his soldiers. Amidst the chaos, a desperate woman seeks sanctuary at the doors of Notre Dame, clutching her baby.
Tragically, Frollo pushes her, causing a fatal injury. Fearing the child's appearance, Frollo attempts to drown the baby but is stopped by the archdeacon, who reprimands him for his heinous act. Driven by guilt, Frollo agrees to raise the child, naming him Quasimodo and hiding him away in the bell tower of the cathedral.
Fast forward twenty years, and Quasimodo has grown into a kind-hearted yet isolated young man, his hunchback becoming more pronounced. His only companions are three lively gargoyles named Victor, Hugo, and Laverne. Despite Frollo's warnings of rejection, the gargoyles persuade Quasimodo to attend the Festival of Fools, where he is initially celebrated for his unique appearance. However, the joy turns to humiliation orchestrated by Frollo's guards.
Left to his own despair, Quasimodo is rescued by Esmeralda, a compassionate traveler. Frollo, harboring genocidal intentions towards the Roma population, orders Esmeralda's arrest, but she manages to escape using a clever trick.
Finding solace within the sanctuary of Notre Dame, Quasimodo encounters Esmeralda and Captain Phoebus, who has defied Frollo's orders to capture her. Phoebus reveals that Esmeralda has sought asylum inside the cathedral, protecting her from Frollo's clutches. Esmeralda forms a bond with Quasimodo, who, in gratitude for her defense, helps her escape the confines of Notre Dame.
As a token of trust, Esmeralda entrusts Quasimodo with a pendant containing a map to the Roma hideout, the Court of Miracles. Meanwhile, Frollo's obsessive lust for Esmeralda intensifies, leading him to pray to the Virgin Mary for salvation from her "spell" and the threat of eternal damnation.
Frollo's relentless pursuit of Esmeralda drives him to extreme measures. He searches relentlessly, resorting to bribes, arrests, and even setting fires to flush her out. Phoebus, refusing to carry out Frollo's unjust orders, becomes a target himself but is rescued by Esmeralda and finds refuge within Notre Dame.
The gargoyles encourage Quasimodo to express his feelings to Esmeralda, but his heart breaks when he realizes that she has developed affection for Phoebus. As fate would have it, Frollo discovers Quasimodo's knowledge of the Court of Miracles and plans to attack the Roma at dawn. Determined to save them, Quasimodo and Phoebus embark on a mission using Esmeralda's map.
At the critical moment, when Esmeralda rejects Frollo once again, he attempts to burn her at the stake in the public square. However, Quasimodo swoops down and rescues her, finding sanctuary on the ledge of the cathedral tower. Frollo's relentless pursuit drives him to violate the sacred tradition of sanctuary as he pursues Quasimodo and Esmeralda. The ensuing battle between Frollo and Quasimodo reaches a climactic moment as they both fall from a ledge.
Is The Hunchback of Notre Dame a True Story-FAQs
No, the story is not based on a true story. It is a work of fiction inspired by Victor Hugo's novel of the same name.
The main characters in the film include Quasimodo (voiced by Tom Hulce), Esmeralda (voiced by Demi Moore), Judge Claude Frollo (voiced by Tony Jay), Captain Phoebus (voiced by Kevin Kline), and Clopin Trouillefou (voiced by Paul Kandel).
While "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" is an animated film produced by Disney, it contains mature themes and dark subject matter. Parents are advised to use their discretion and consider the film's content before allowing young children to watch it.
No, Mary Wickes, who voiced Laverne the gargoyle, passed away a year before the film's release. Jane Withers provided the remaining dialogue for Laverne.