The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

About The Hunchback of Notre Dame

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a 1996 American animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation. The film is set in 15th century Paris where Quasimodo, a kind and gentle hunchback who lives in solitude in the tower of Notre Dame, finds his world turned upside down when he meets the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. The film takes the audience on an emotional journey as we watch Quasimodo face his own self-doubt and fear in a bid to win Esmeralda’s respect and love.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, and produced by Don Hahn. The production of the film was quite complicated, as it required the creation of a detailed and elaborate 3D model of the Notre Dame cathedral. This model was then used to generate the film's backgrounds, ensuring the film captured the grandeur and beauty of the iconic cathedral.

Actors

• Tom Hulce as Quasimodo: Hulce portrays Quasimodo perfectly, embodying the kindness and innocence of the character, while also effectively conveying his struggle and heartache.
• Demi Moore as Esmeralda: Moore brings Esmeralda to life with a combination of toughness and sweetness, capturing the character's spirit and resilience.
• Kevin Kline as Phoebus: Kline's performance as Phoebus showcases the character's inherent goodness and bravery, perfectly balancing the character's role as a gallant soldier and romantic lead.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This was the first Disney animated film to contain a production budget around $100 million.
• The film is considered one of Disney's darkest animated films due to its mature themes.
• The film's animators spent weeks in Paris to study the architecture of Notre Dame.

Awards

The Hunchback of Notre Dame won several awards, including Best Animated Feature at the 24th Annie Awards. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.

Quotes

• "Life's not a spectator sport. If watchin' is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without ya." - Laverne
• "You are deformed... I am deformed... and we are both beautiful." - Quasimodo

Music, Soundtrack

• "The Bells of Notre Dame" - Composed by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
• "Out There" - Performed by Tom Hulce (Quasimodo)
• "God Help The Outcasts" - Performed by Heidi Mollenhauer (Esmeralda) and Chorus