The question of Gaston's demise in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is a popular one, and the answer is a resounding yes. While the original animated film hinted at his potential demise, the 2017 version makes it explicitly clear. This isn't just a minor difference; it's a significant alteration that reinforces the film's themes and elevates the stakes.
Let's delve deeper into how and why Gaston's death plays out differently in the remake:
How Does Gaston Die in the 2017 Movie?
Gaston's death isn't a subtle affair. After his failed attempt to storm the Beast's castle, he and LeFou are left to grapple with their defeat. Cornered and enraged, Gaston engages in a desperate final fight against the Beast. However, he ultimately meets his end by falling from a great height, plummeting to his death after a climactic struggle on a broken and decaying waterwheel. This visually striking demise underscores the finality of his actions and serves as a satisfying resolution to his antagonistic arc.
Why is Gaston's Death More Explicit in the 2017 Remake?
The more explicit depiction of Gaston's death in the 2017 remake serves several purposes:
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Heightened Stakes: The original animated film left Gaston's fate somewhat ambiguous, allowing for some speculation. The remake elevates the stakes by showcasing a more definitive, visual representation of his death. This amplifies the feeling of danger and reinforces the threat he posed.
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Character Arc Resolution: Gaston's death in the remake provides a satisfying conclusion to his character arc. His unrelenting arrogance and self-destructive behavior finally lead to his downfall, reinforcing the film's themes of pride and acceptance. The ambiguity of the original animation somewhat diminished the impact of his villainy.
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Enhanced Thematic Resonance: Gaston's demise becomes a more powerful representation of the consequences of unchecked ambition and violence. It's a stark visual reminder that actions have consequences.
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Modern Audience Expectations: Modern audiences often expect a more definitive resolution, particularly in films featuring a clear antagonist. The remake's clear depiction of Gaston's death caters to these expectations.
Does LeFou Die in Beauty and the Beast 2017?
No, LeFou survives. While he participates in Gaston's final, ill-fated assault on the Beast's castle, LeFou ultimately escapes unscathed, if somewhat shaken. His survival highlights his character's transformation throughout the film, even though he largely remains Gaston's loyal sidekick.
What Happens to Gaston After His Death?
In the 2017 version, Gaston's death is definitive. There is no lingering question of survival. His demise brings a finality to his antagonistic role and ensures a clearer, more conclusive resolution for the protagonist, Belle.
This more explicit depiction of Gaston's death in the 2017 remake isn't merely a change for change's sake; it’s a deliberate creative choice that strengthens the film’s narrative, themes, and overall impact. The clear-cut resolution aligns with modern storytelling conventions and provides a more satisfying conclusion for both viewers and the characters within the film.
