Pure movie magic. Beast makeup looks great; the special effects are so charming and effective. In keeping with my last review of Les enfants du paradis, a lot of my attention is focused on certain production details clustered right at the beginning of the film: the handwritten credits, in an idiosyncratic and utterly charming cursive; and the brief inclusion of the guy snapping the clapper before Cocteau’s note to the viewer rolls. Obviously that sort of shit is played out—I actually hate breaking the fourth wall more than anyone, possibly because my first screenplay revolved around that device—but it somehow felt completely outrageous to show that French PA, with his cig and his beret (I may be imagining that); and then to roll a note from the director, addressing the viewer, telling them to embrace a bit of childish naivete. A perfect counterpart to the end of the film, with Beauty and the Beast lifted upwards into the rolling smoke. Movie magic!!!