Comments on: Villain Vignettes #3: Judge Claude Frollo

By: AegysLTS

AegysLTS — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 15:36:00 +0000

Can't believed I missed this article! One of my favorite Disney musicals ever, the theme is dark and really exposed the true side of mankind, especially the scene [spoiler alert] where Frollo smelled her hair. Hellfire is truly a masterpiece.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 18:38:00 +0000

In reply to voicetek20. Thank you so much for posting all that. because you did, I choose you as my favorite commenter in this webpage.

By: voicetek20

voicetek20 — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 19:38:00 +0000

What a true hypocrite Frollo is. Even when he admits to the things he’s doing wrong or “struggling” with, he then turns around and blames them on God. “It’s not my fault, I’m not to blame, it is the gypsy girl, the witch, who set this flame! It’s not my fault, if in God’s plan; He made the devil so much stronger than a man.” What a wimp. He can’t even take responsibility for his actions. First he blames Esmeralda and claims she cast some sort of “spell” on him. Then he turns around and blames God claiming that is was his plan to make the devil stronger than us. Obviously he didn’t study scripture or he’d know that God has given his followers power of the devil (ex: Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world or Resit the devil and he must flee).

I also think it was interesting to note that Esmeralda prayed to God and Frollo prayed to Mary (ex: Esmeralda sings, “God help the outcasts..” and Frollo sings, “Beata Maria..”). Also, in her song, Esmeralda prays for others, “I ask for nothing, I can get by, but I know so many less lucky than I. Please help my people, the poor and downtrod. I thought we all were the children of God. God help the outcasts, children of God.” Frollo, on the other hand, prays only for himself and tries to uplift himself in the process, “Beata Maria, you know I am a righteous man of my virtues I am justly proud. Beata Maria, you know I’m so much purer than the common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd.” The gypsy is supposed to be the sinner and Frollo the sinless, holy person, but their true selves are revealed in how they pray. I always loved this part and it gives an interesting, deeper look at both of the characters and what their true motives are.

I’ve always loved this movie because of it’s heavy religious themes and because of it’s deep, emotional core. The songs are amazing and the score, in some parts, absolutely gives me chills. This is one of Disney’s best, and far too underrated. We need some love shown for this movie, because it definitely doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It is a TRUE masterpiece!

By: Gary Wright

Gary Wright — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:44:00 +0000

Great article Mason! Frollo seriously creeped me out as a kid. As a result, I’ve never really loved this movie. Interesting how Disney chose not to make him a priest (for religious reasons), rather just a ‘judge’, but his costume design is still reminiscent of Catholic priests’ outfits. Sneaky.

By: Scarlett

Scarlett — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 17:08:00 +0000

This was BRILLIANT – so detailed, so in-depth and spot-on with all of your points on Frollo’s (terrifying) character. Absolutely loving these villain vignettes, so far!

By: Mason Smith

Mason Smith — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 16:04:00 +0000

In reply to Esther. Excellent points!

By: Esther

Esther — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 15:09:00 +0000

Not so many young kids I know rank Frollo on the list of Disney Baddies; he’s quite intimidating but has gained a lot of popularity with the older audiences. The non-magical villain who succumbs to his weaknesses is indeed a member of the Dark Side.

I’m glad Mason brought up Frollo’s Disney alteration from clergyman to judge (otherwise kids would never trust *any* clergyman). For a risk-taking film Disney did amazingly well to show how a person of any position of power be it religious, political, or social can fall victim to pride. Ramses from “Prince of Egypt” comes to mind. I actually wish we had seen a bit more of the Archdeacon as he appears a figure of authority who represents kindness and tolerance in contrast to Frollo’s hypocrisy.

In your “Sleeping Beauty” podcast you mention how many villains wear black (signifying darkness/evil), red (aggression) and purple (power/royalty) all incorporated into Frollo’s wardrobe.

By: The Animation Commendation

The Animation Commendation — Fri, 03 Oct 2014 14:29:00 +0000

LIKE FIRE, HELLFIRE! THIS FIRE IN MY SKIN! THIS BURNING…DESIRE….IS TURNING ME TOOOOO SINNNNN!

Yeah, Frollo is definitely a darker villain than The Horned King from ‘The Black Cauldron’.