Beauty and the Beast is a beloved classic, but the tale as old as time has also been plagued by criticism for its depiction of Belle and the Beast's relationship. You've heard the critique before: Belle, who's a prisoner in the Beast's castle, is trapped in an unhealthy relationship and exhibits symptoms of Stockholm Syndrome.
With the live-action adaptation set to hit theaters on March 17, questions about Belle and the Beast's relationship are once again front and center. When asked about that whole Stockholm Syndrome thing, Emma Watson, who's playing Belle in the remake, shut it down right away.
"It's such a good question and it's something I really grappled with at the beginning; the kind of Stockholm Syndrome question about this story," she told Entertainment Weekly. "That's where a prisoner will take on the characteristics of and fall in love with the captor. Belle actively argues and disagrees with [Beast] constantly. She has none of the characteristics of someone with Stockholm Syndrome because she keeps her independence, she keeps that freedom of thought."
"I think there is a very intentional switch where in my mind Belle decides to stay," she explained. "She's giving him hell. There is no sense of, 'I need to kill this guy with kindness.'"
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
Eva Mendes Says She Gave Up Acting to Become a Full-Time Mother Even While Partner Ryan Gosling Continues to Work—And She Regrets Nothing
“It was like a no-brainer.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Shakira Is Reportedly “Very Open” to Dating—But Nothing Too Serious, Please
The singer has been very vocal lately about her split from former soccer player Gerard Piqué, with whom she shares two sons.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Reneé Rapp Says She’s “Had Enough” of People Questioning Her Sexuality
“If I say I’m a lesbian, I’m a lesbian.”
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
How Timothée Chalamet's "Emotional Intelligence" Will Transform the Character of Willy Wonka
Literally perfect casting.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Adam Sandler Brought His Wife Jackie and Lookalike Daughter Sunny to 'The Out-Laws' Premiere
So cute!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Nicholas Hoult Told Toni Collette He Still Thinks of Her as His Mom When He Watches One of Her Movies
I love this so much.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Alicia Silverstone Would Totally Do a Sequel to The '90s Rom-Com She Starred In Opposite Brendan Fraser
Did you guys know about this movie??
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Grey Spotted Someone Watching 'Dirty Dancing' on a Plane on Valentine's Day
Fact: This is the best thing that's ever happened.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jennifer Coolidge Would Definitely Be "On Board" to Film 'Legally Blonde 3'
YES!!!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Salma Hayek Says Channing Tatum Almost "Killed" Her During a Lap Dance for 'Magic Mike's Last Dance'
LOL, Salma.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston Are Body-Swapping in an Upcoming Comedy, And It Might Be the Best News I've Ever Received
Clearly, I've lived an uneventful life.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published