Unless you own the HoND laserdisc or have obtained this song by illigal means (or just came from the HoND that Never Was page), you probably don't recognize these lyrics. They're from "In a Place of Miracles," a beautiful love duet by Esmeralda and Phoebus that was cut out of the movie. In fact, TWO love songs were written for them that never made it into the movie. The filmmakers clearly wanted to tell their story, but alas, the romance distracted them from telling the main story of Quasimodo's desire for freedom.
But even as a subplot, their romance is still intriuging. They may not blab a thousand I-love-yous to each other, but their personalities mesh well with each other, which I think is more important anyway. Their love is subtle and realistic. She's interested in him from the start, but the rank he bears causes her to hate him. He's interested in her from the start, but the rank he bears requires him to hunt her down. But through Esmeralda, Phoebus gains the courage to break free of his chains. And through Phoebus, Esmeralda learns to turn away from her own prejudices. Eventually, this most unlikely couple triumphs against the odds (not to mention Frollo!).
For me, Esmeralda and Phoebus have one of Disney's most facinating romances. Few other couples have the back-and-forth conversations they do. It's an often overlooked fact that they have the first interracial marriage in Disney history (which I imagine would have been VERY unusual in those days!). And aside from all that I've mentioned, they're cute. Call me weird, but they're cute. They've got good chemestry that offers comic relief without distracting from the drama (perhaps the directors should have written more of them and less of the gargoyles!).
Yes, Esmeralda would probably be happy with Quasimodo, but it is through her choosing another man that dear Quasi's greatest strengh is revealed: the ability to love someone strongly enough to let her go and put her happiness first. |
