The Real Beauty and the Beast Poster

The Real Beauty and the Beast 2013

46 min📅 2013-06-14

Dive into the fascinating true story behind one of folklore's most beloved tales in *The Real Beauty and the Beast* (2013), a captivating documentary directed by Julian Pölsler.

Director: Julian Pölsler

Cast

Robert Leigh
Narrator
Paul Kreshker
Narrator
Robin Lee
Narrator
Stephan Hofstetter-Ebner
Petrus Gonzalvus
Danijel Zivkovic
Reenactment Performer
Jelena Živković
Reenactment Performer
Bernhard James Lang
Reenactment Performer
Tatjana Velimirov
Tatjana Velimirov
Reenactment Performer
Julia Riedler
Julia Riedler
Reenactment Performer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Real Beauty and the Beast (2013) about?

This documentary tells the true story of Petrus Gonsalvus, a 16th-century man with hypertrichosis—a rare condition causing excessive hair growth—who became the real-life inspiration for the Beast in *Beauty and the Beast*. The film explores his life, societal perceptions, and the enduring legacy of his remarkable tale.

Who directed The Real Beauty and the Beast?

The film was directed by Julian Pölsler, known for his insightful documentaries that blend historical depth with human storytelling.

Who stars in The Real Beauty and the Beast?

The documentary features Robert Leigh, Paul Kreshker, Robin Lee, Stephan Hofstetter-Ebner, and Danijel Zivkovic among its key contributors.

Is The Real Beauty and the Beast (2013) worth watching?

With its compelling blend of history and folklore, this documentary offers a unique take on a timeless story. While it may not have a rated IMDb score, its intriguing subject matter and atmospheric presentation make it a worthwhile watch for fans of historical documentaries and fairy tale adaptations.

How long is The Real Beauty and the Beast?

The documentary has a runtime of 46 minutes.

About The Real Beauty and the Beast (2013) — Uncovering the True Story Behind the Fairy Tale

Dive into the fascinating true story behind one of folklore's most beloved tales in *The Real Beauty and the Beast* (2013), a captivating documentary directed by Julian Pölsler. This 46-minute film unravels the extraordinary life of Petrus Gonsalvus, a 16th-century man whose rare condition—hypertrichosis—earned him the nickname the "Hairy Man of Ambras." His striking appearance made him a sensation across Europe, drawing the attention of royalty and inspiring the myth of the Beast in *Beauty and the Beast*

Blending historical intrigue with the timeless themes of acceptance and transformation, the documentary explores how Gonsalvus's extraordinary life blurred the lines between myth and reality. With a blend of archival insights and atmospheric storytelling, *The Real Beauty and the Beast* offers a fresh perspective on a story we thought we knew, revealing the real man behind the legend.