Beauty and the Beast Film-No "If I Can't Love Her"

Alan Menken released sometime ago that "If I Can't Love Her" would not be in the live action adaptation of this film, and that he wrote a new song called "Forever More," for the Beast. Reasoning bring that IICLH was specifically written as a way to close Act 1, and that they don't believe it works in a film context. While I am sure the new song Menken wrote is probably brilliant, I believe If I Can't Love Her is one of Menken's most well written songs ever, and I am disappointed it won't be in the film. Does anybody else feel this way?

Updated On: 6/28/16 at 09:53 AM

I think I remember that thread, but I'm not about to go searching since it's probably buried somewhere.

But no, you're not alone. Of all new songs written for the stage musical, that one is BY FAR my favorite. I've listened to that brilliant thing countless times and I still haven't gotten tired of it. Whenever someone sings it, no matter what the venue is (did I just make an unintended pun??) I always, just go ''awwwww yyessss' and melt and just...listen.

I'm certainly sorry to see that none of the stage musical's songs will be used, ESPECIALLY that one, but when I heard him say why, I can't help but agree somewhat. It's like how I wondered how One Day More  in Les Mis would work on film since, like IICLH, it's SPECIFICALLY written to end act one (which for me wasn't wholly terrible how ODM was done), but if there's one thing Alan is a genius at other than his stupidly brilliant music, it's structure/where a song would fit, IF it fits...and in what medium (stage or screen) it would fit IN. He's not wholly incorrect in saying it wouldn't quite fit in the film medium, for reasons already mentioned, altogether I would have loved to see them at least try to make it work, since it is a much loved song. Maybe they did, I have no idea, but the way it the songs and music were talked about, it sounds like Alan always knew he wasn't going to do it.

Ah well, I'm just SSSSOOOOOOOOO looking forward to seeing this, it hurts.

That motif has been part of the musical score since the original film. 

 

I'm fine with leaving out the Broadway songs--the Rice lyrics stick out from the perfection of Ashman's. But then to have NEW Menken/Rice songs instead...so strange. Paycheck?

broadwayguy91 said: "more like 3 chances for a Best Original Song nomination. LOL"

exactly my thoughts.

And yes, it is so sad to see Home and If I Can't Love Her out of the movie (maybe A Change In Me, too). They could release it as bonus, I don't care how.

This is probably the Alan Menken quote that other posters are referencing:

"I would’ve [included] 'If I Can’t Love Her,' but the problem is that was for a very specific moment to end Act I of the Broadway show...There’s a moment where the Beast drives her away and he regrets that. But I think [director] Bill [Condon] built a more promising moment for the film, which is when he lets her go and he watches her leave. And as he watches her leave, he sings."

http://www.playbill.com/article/live-action-beauty-and-the-beast-film-sounds-spine-tingling-com-367075

I actually like the idea of a new song when the Beast lets Belle go (heh, soundtrack cue title reference). It's a huge moment for his character, when he finally becomes completely unselfish, and sees his eternal-captivity scheme with some sense of perspective. IMO you can't really do the BATB story in the modern day without some version of that moment for the Beast, or at least not a family-friendly version. Sure, the stage show has the If I Can't Love Her reprise at that moment, but I'm okay with them making more of the moment with a longer song. As to why can't we have both this new song and IICLH, I don't know, but I imagine timing.

In order for there to be oscar wins - they need to have new songs in it.  

Tim Rice told me he is not a huge fan of the song... 

I am sure Alan won't disappoint! 

I actually don't get why they cut Home. I understand why they would cut A Change in Me , since it's a belty song and Emma Watson doesn't seem like a big belter . However Home seems like something she could handle vocally..