BC, on "Possession"

Commentary: The musical selection which accompanies this video is entitled “Possession”.   This song was purportedly based on love letters from an “obsessed fan” (or stalker).   For the purposes of this video, it speaks to Judge Frollo's desire to control others.   This includes his treatment of Quasimodo and his arguably predatory actions towards Esmeralda.   “The message here is clear:   attempting to suppress or to possess and control the life of another person is evil…” as asserted by Fadner in his paper, Disney Gets Religion.

Throughout the video, the point of view (in terms of the song lyrics) changes between Quasimodo and Frollo.   Near the beginning, we see that Quasimodo feels “trapped” in the bell tower, and is not satisfied with his life there.   Whereas Frollo is the one “to hold (him) down” and force him to stay.   Later, as Quasimodo “stumble(s)” and is mocked by the crowd, Frollo betrays him.   As Quasimodo has defied his control, Frollo is unwilling to help him.   Later, Quasimodo faces Frollo in order to save Esmeralda, which only serves to further ignite Frollo's rage.

In the midst of this, the refrain mainly speaks to Frollo's lust for Esmeralda.   While he may not vocalise that he would literally “hold (her) down” against her will, it is made clear that he is planning to coerce her into being with him.   In the film, he essentially tells her to choose him or be killed.   Despite his proclaimed piety, Frollo is consumed by his need to “possess” the person he desires.   He “…won't be denied” despite Esmeralda's refusal to be with him.  

The ending of this clip is deliberately ambiguous.   By making it seem as if Esmeralda has died, it underscores the lethal nature of Frollo's desire for control. Despite his supposed virtue his obsession for power and control can only be described as evil.