Great things come in pairs, and as much as it might seem like a cheat to put both these guys on the list, it would be an unconscionable act to separate them. They just don't work unless they're playing off each other. Lumiere is the suave, charismatic French candlestick who breezes through life charming everyone he meets, and Cogsworth is the more straight-laced, rule-oriented clock who tries to rein him in. They help the Beast in different ways, but their contributions are equally important. For the purposes of the audience, however, the most significant thing is how incredibly entertaining they both are. Lumiere is the showstopper, the one who sings all the songs and grabs everyone's attention immediately. But then Cogsworth comes along with fantastic one-liners that you almost don't pick up on until a second or third viewing. Like the time when he's giving Belle a tour of the castle and busts out a "If it's not Baroque, don't fix it" joke, or when he tries to give the Beast advice about what to give a woman (his suggestions include flowers, chocolate, and promises you don't intend to keep). Classic. Bottom line: Lumiere and Cogsworth are probably the greatest double act Disney's ever had.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
