In the motion picture industry it seems that technological improvements never cease. Sometimes they lead to amazing and wonderful things (the original Star Wars) and sometimes they don't (Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace).
A few years ago Robert Zemeckis directed the motion capture animated film The Polar Express. It looked… different. At moments it appeared amazing, but there was an almost inhuman look to the characters that was disturbing. Just released to DVD is Zemeckis's next foray into the world of motion capture motion pictures, Beowulf. This new movie has a much improved look to it, and while not all the characters always look quite alive, it is still a spectacular visual experience.
Based on the old English epic poem, the movie follows the hero Beowulf (Ray Winstone) as he battles Grendel (Crispin Glover), Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie), a dragon, and his own internal conflicts. The main star of the film, however, is not any of the characters, but the animation itself. It is a film where style trumps substance.
The film looks truly outstanding, and a quick glance at what is taking place in some scenes might actually lead one to believe that they are watching a live action film, not an animated one. Extended viewing, of course shows this to not be the case, particularly with some of the impossible tracking camera shots, the look of Grendel, and the huge, swooping Dragon.
The basic story has the hero, Beowulf (Ray Winstone), appear at the Kingdom of Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) in order to slay the monster, Grendel. After accomplishing this task, Beowulf is asked to set about killing Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie). He's not quite as successful here as with Grendel, and instead falls prey to Grendel's mother's seduction, for which he is rewarded Hrothgar's kingdom but loses his will to live and sense of self-worth.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
The combination of 3-D and carefully placed objects makes me think that the filmmakers wanted to observe audiences trying to peek around swords an things for a good look at Beowulf. :-)
2 - Victor Lana
Reading or hearing "Beowulf" always makes me think of that funny line from Woody Allen's Annie Hall. Still, I think it is a great poem and this review inspires me to see this film. Thanks.