(2005/CANADA/ICELAND/UK)
REVIEW BY-STEVE GENIER DIRECTED BY-STURLA GUNNARSSON CAST-GERARD BUTLER, INGVAR EGGART SIGUTASSON, STELLAN SKARSGARD, SARAH POLLEY, EDDIE MARSAN and TONY CURRAN. SOURCE-WARNER BROTHERS (CANADA) DVD (NTSC REGION 1 / 2006 / 102MINS)
Based on the Beowulf poem from the 700AD or so telling the story of a Geat hero called Beowulf who sails to Denmark to slay a troll named Grendel. The troll has previously killed many of the local Danish king’s man as they slept after a long night of heavy drinking. Grendel sought revenge for the king’s man who killed his father years ago. Once arriving to help the Danish king, he finds it hard to find the troll as it evades them altogether, knowing that it has nothing against the Geats. Until one of Beowulf’s men finds the skull of Grendel’s father which he treasured and destroyed it. Beowulf slowly starts to realize that after all their ignorance of the troll, not knowing it, he starts to sympathize with it, but only after the troll is slain.
Canadian director Strurla Gunnarsson who was born in Iceland, returns to the place of his birth to shoot this epic tale in the harsh Icelandic environment. 160km winds, violent rains and overall rough terrain doesn’t stop Gunnarsson from creating a very picturesque view of a time long ago. Grand and vast scenery glides the viewer through a story so deep and rich. Characters which are as equally in range, creating several emotional attachments to each, especially the main characters of Beowulf and the troll, Grendel. Beowulf at first driven by ignorance and pride wanting nothing more then to kill the very beast who slain many men. Quickly learning that there is a reasoning behind the creature’s hatred. The story between this is the central part of a very in-depth plot and story that is every so interesting. As with the several elements that come with the story, there is much action, blood and even glimpses of gore. Though this is no horror film, it is more of a fantasy, but with historical ties to a world of long ago.
There is a wonderful balance of drama, action and humorous undertones that keeps BEOWULF AND GRENDEL from never losing it’s edge. Something that is conveyed perfectly by it’s actors. It’s nice to see the casting of Canadian Sarah Polley as the witch Selma. A fiery red-headed Danish cast off who Beowulf takes a liking too. Hiding a few secrets that once divulged stir the direction of the story in a totally new direction. Though most of the attention is given to the likes of Gerard Bulter (BEOWULF) and Stellan Skarsgard (King Hrothgar), Polley really makes a great impression with her performance. I was totally thrown off guard when I finally discovered the likes of Stellan Skarsgard as him being in heavy make-up. It took a few close-up scenes to finally figure out it was him. That and the long hair. Many would remember him for his recent role as Father Merrin in both THE EXORCIST: THE BEGINNING and THE EXORCIST: DOMINION. Again both are pretty much the same film with different directors and slightly different variations. Once again, his performance his excellent as the once dominant King now drunk and drowning out defeat.
What really stands out in BEOWULF AND GRENDEL is Gunnarsson’s overall style and vision. Everything from the colors, filtering and transitions, all illuminating the overall landscape with complete perfection. Dull grays and gloomy darkness is reflected in pretty much everything. This heightens the brutal landscape they have to contend with as well. Special effects are at a minimum, but none the less very effective. From the creature, Grendel to the Viking ships and onto the location scenes that were morphed to fit the time era. All were very realistic and give the story that more of surreal feeling.
The Warner Bros. DVD is an excellent example of a big studio finally getting the picture right when it comes to a smaller marketed film. The main feature’s picture and audio are absolutely superb without a doubt. In a beautiful anamorphic widescreen that is crystal clear in every way. The audio is equally as great, presented in both English and French 5.1 Dobly Digital Surround. The extras are a real kicker here as well. A couple of featurettes discussing the making of the film through the eyes of the cast and crew. It’s amazing to see the extreme weather they had to content with many of the shooting days. Also to see the exhaustion that many of the actors and crew went through to finally complete this epic film. There is also audio commentary with the director, assistant director, writer and wardrobe designer as well. All of which is extremely interesting, mush like the featurettes discussing the different elements they went through to complete the film.
Rounding out the rest of the extras, there are also bios on several of the cast and crew. Deleted scenes as well as pictures, sketches and much more. This is truly a great dish for a film that really needs more attentions. I was truly pissed when I was unable to see this during last year’s Toronto International Film Festival run. This DVD certainly makes up for that and more. This will see a US DVD release through Anchor Bay on September 26th and from what I see tell, it’ll be pretty much the same as the current Canadian release. This is a must have for sure.
STORY-4/5 BITCH SLAPS PICTURE-5/5 BITCH SLAPS AUDIO-5/5 BITCH SLAPS EXTRAS-4/5 BITCH SLAPS OVERALL DVD-4/4 BITCH SLAPS -or-
© 2006 cinema-nocturna.com
