As I’ve said in my previous entry, I’m not particularly keen on literature. However, the portrayal of Beowulf in Robert Zemeckis’ film was intriguing, and caught my interest for many reasons. Even though the film didn’t follow the poem completely, there were certain aspects that are more visually aesthetic for a more modern society. We live in a society where there’s a lack of respect for timeless lierature, and a dependency on sparknotes, movies, and summaries on the internet. Often times, we also get lost in translation when it comes to actually understanding what we’re reading.
Zemeckis’ rendition is visually stimulating which entices audiences of all ages. It’s this interest that keeps us focused on the story line. The movie was done purely by CGI animation, which was almost preferred since the use of actual actors would have taken the movie to a different and probably more unsavory level. The use of CGI takes our favorite characters from the poem and brings them to life without any limitation or restrictions that a normal human being might possess. In the poem, Beowulf was portrayed as an honorary human being; who just happens to have “supernatural strength”, and who slays monsters on the side.
"...a thane, they declared with the strength of thirty in the grip of each hand
(Lines 380-381)”
(Lines 380-381)”
“There was no one else like him alive.
In his day, he was the mightiest man on earth,
highborn and powerful (line 196-198).”
It’s obvious that an actor couldn’t have effectively taken on the role of the Beowulf (Or any of the other characters, really.)- and it’s that suspension of disbelief that keeps us interested, and makes us follow the story more efficiently versus missing key elements because we’re bored with what we’re reading. Even if the film was inaccurate at certain parts, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it was actually appealing- in my opinion, better than reading the poem.
No comments:
Post a Comment