Beowulf 2007

If you ever pay attention to my previous logs, you probably have noticed this novel actually had an animation movie from the pictures I posted, The movie Beowulf is a 2007 3D computer-animated fantasy action film directed and co-produced by Robert Zemeckis, written by Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary and based on the Old English epic poem of the same name. And so, in this log, I will be comparing and contrasting the Beowulf novel and film, I can see that the film was not effective in conveying the themes of this classic story. In the classic story, there are many themes present such as: good vs. evil, strength and skill, courage, etc. In the film version of Beowulf, these elements are also present; however, they do not give merit to the classic story by the way the characters in the film are portrayed. Although both have similar plots and many similar scenes, the way that the main characters such as Beowulf and Hrothgar were portrayed in the film gave the audience a much different view. The film version of Beowulf does not give these characters the true value and honor in which they deserve, as the way they were depicted through the classic story, which in turn does not give the film much merit in conveying the true themes of the classic story.

    In the classic story of Beowulf and throughout literature, Beowulf has been portrayed as the true epic hero. His unselfishness and deep compassion for his people made him into the true hero that he is known as today, along with his strict adherence to the heroic code of honor. In the contrast, in the film version, Beowulf was also portrayed as a hero but was also portrayed as much more arrogant and also more sexual, and how is that? As has been mentioned above, the movie is based on the epic. However, it is an interpretation rather than a screening as, though major events are quite close to the text, the characters are very different from the original. First, Beowulf is not a very good example of a conventional warrior of the Middle Ages as he is less masculine and he is half naked throughout most of the film. Grendel is also depicted as a victim rather than hideous monster that is to be destroyed. The film version does not portray Beowulf as the true hero that the classic story describes to the audience. In the story version of Beowulf, when Beowulf had slain Grendel and was preparing to battle Grendel’s mother, Beowulf says to his king, “First, O King of the Danes, remember that whatever happens, I hold you as my father. It was you who so swore. Then I ask you to send my wealth to my king, Hygelac of the Geats. My sword I bequeath to Unferth. I hold you to your word as regards the safety of my followers. With Hrunting I shall live or shall die”. This quote shows Beowulf’s true heroism.

Watching this film is like reading the story from a different perspective, although there are a lot differences from the original or the novels, but I really love how they made the dragon in the end so sick and shocking. In the novel, it didn’t talk about the dragon’s origin, but in the movie , Beowulf and Grendel’s mother actually make a deal and the warrior becomes the next king while the Water Demon gives birth to Beowulf’s son. Many years later, when Beowulf is old, the deal between him and Grendel’s mother is broken and Water Demon’s son, a dragon, attacks the kingdom. And of course, I’m not going to be a spoiler for the ending, I suggest for those who love epic stories should watch this and maybe you will have different ideas than mine.