As I foreshadowed in a previous post, I made my way to the IMAX theater last night to see Beowulf in 3-D. Belinda joined me, for which I was grateful. I would have gone to see the movie alone, but preferred the company. It turned out to be a fun evening for both of us.
The movie itself was fantastic. The special effects and fight sequences were expertly done without being overwrought. The plot, while perhaps a bit underdeveloped in places, was fantastic and portrayed the underlying themes of temptation and betrayal quite well. The 3-D aspect of the movie was also well done and there were a few points where I just about jumped out of my seat.
The ending was particularly powerful in my mind. It left me wondering whether Beowulf’s friend and successor would slay the troublesome she-demon or make the hero’s same mistakes, thereby repeating the cycle. Belinda is sure the latter is more true, but I’m not entirely sure. But then, I suppose that just shows my eternal optimism.
As I mentioned previously, this was the first time I’ve ever seen a movie in IMAX. I think that I could not have chosen a better show for my first experience. There’s something about seeing the battle scenes in this movie on such a large screen that is well worthwhile. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that I’m considering repeating the experience with other friends who couldn’t make it last night. Considering the fact that I usually complain about the cost of regular theater tickets, I’d say that says a lot about how I feel about this movie.
Of course, I now have yet more reason to buy myself a copy of the original epic poem.
I also loved the film, and it was my first IMAX and 3D experience. I expected to hate it, being an old student of Old English as well as medieval literature. If you read the epic you will find many liberties were taken. But then, John Gardner changed the POV of the story in Grendel and it was terrific, just as Naiman does. In fact, the poem, as an epic from a society where psychological motivation and inner struggle portrayed as outer battle was nowhere near anyone’s consciousness, does not have any of the hidden story of Hrothgar or the temptation of Beowulf in it at all. But I have to say, that it really worked, and gave more dimension to the original. Heresy! I admit it.
Purist call me. Maybe it is my Christian perspective – naw, it’s my love of lore and a faithfulness to it. You will note I have considered one moment worthy of a razzie award. Even more amazing was that although we were at a 4pm showing (obviously quite early) the 3 of us comprised half the attendance of the room – weird for opening day.
As shocking as some may find this, given my spiritual proclivities, I haven’t read the epic of Beowulf since eighth grade English (and even then, I only muddled through just enough to pass the tests). As such, I couldn’t gauge the faithfulness (or lack thereof) of the movie. I figured they took creative license with the movie, though. But personally, I’m not that upset about that, as I figure it’s typical. (Just as long as the epic is still around to be read for itself.) Though in many ways, I’m just glad to see the whole thing make it to such an incredible movie in any form.
I haven’t seen it yet but I finally seen a preview of it. It looks good to me. Sorry, I never have read it so I wonder how that will affect how I rate it?
I’m glad you had a good time Jarred.