The famous Anglo-Saxon epic Beowulf—bane of many students—has hardly proven an inviting source for filmmakers, and this ambitious picture, based on its best-known episode, demonstrates why as it attempts to meld faithfulness to the original's spirit and modern sensibilities. The script focuses on the first two-thirds of the poem chronicling the fight between the pagan warrior Beowulf (Gerard Butler), the fearsome beast Grendel, and the latter's even more formidable mother, but the monster here is transformed into a huge hulking troll—a sort of man-child—out to avenge his father's murder, while a seductive witch and a boy who represents a continuation of Grendel's lineage are added to the mix. The almost schizophrenic nature of filmmaker Sturla Gunnarsson's Beowulf & Grendel is felt in the dialogue as well, which alternates between pseudo-antique locutions and risibly contemporary slang. To be sure, the Icelandic locations are visually striking (as well as staggeringly inhospitable—one has to feel a degree of admiration for a cast and crew working in such difficult conditions), but in trying to capture the brutally primitive character of the source material while also remaining accessible to modern audiences, the film achieves neither goal, ending up as a noble failure. Optional. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director Sturla Gunnarsson and screenwriter Andrew Rai Berzins, a “making-of” featurette, cast and crew interviews, deleted scenes, costume sketches, and storyboards. Bottom line: a fine extras package for an uneven film.] (F. Swietek)
Beowulf & Grendel
Anchor Bay, 103 min., R, DVD: $29.98, Sept. 26 Volume 21, Issue 6
Beowulf & Grendel
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