The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
“There is Death in the Camera.� So goes the quote by C. S. Lewis regarding putting books to film. In the case of the latest rendition of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe I’d like to add, There is sleep in the camera. This rapturously-awaited release from Walden Media doesn’t quite deliver, though the story is followed fairly faithfully and there are some clever lines. But the film leaves one desiring the book, one of the great fantasy stories of Western civilization. C. S. Lewis was an almost incomparable genius of philosophical storytelling; but this film is plodding. And I felt let down.
Weak attempts were made to dramatize the story, a familiar one with tremendous themes: forgiveness, reconciliation, faith, sacrifice, selflessness and heroism are but a few of its deep ideas. And I was hoping this film would breathe new life into them.
But the young actors that play the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve are flat and uninspired. As a cast, they have no chemistry between them. As siblings, aside from having no similar physical characteristics, they don't relate believably at all. The characters are stark and do not grow.
However, the White Witch, played by Tilda Swinton, is one of the bright spots, spooky yet beautiful with her iris-less eyes. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver are a hoot. Mr. Tumnus, played well by James McAvoy, delivers a winning performance also.
Graphically this film is a real treat. Industrial Light and Magic does it again, as it almost invariably does. The scenery and cinematography are breathtaking. (I enjoyed the mountainside castle city near the end.) The snowy woods and spring in Narnia are as I imagined. Battle scenes are well staged, a little intense for smaller children: but no blood. All in all the film follows the book’s storyline. A few additional scenes, which I think may have been added to make the movie more of a technological treat, are exciting and provide the rare moments when the tension reaches a fairly high level.
And for the most part, the movie still works well enough because of our familiarity with the story. But that acquaintance may have actually hindered the performances. Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan are not played as though something significant has happened to them. They seem to move from scene to scene with the rote expectation that “we’ve seen all this before.� (There is more to conveying reconciliation than a lame line delivered with a hug.) I wanted to really be drawn into the wardrobe with them, but instead they watch the movie along with us.
Walden Media has done some great films lately. Unfortunately this film doesn’t do justice to this powerful story. Though The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is worth seeing, I think the film falls short of its marketing.
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16 Comments:
Michael, were you sitting inside the theater during the screening of Narnia: LWW and were you facing the screen? You liked the battle sequences, special effects, scenic design, cinematography, performances by four of the main characters..all that and you found the overall picture "Works well." BUt still you call it a weak attempt to bring C. S. Lewis's book to the screen.
Maybe they're running a different print than the one I saw at the world premiere here in London on Wed. night (12/7/5.)
This is the first "review" of your's that I have read so, maybe, I am unaware of your experience beyond that of an ardent film buff. (You do list My Man Godfrey as a favorite and that’s worth a few points.)
Transferring any story from one media to another will inevitably require changes in the way that story is told. But here, I believe they got it right in all areas of cinematic story telling and were more than faithful to Mr. Lewis's objectives.
As for the children ~ they all changed quite a bit during the journey of the film. From scared and exasperated by the War to hopeful and triumphant through their encounter with Aslan et al. This film, I believe is a roaring success. See it again and watch each child’s journey. They each experience growth, revelation, and maturity in their relationships with each other. That alone is a great reason for children to see the film
Moreover, I suspect this film will send movie goers to the original stories and right into the hands of our Creator. It already is having that effect as bookshops are hard pressed to keep Narnia: LWW in stock--even before the film’s release.
More importantly Narnia: LWW may ignite a new wave of creativity and imagination among people of faith. Imagination and faith, now there’s a novel idea.
Michael, were you sitting inside the theater during the screening of "Narnia: LWW" and were you facing the screen? You liked the battle sequences, special effects, scenic design, cinematography, performances by four of the main characters..all that and you found the overall picture "Works well." But still you call it a weak attempt to bring C. S. Lewis's book to the screen.
Maybe they're running a different print than the one I saw at the world premiere here in London on Wed. night (12/7/5.)
This is the first "review" of your's that I have read so, maybe, I am unaware of your experience beyond that of an ardent film buff. (You do list "My Man Godfrey" as a favorite and that’s worth a few points.)
Transferring any story from one media to another will inevitably require changes in the way that story is told. But here, I believe they got it right in all areas of cinematic story telling and were more than faithful to Mr. Lewis's objectives.
As for the children ~ they all changed quite a bit during the journey of the film. From scared and exasperated by the War to hopeful and triumphant through their encounter with Aslan et al. This film, I believe is a roaring success. See it again and watch each child’s journey. They each experience growth, revelation, and maturity in their relationships with each other. That alone is a great reason for children to see the film
Moreover, I suspect this film will send movie goers to the original stories and right into the hands of our Creator. It already is having that effect as bookshops are hard pressed to keep "Narnia: LWW" in stock--even before the film’s release.
More importantly "Narnia: LWW" may ignite a new wave of creativity and imagination among people of faith. Imagination and faith, now there’s a novel idea.
Perhaps I've been too hard on this film.
At the risk of contradicting myself; I believe that the graphics, and tech. extra's made the film watchable. I just did not connect with the young actors. It could be me, but a wardrobe with an entire fantasy land inside must inspire more wonderment than these kids displayed. Thanks for commenting on my comments. I most certainly will see the movie again as you've suggested. And I'll take you up on your offer to watch the characters grow. Further though, I am happy that this film has given new life to C.S.Lewis, His books and the Gospel.
Intresting...your review matches my own assessment of this film. Here's what I wrote last night when I got home from the theatre:
"I'm still mulling it over, not quite sure what to say about it. I liked it, but I wanted to love it. I loved certain things about it...for example, some of the animated characters, like Mr. Tumnus and the beavers, were perfect. But for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, I feel a little disappointed, a little let down. Maybe my expectations were too high.
I did find the movie quite true to the book, although they did have to cut a number of things of course. Narnia looked familiar to me, although I expected more creatures in the wintery forest...there were very few creatures until the wars began. The casting wasn't great...Lucy was well-cast, but the others didn't do much for me. However, in fairness, the characters weren't the most compelling part of the book either.
The battles were pretty impressive. Aslan was a bit of a let-down, but how could he not be? He was so majestic and impressive and god-like in the book, and it would be hard for any animated lion to live up to that. "
Thanks Zoom. I was beginning to feel like Edmond. At least I know I'm not completely whacked!
I have never heard of these books. I would not have seen the movie if my Pastor had not commented on it last Sunday. I went into the theatre hoping that this was something we could use in our faith battles with the secular world. Hoping I could shout, "praise the Lord" when it was over.
I found the movie very slow and dull. Though I enjoyed the graphics and Lucy, the rest was a let down. Perhaps, I too, was looking for too much from this film. The biggest problem in the 21st century is that Christianity is becoming folklore, this film didn't help. It may even push us Christians closer to being labled “Fairy tale followers.� You bring Father Christmas into the same story as our Lord, you may as well bring in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny. Try to explain that Jesus is real but the rest are not. Why will they want to differentiate them?
Maybe I’m just bummed and in a bad mood. All that money spent, all the talk at church, all those possibilities of conversation about the Lord. Gone. Logged as just another silly fairy tail. I pray the book had better appeal. This movie will not draw anyone closer to the truth
I thought the film was a pretty good "introductory" film to the characters and the world of Narnia. I wish that there could have been a few more expository scenes to draw us into the land of Narnia and, specificially, the origin, power, and ascension of the TRUE Lion King Aslan.
That's the biggest difference between this first film and the first LOTR film. Jackson made the audience care about Middle Earth, the Fellowship, and the fate of that ring. The film mentions prophecies and destiny - but more along the lines of afterthoughts. But, due to the pacing and lack of exposition, the audience cannot understand the impact that these 4 children have made on Narnia by entering this land.
I do disagree with you about the performances by the 4 children. They all did a good job - specifically the actors who played Edmund and Lucy. In fact Lucy's character is, perhaps, the best example of faith in the whole story. Very moving and very inspiring.
I guess, in the end, one could call this "Narnia Lite". Not surprising for a Disney film, but very disappointing for a film with such a high pedigree as this. In spite of that, I'll still be in line opening weekend for the next film. Hopefully, as I type this, Disney and Walden Media executives are sharing notes about the audience reactions - both CHRISTIAN and SECULAR - and plotting a strategy to improve upon what they've started in this first film.
I agree Mike, don't back down from your initial feelings. We as Christians want the C.S. Lewis novel turned movie to be great, to communicate the Gospel to those who have not listened for the call of HIS SPIRIT. So many "Christian movies" have sucked over the years due to the lack of financial backing combined with the lack of talent (The Judas Project)that when something half way decent comes a long we want to give it Oscars. This is a well done movie in the effects department and in the message department but the screen play did not lend itself to any embracing of ANY of the characters. I had no connection to the children, Aslund was bland and the forest did seem empty. In fact I preferred Edmund stay with the Queen for being such a bad actor. Also to be fair the lack of insightful dialogue in the script does not help any of the actors show their talent. I recomend this for the kids and their friends but don't expect this film to reach people in mass like The Passion of the Christ and it can not be compared to LotR in the way the story was told. 2 and 1/2 stars....Kinda.
E.T.
Thanks e.t. Christ is the story we should be telling. film and the arts are the segue into that deeper conversation. Walden wants to start the conversation. I'd like to see a better film. But there is no better story than the Gospel. That's what the church should focus on. We've gotten distracted from our calling. Use these stories to enter the conversation and mention Christ while your talking. There is power in the mention of His name.
I agree with the review. The movie, while not horrible, is mediocre; a far cry from say Lord of the Rings. I give it ** (two stars out of four).
A few thoughts on the comments of others who have joined the conversation:
Alsan disappointing? "He came unto his own and his own recieve him not."
"The Passion" and "Lord of the Rings" were better--apples and kumquats, folks. Different films for different audiences. This was a film based on a children's book so it ain't gonna be huge, dark, menacing and . . . think it it through.
Worried that Christians will be seen as fairy tale believers (Father Christmas, talking animals) : here you must blame Mr. Lewis and his writing and faith mentor Mr. Tolkien. He, JRRT, encouraged Lewis to use myth and fantasy to teach Truth so the reader would be engaged, magically and not bogged down by facts. Many will not come near any mention of Christ. Narnia teaches the great Truth of the gospel without all the religious trappings.
If you didn't like the film, fine. But don't expect ANY work of art--book, film, painting, song--top be THEE key to open the frozen hearts of those who do not YET believe.
Narnia will and IS gracefully sharing God's truth with those who would otherwaise avoid all things Christian. That was one of Lewis's (and Tolkien's) objectives.
One of the reasons folks are turned off by the Church is our nit-picky nature about everything. "Well, that's not christian." Want examples? See comments of others above who didn't get the Narnia, "Aslund" (sic), film, that THEY WANTED.
I agree with you my friend on the message. Lewis was, at least I believe, illustrating the gospel. This is the very motive of Hollywoodjesus.com and many of my christian friends in general. We believe that God is the author of truth where ever we find it. I just didn't like the child actors. I may have caught a director asking his characters to hold back. I don't know. That was my only beef. As you'll read in my comments to e.t. in my blog; Christ is what/who we should be telling about and using films in general, "LWW" makes this task easier, as a starting point. Thanks for your thoughts and demarcations.
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Walter, Thanks for the post. I checked out your blog. I always wondered what secrets a park ranger carried. thanks. Stay in touch.
I loved the movie. I try to look at all movies when brought from book to screen, with that attitude. Most movies brought from book to screen are lacking. My children had read the first book of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia. I would not let them read the LWW prior to seeing the movie. I have read it. I loved the movie. I thought that they were true to the book (moreso than other movies I've seen). I thought the children did an excellent job. I am from the U.S. and I have noticed that British children are more "proper" than their American counterparts. That would make them seem a little boring. The cinematography, Narnia, all the other characters brought out the best parts of the book. Personally, I got lost in the movie as I did when reading the book. I filled in all the parts that weren't covered in my mind as the movie progressed. I homeschool my children. After watching the movie, then we read the book. Chapter by chapter we discussed the book and I found activities to do with each chapter. The final assignment was to compare and contrast the movie version to the book. My children main comment was that the book explained more and had more detail in regarding Narnia, the creatures of the forest and other things regarding certain characters. As adults we know that it isn't possible to go from book to screen and put in every detail of the book with out it costing more money than could be spent and without having a 4-6 hour movie. I think this movie accomplished what it set out to do....introduce people to C.S. Lewis and the Chronicle of Narnia series who haven't read it and to bring in certain Christian ideas to the public at large.
Sounds like you made a constructive use of the movie and its books. I also agree that one shouldn't rely on just the movie version of any book for comprehensive understanding. Movies by their nature are a sluggish tool of learning. Too many senses at once perhaps? I've still to date have never read the Narnia books. I'm not a big fan of either fantasy or science fiction genre. I'd like to think that doesn't play a role in my review but perhaps it does. In the interest of full disclosure: I love sci fi movies and fantasy films though. (For any who may be trying to understand my psychology and motives).
Thank you for your comments and for visiting HJ and my blog specifically.
Since my initial viewing of the Narnia film I've seen it at least once more, perhaps twice. I don't remember exactly. I still think the kids' character growth was a little lame. Perhaps it is too short a time to adequately show the change in a person over a 2 or three hour film. I felt that the animation in the battle scenes was great. But I maintain that the children were passionless. Not to mention they waved their swords a little off target. I understand the 'blue screen' construction of animated films. But Disney should have been better at this than the Narnia result.
Even though I enjoyed the movie a bit more the second time through. So then again; how many movies actually grow on you with more frequent viewings? Maybe that is significant?
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