Retro Film Review: Beowulf (1999)

(source:tmdb.org)

In 1999 Eaters of the Dead, Michael Chricton's novel inspired by an ancient Saxon epic poem Beowulf, one of the earlier English text ever recorded, was adapted into The 13th Warrior. According to the Hollywood custom of rival studios making two films based on the same idea, another film inspired by the ancient text appeared, this one more directly linked to the original source. It was Beowulf, directed by Graham Baker.

The original poem was set Northern Europe before the beginnings of medieval civilisation. Mark Leahy's and David Chappe's script sets the plot of this film in Europe few centuries after the collapse of modern civilisation. Traces of modern technology are usually found in the hands of feudal warlords who rule over surviving humanity with iron hand. One of those warlords is Hrothgar (played by Oliver Cotton), lord of mighty castle called Outpost. Hrothgar has recently been besieged by hostile army, but his real problem is invulnerable and unstoppable monster that haunts Outpost and kills his best warriors. Mysterious warrior called Beowulf (played by Christopher Lambert) arrives to the castle and offers help in defeating monster. Hrothgar accepts and in the first clash Beowulf manages to wound the monster, despite receiving injuries himself. But when those wounds mysteriously heal overnight, it becomes apparent that Beowulf is something more than flesh and blood warrior.

Makers of Beowulf had intriguing and refreshing idea - to mix fantasy and post-apocalyptic setting. This novelty however, quickly wears off, especially when becomes evident that Graham Baker drew at least some inspiration from Alien 3 in creating atmosphere for the film. Scenes in which unstoppable monster makes the short work out of uninteresting and not particularly likeable characters are going to bore the audience. Christopher Lambert, despite all of his attempts to turn Beowulf into complex and potentially dark character, doesn't help this film very much. Production and costume design are at times very impressive but the film's low budget is revealed in something disappointing special effects. The ending also leaves much to be desired, but this surreal combination of medieval and modern, underlined with the use of techno soundtrack, is going to provide at least some entertainment for not too demanding audiences.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on September 29th 2004)