Beowulf

Beowulf (2007)

Summary

Beowulf is a 2007 American 3D computer-animated fantasy action film based on the Old English epic poem. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and utilizing the motion-capture technique, the film tells the story of Beowulf (Ray Winstone), a mighty Geatish warrior who sails to Denmark to help King Hrothgar (Anthony Hopkins) whose mead hall, Heorot, is tormented by the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover). The film is a darker, modernized interpretation of the source material, adding a major plot element: a tragic flaw and a curse passed down through generations of kings due to a deceptive pact with Grendel's Mother (Angelina Jolie).

Plot

The film begins in 507 AD with the Geatish warrior Beowulf arriving in Denmark to slay the monstrous Grendel, a creature tormented by the loud celebrations in King Hrothgar's mead hall, Heorot. Beowulf, a boastful hero, challenges Grendel and, fighting him naked and unarmed, successfully severs the monster's arm, causing Grendel to retreat to his cave and die.

In revenge, Grendel's Mother, a seductive and powerful water demon, attacks Heorot and slaughters Beowulf's men. Beowulf pursues her to her lair beneath a lake, intending to kill her. However, Grendel's Mother, who appears as a beautiful, gold-covered woman, seduces Beowulf. She promises to make him the most powerful king in the world in exchange for two things: King Hrothgar's golden drinking horn and a son to replace Grendel. Beowulf, compromising his honor and integrity, accepts the bargain.

Beowulf returns to Heorot, lying that he killed the demon. King Hrothgar, realizing Beowulf has fallen for the same trap he once did, reveals a shocking truth: Grendel was his own son, born from his youthful tryst with Grendel's Mother. The curse of the water demon is now passed to Beowulf. Hrothgar crowns Beowulf his successor and commits suicide by leaping from his castle to the sea, where Grendel's Mother claims his body.

Fifty years later, Beowulf is an aging, unhappy king whose affair with the demon has left him sterile and his marriage to Queen Wealtheow (Robin Wright) estranged. The stolen golden horn is recovered and returned to him. That night, a Dragon, the creature born of Beowulf and Grendel's Mother, emerges and attacks his kingdom in a fiery rage. Beowulf, confronting his past sins, ventures out with his loyal retainer, Wiglaf (Brendan Gleeson), to slay the dragon. In a final, brutal battle, Beowulf mortally wounds the dragon by tearing out its heart but is himself fatally injured. As the dragon dies, it transforms into the golden humanoid form of his son, just before being washed out to sea.

A dying Beowulf confesses the truth to Wiglaf, acknowledging the dragon as his son, but Wiglaf chooses to preserve Beowulf's heroic legend. After giving Beowulf a Norse funeral, Wiglaf becomes the new king. In the final scene, Wiglaf walks toward the sea where Grendel's Mother, still seductive, surfaces, beckoning him toward her to continue the cursed cycle.

Cast (Voice and Motion Capture)

• Ray Winstone as Beowulf

• Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar

• Robin Wright as Queen Wealtheow

• Brendan Gleeson as Wiglaf

• John Malkovich as Unferth

• Crispin Glover as Grendel

• Angelina Jolie as Grendel's Mother

• Alison Lohman as Ursula

Crew

• Director: Robert Zemeckis

• Written by: Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary

• Based on the Old English Epic Poem: Beowulf

• Producers: Steve Starkey, Robert Zemeckis, and Jack Rapke

• Music by: Alan Silvestri

Release Date

November 16, 2007 (United States - Wide Release)