beowulf movie and book comparison essay

Beowulf: Comparing the Movie and the Book

The story of Beowulf has remained a significant work for centuries not only because it is one of our first lengthy works of English, but also because of the timelessness of the themes it contains and its applicability to a modern audience, regardless of the period in which ‘modern’ is denoted. One of the major themes of the story still applicable today is the concept of honorable courage, doing the right thing for the benefit of the many even though it may mean the sacrifice of the self.

This theme is particularly brought out when Beowulf faces the dragon toward the end of the saga. Comparing this scene as it appears in the ancient poem with its portrayal in the recent film Beowulf released in 2007 reveals that while there are some significant changes made to the action as the literature is brought into a filmic context, this same theme of self-sacrifice for the greater good remains a central element. By comparing the film and the book, similarities between the two stories can be traced as well as differences which can then be analyzed as to how each strives to make this theme evident.

In both the book and the film, Beowulf’s encounter with the dragon begins with the removal of a golden cup from his hoard. While this is an unidentified and otherwise meaningless cup accidentally removed by a peasant in the book, the return of a profoundly significant cup in the film helps to establish a connection between the earlier battles with Grendel and his mother and the upcoming battle with the dragon.

In each case, Beowulf goes to face the dragon with a group of men but arrives at the dragon’s lair with only a single helper, a young kinsman in the book, and an aging friend in the film. Many of the key events of the actual battle between dragon and man remain the same as well. Beowulf is driven off by flame, is failed by his sword, and must then attack using little more than a stabbing knife. Beowulf is burned horribly by the dragon’s fire as he attempts to kill it and knows of the dragon’s certain death before he dies himself of the wounds received during the battle.

However, in the book, Beowulf is assisted in killing the dragon by his second, the young kinsman Wiglaf, without whom he would have lost the fight leaving the dragon free to continue terrorizing the people. In an attempt to encourage his other warriors to assist him in helping Beowulf, Wiglaf tells the other men, “I had far rather that the flame should enfold my flesh-frame there alongside my gold-giver – as God knows of me.

To bear our shields back to our homes would seem unfitting to me unless first, we have been able to kill the foe and defend the life of the prince of the Weather-Geats” (2650-2656). Rather than running as all of the other thanes had done, Wiglaf boldly stands beside Beowulf and rushes in to defend Beowulf when the dragon manages to get him between his jaws. In the actions of Wiglaf, the Beowulf poet demonstrates the necessity for courageous men to go out and defend the public who may or may not even know what was put at stake for the individual in doing so. Because the dragon is killed and Beowulf remains alive long enough to see the dead carcass, Wiglaf is granted kingship over Beowulf’s lands as the only man willing to stand and defend them from whatever may attack.

The film does not provide Beowulf with this helpful younger man at his side in his moment of near-failure. The epic battle between Beowulf and the dragon takes place primarily in the air, with Beowulf clinging to the dragon’s hide with the help of a sword plunged deep into the skin of the beast but otherwise causing it little damage. As a result, Wiglaf, having aged as much as his leader, can do little to help but gallop after the flying dragon and save the two women important enough to Beowulf to cut off his own arm in order to reach the dragon’s heart and kill it. In his headlong and harrowing attempt to catch up with Beowulf and the dragon, Wiglaf does demonstrate the same kind of unfailing loyalty to his lord demonstrated in the book, but Beowulf himself provides the lesson regarding honorable courage. Although he is now old, he has learned the lesson Hrothgar did not. In failing to provide the water demon with a new young hero to seduce, Beowulf dies with the hope that the wiser Wiglaf might prevail against her. He knows he is going to his death in attempting to fight the dragon, but he faces the challenge with a steady heart, knowing he is working for the greater good of his kingdom. The film ends with the water demon attempting to seduce Wiglaf, who involuntarily steps into the water but retains his suspicious glance.

While the film has managed to change the epic battle between the dragon and Beowulf to a great deal, it does so as a means of addressing one of the most glaring holes in the poem, which is a connection between the early battles of Beowulf’s younger days with his tremendous battle at the end of the poem.

In attempting to communicate with a more sophisticated and worldly audience, the filmmakers provided enough difference and depth in their few amendments to convey the same sense of courage in the face of death that was conveyed to earlier audiences who did not require the same degree of intrigue and continuity as today’s media-saturated crowd.

Works Cited

Beowulf. Michael Alexander (Trans.). New York: Penguin Classics, 1973.

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Differences Between the Beowulf Movie and the Book

Introduction

Experience the contrasting worlds of the epic Beowulf in both its literary and cinematic forms. In this comprehensive exploration, we delve into the key differences between the Beowulf movie and the original book. As we analyze the various adaptations, we aim to shed light on the distinct elements that contribute to the overall narrative, character portrayals, and audience engagement. Welcome to a journey of discovery with The Knowledge Nest in the captivating realm of Beowulf.

The Storyline

When comparing the Beowulf movie and the book, it becomes evident that certain aspects of the storyline have been modified to suit the medium. While the essence of Beowulf's heroic deeds and battles against monstrous adversaries remains intact, the movie diverges in certain plot elements. One notable difference is the introduction of an extended romantic subplot involving Beowulf and a specified character. This addition adds depth to the narrative and explores themes of love and sacrifice in a more pronounced manner.

The Characters

Characters play a crucial role in bringing the Beowulf saga to life. In the transition from book to movie, nuances of characterization are subject to variation, influencing the audience's perception of the individuals involved. Across the adaptation, we observe certain modifications in key character attributes, motivations, and relationships. Notably, the movie presents Beowulf as a more complex and conflicted hero, peeling back layers of his personality and exploring the psychological depths of his experiences.

The Visual Presentation

One of the most striking discrepancies between the Beowulf movie and the book lies in their visual presentations. While the book relies on the reader's imagination to paint vivid imagery, the movie capitalizes on cutting-edge CGI technology to manifest a visually stunning world. The movie's meticulous attention to detail in crafting majestic landscapes, grotesque monsters, and epic battles creates a more immersive experience for the viewer. The utilization of visually captivating elements elevates the overall impact of the story, leaving a lasting impression.

Comparing the Themes

Themes explored within the Beowulf narrative undergo transformation when translated from book to movie. While both mediums tackle essential motifs such as heroism, fate, and the struggle between good and evil, the way these themes are portrayed and emphasized differs. The book delves deeper into the cultural and historical contexts of these thematic elements, while the movie amplifies their visual representation, bringing forth an intense sensory experience that resonates with the audience on a visceral level.

Impacting the Audience

The impact of the Beowulf movie versus the book on the audience varies in terms of engagement and emotional resonance. The movie, with its audiovisual techniques and immersive cinematography, captures the audience's attention on a sensory level, providing a thrilling and action-packed spectacle. However, the book's eloquent prose allows the reader to form a deeper connection with the characters and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the story. Both adaptations have their unique strengths in captivating their respective audiences.

As we conclude our exploration of the differences between the Beowulf movie and the book, we uncover distinct adaptations that contribute to the overall mystique and allure of the epic tale. Through alterations in the storyline, the portrayal of characters, and visual presentation, each version offers a captivating experience within its respective medium. The Knowledge Nest brings you this comprehensive analysis in the Community and Society category, where we delve into the realms of literature, film, and their captivating intersections.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Beowulf — Comparing and Contrasting Beowulf: The Epic Poem and the Movie Adaptation

Comparing and Contrasting Beowulf: The Epic Poem and The Movie Adaptation

• Categories: Beowulf Film Analysis

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Published: Feb 7, 2024

Words: 321 | Page: 1 | 2 min read

Table of contents

Similarities and differences, characterization and themes, language and setting.

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Beowulf, Comparison Between Movie and Film

The trend of turning classic books into movies has led to the production of Beowulf, directed by Robert Zemeckis in 2007. The epic poem, considered to be the earliest in modern European language, portrays Old English social life and kingship. However, the movie plot has been adapted to fit Hollywood demands, with Hrothgar and Beowulf portrayed as men with lovers aside from their wives. Grendel is portrayed as a human-like creature with ear pain, and his mother is described as a beautiful and ambitious woman. The Hero of the film stays in Denmark, marries Wealthow, and has an affair with a young girl. The death of Beowulf has also been changed, with the dragon turning into a human and being carried away by the waves. The burial has been altered from a funeral pyre to a ship burial. While the movie is captivating with excellent actors and 3D effects, the changes to the plot and character portrayal may not appeal to those who have read the book.

The Movies Industry is currently embracing a new trend by selecting many classic books for film adaptations. An example of this trend is the epic poem Beowulf, which dates back to Anglo Saxon times and is known as the earliest poem in modern European language. In 2007, American director Robert Zemeckis accepted the challenge of adapting Beowulf into a movie. My belief is that Zemeckis chose this specific poem as source material for a Hollywood film because it provides valuable insights into the revelations and controversies surrounding Old English social life and kingship.

Furthermore, the narrative is captivating and brimming with incredible depictions. Nonetheless, adhering to the customary practice, the storyline has been modified to meet the requirements of Hollywood. In the film, Hrothgar and later Beowulf are depicted as individuals with extramarital affairs, whereas the poem conveys that kings during that era were honorable, honest, and loyal men who prioritized their kingdom’s safety. Additionally, in the movie, Grendel is portrayed as Hrothgar’s son.

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The portrayal of Grendel in this adaptation differs from the book, presenting him as a human-like and childish monster rather than a violent and vicious beast. This is emphasized by his apparent discomfort whenever he hears loud noises, such as those emanating from Herot. As a result, the audience may feel sympathy towards Grendel’s pain, a contrast to the book where he is depicted as a beastly character, a descendant of the Devil who elicits no compassion. Similarly, Grendel’s mother is depicted differently, appearing as a beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious woman. She is so cunning that she successfully convinces Beowulf to spare her life and instead have a son (the dragon).

The poem does not provide a specific description of Grendel’s mother, but we can imagine her as a dreadful and fierce monster bent on avenging her son and killing anyone who challenges her. In contrast to the book, the movie depicts the protagonist remaining in Denmark after Hrothgar’s death, where he becomes king and weds Wealthow. The film reveals that, despite his love for her, he engages in an affair with a young girl. The manner of Beowulf’s demise is also altered. In the Hollywood adaptation, Edgetho’s son perishes by severing his arm to reach the dragon’s heart and slay it.

Both Grendel’s mother and Beowulf fall into the harbor. Grendel’s mother transforms into a human and is carried away by the waves. Beowulf, after confessing the truth about Grendel’s mother to Wiglaf, dies. In the epic, our hero is severely burned and injured while battling the dragon and passes away post-battle. The burial scene differs in the book and film: the book depicts a funeral pyre, while the film showcases a ship burial. Personally, I disliked the film because, having previously read the book, I had imagined a completely different portrayal of the story, particularly regarding Beowulf and the monsters.

Despite my dislike for Zemeckis’ alteration of the plot, I find the movie captivating. Our heroic protagonist, as portrayed by the renowned translator Burton Raffel, is transformed into a weak individual succumbing to human temptations. However, the director’s choice of exceptional actors, skillfully implemented 3D effects, and well-placed music greatly contribute to the success of this Hollywood production.

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