![\"File](\"\/i\/file_not_found.png\")
File Not Found<\/b><\/div><\/div>","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"1905241","body":"Here it is... I didn't actually have the file on here before.
\n
\n![\"grendel](\"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/mime\/32\/application\/msword.png\")
<\/a>
\n
\n
<\/a>grendel outline.doc<\/a>
- Details<\/a><\/li>
- Download<\/a><\/li>
- 21 KB<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>","dateCreated":"1196659266","smartDate":"Dec 2, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"joshywashy234","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/joshywashy234","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/joshywashy234-lg.jpg"}}],"more":0}]},{"id":"1813153","dateCreated":"1196105125","smartDate":"Nov 26, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"jaynevahle","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/jaynevahle","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/jaynevahle-lg.jpg"},"monitored":false,"locked":false,"links":{"self":"https:\/\/vahlebchs.wikispaces.com\/share\/view\/1813153"},"dateDigested":1532128756,"startDate":null,"sharedType":"discussion","title":"Beowulf Discussion","description":"Hello Eberts and Roepers,
\n
\nYou can post your one-page response here or you can engage in a discussion with other classmates aobut your impressions of the Beowulf film. The discussion will be on the main home page.
\n
\nQuestions to consider:
\n
\nHow well did the movie portray the poem's themes, characters, settings, or Anglo-Saxon elements?
\nWhat additions detracted from the integrity of the original poem?
\nWhat changes should have been made for a modern audience?
\nJustify changes that were made.
\n
\n3 postings will equal a one-page response.","replyPages":[{"page":0,"digests":[{"id":"1841079","body":"I saw the movie to be an extremely strange interppretation of the poem and i believe that there were many details that were distracting and were detached from the overall integrity of the poem. One such example was the entire idea of both Hrothgar and Beowulf being seduced by Grendel's mother and therefore producing both Grendel (Hrothgar's son) and the dragon (Beowulf's son). Also, the movie seemed to focus upon the flaws and almost stereotypical aspects of Anglo-Saxon society. For example, Hrothgar was portrayed as a pompous and drunkard king. He was also depicted as an unfaithful husband and a foolish man, especially among the men in the mead hall. Also, Beowulf, in the poem, can be seen as a magnificent character, one who is revered by his companions and serves as an inspiration in a time of distress and warfare. However, in the movie this idea is extended to a great extent as his pride seems to be the most overpowering characterisitic. Overall, i saw the movie to be a poor example of what i believe to be a great piece of literature.","dateCreated":"1196221973","smartDate":"Nov 27, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"hugbubbles","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/hugbubbles","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1841815","body":"I was also dissappointed with the movies Anglo-saxon ties as a whole although i did enjoy it(I payed 10 dollars to see itso i expected it to be good). I feel that the movie questioned Beowulfs greatness although the idea about "The sins of the Fathers" was a great add on. This question affected the integrity of poem. It follows a different path then the poem but i felt it was still a great plot. In the poem he was this god in human form, while in the movie he, seemed to me, to be a regular person. I also felt that there werent that many kennings which also pulled the film away from the Anglo-Saxon culture. Beowulf and his Danes werent as boastful as i expected them to be either. During the beginning of the film when they first arrived on shore i was expecting them to "Speech" with eachother rather then the short comments back and forth.","dateCreated":"1196229674","smartDate":"Nov 27, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"Humpty","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Humpty","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1841917","body":""Extremely strange interpretation?" I would hope no one in their right mind would interpret the epic Beowulf as that which was depicted on the big screen. I read Ebert's review of the movie as being a satire on the poem -- which is logical to some extent -- but I don't see the point of satirizing what is "(loosely) the greatest single work in English" (at least according to Gardner). Isn't that disrespectfully undermining all that Beowulf is? Creation, rather than interpretation is my vote -- some characters may have the same names, some of them might speak the same lines, but they are not the same people.
\n
\nAs you were saying about Beowulf's character, arrogance is his most prized possession. Beowulf is "magnificent," Beowulf is "revered," Beowulf is an "inspiration." So why did the filmmakers take the biggest hero of all time and make him into the biggest ass of all time? If the intent is satirical -- I don't get it. Really I think if the Beowulf of the movie stepped onto the Danish shore of the poem he would be asked to take the whale-road back to where he came from.
\n
\nThe movie was interesting, entertaining, surprising, and enjoyable (I thought the take on Grendel's mom being the master of seduction was "strange" but really very creative). I just don't understand the portrayal of Beowulf. He lies about what really happened with the sea monsters (seduction by a mer-woman), he exerts control over the great Wealtheow by completely exposing himself to her, and he earns his rule in the most shameful way possible. I think the producers missed a step in making their protagonist someone the audience feels empathetic toward -- even the monumental "you can't kill me because I died a long time ago!" stirred little emotion in me. Movie Beowulf has a complete lack of honor, he is deserving of his death, and nothing like the hero I read about.","dateCreated":"1196233607","smartDate":"Nov 27, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"KateStrobel","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/KateStrobel","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/KateStrobel-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1856509","body":"Kate--your point about Wealtheow is a good one--the misogynistic overtones really devalued a honorable woman in the original text.
\n
\nHumpty\u2019s comment on the \u201csins of the father\u201d broaches the controversy of Christianity versus paganism within the text. Without the religious code, how do people define sin? Certainly Anglo-Saxons operate under the heroic code\u2014which \u201cmovie Beowulf\u201d violates\u2014however, he does not seem to experience the insufferable shame that would ensue from his deceit and loss of control; instead Beowulf appears consumed with guilt as he morphs into the \u201cpompous and drunken\u201d king that Caitlin mentioned.
\n
\nLust for fame, a theme in the original Beowulf, does appear through his interaction with Grendel\u2019s mother\u2014the allure of power and kingship prevails over his heroic honor. However, oversexualized this encounter may be, Beowulf\u2019s ultimate weakness maybe his denial of his human limitations.
\n
\nAbout the A.J mother\u2014is she supposed to appeal to a \u201cmodern audience\u201d? Could a modern audience not handle the heroic, epic tale without such shocking titillation?","dateCreated":"1196298064","smartDate":"Nov 28, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"jaynevahle","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/jaynevahle","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/jaynevahle-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1859079","body":"I believe that the movie did keep or hold some of the old Anglo-saxon culture which was pleasing to people who study and admire beowulf. I liked how Grendel spoke in a type of old english, whether it was fake or not. However, i was very dissapointed with the casting of Angelina Jolie. I agree with Kate that the take on the character was really creative but it just didnt hold true to the poem and irked me the entire film. everytime she showed up after the cave scene where she was supposed to have been killed got on my nerves because it was a complete addition to the story. I think I'm so hard on additions because i believe that many original stories are perfect the way they are and dont require any additions to add to the quality.
\n
\nAlso, as Ms. Vahle asked, was the AJ mother added just to appeal to a modern audience? I belive this is so. In our modern times, anything that is "worth seeing" has to have a hook or a catch that lures in audiences. whether it be a famous, "sexy" star or new special effects, it seems that producers only care about luring in customers, even if it means sacrificing an already great story.
\n
\nI do believe however, that some changes were necessary for a modern audience to relate to this very old story. The original beowulf was a series of events that happened to Beowulf throughout his life. Although this makes for a good saga, the story as a whole does not tie together or make a full circle where a major issue is resolved in the end. In many modern movies, there are these elements and audiences expect to see them. If a story drags on with seemingly random events, most likely a modern movie-goer will not like it. So the changing of the story to tie Hrothgar and Beowulf more closely by making them both victims of Angelina Jolie, was an addition that helped relate the story better to modern audiences.
\n
\nOverall, the movie by itself is a great flick with a great musical score, awe-inducing action and a story that is strange but at least followable. The great panoramic scenes and camera angles stunned and amazed me. As far as the movie and the poem: It doesn't do the poem justice.","dateCreated":"1196308598","smartDate":"Nov 28, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"sdasoldier","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/sdasoldier","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/sdasoldier-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1859511","body":"In response to the casting of Angelina Jolie, I agree the producers were seeking for a way to attract viewers. However, more than that, I felt most disappointed by the level of significance Grendel's mother played in the film. Understandably, the hideous creature described in the poem as Grendel's mother contrasts the attractive, seducing woman portrayed in the film--obviously to raise the rankings of this movie. Yet, Grendel's mother remained only significant after Grendel's death in Beowulf the poem as she sought revenge. The idea of "sins of the father" identified in the movie accentuates the relationships between Grendel's mother and the Kings of the Danes; rather, the poem gears its attention toward Beowulf's heroism. I consider the movie to have lured the audience away from the true theme of the poem, as lust and sin overshadows courage and heroism.
\n
\nDespite the signifant alteration in the film, I do believe the producers captured Gardner's emphasis of "inner heroism." Throughout the movie, viewers experience the self-conflict Beowulf endures in his guilt and shame. In his letter, Gardner believes heroism can be demonstrated not only by bravery and conquest, but also by the self realization of wrong-doing and an attempt to redeem themselves. We also recognize this inner heroism when Unferth offers his sword to Beowulf, yielding to the greatness of the hero. Beowulf, in return, redeems himself by completing the task everyone thought he had achieved many years ago. The motif of inner heorism Gardner figures in Beowulf the poem is respectfully portraed in its modern film.","dateCreated":"1196313246","smartDate":"Nov 28, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"Yelin","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Yelin","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1859557","body":"Obviously when converting from one medium to another storylines are going to vary, but when bringing an archaic, "sex-less" story into a generation driven by sexuality there has to be some incorporation of sex appeal.
\n
\nDemographically, it is primarily males going to see war movies in the theatre. In reality, having the seemingly gratuitous sexual encounter isn't that irrelevant. The combination of the racy sex scene (or A.J. strutting her stuff in a golden body suit) paired with the aggressive, violent, suspense-building scene creates an intense heightened state of arousal -- watching these movies is exhilarating.
\n
\nA.J. definitely does appeal to "modern audiences" and achieves the war\/sex effect, but she is not strictly eye candy. Ms. Vahle made a good point about A.J. symbolizing Beowulf's need for fame and power. She is, clearly, the epitome of temptation. Relating back to the modern audience, rather than having Beowulf run rampant killing off enemies and "sitting on gold" in his search for fame, the movie producers create a man overcome by sexual desire. Modern audiences understand the concept of seduction more easily in this sexual context. Maybe the audience could have handled the epic without the use of sexual affairs and illegitimate children, but the twist provides intrigue and complexity that is more "cinematic" than the poem itself.
\n
\nWhat do you guys think about the technology? How different would the "Beowulf experience" have been if there was no animation? It's interesting that they took an "ancient" story and made it as technologically advanced as possible.","dateCreated":"1196314278","smartDate":"Nov 28, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"KateStrobel","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/KateStrobel","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/KateStrobel-lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1872013","body":" I was pleased with the movie, it was interesting to see how the imagination of the producers came into view. The movie did hold some Anglo-saxon culture with the drinking scenes that involved boasting and their herioc tales. I was surprised that the whole movie was animated..in some parts, the characters actually looked real.Im not sure if its just a figment of my eyes or not, but i thought it was neat! Without the animation, the "Beowulf experience" would have been different becuase it is a tale about a man that has the strength of 30 men.It would have been extremely difficult to use a real person to portray that characteristic.
\n
\nI agree that the casting of Angelina Jolie was a way to attract viewers. The bottom line in the movie business is to make money. Since AJ is a well-known actress throughout the world, many would go just to see her becuase she is an amazing actress. It was odd that the poem described her as this hideous monster that couldnt speak..in the movie, she was quite seductive and spoke fluent english. She was supposed to have been killed, but it was a way to keep viewers interested in the movie.
\n
\nOverall, the producers captured Beowulfs heroism through fullfilling his destiny to kill Grendel.","dateCreated":"1196383594","smartDate":"Nov 29, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"linda_le","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/linda_le","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1873365","body":"I personally found the movie to be rather corrosive of the poem's integrity. Beowulf-- the epic protagonist-- was portrayed as rather lascivious, therefore significantly lacking in ethos. Hrothgar was depicted no better. I was actually irritated with Beowulf throughout the duration of the film, as he was more unnecessarily arrogant than dignified and confident. He did however, slightly redeem himself via severing a fair portion of his arm (oww) with the intention of preserving the lives of both his beloved and his mistress.
\n
\nI'd have to agree with Hugbubbles apropos to his\/her review of "the movie [seeming] to focus upon the flaws and almost stereotypical aspects of Anglo-Saxon society"-- it resulted in my void of respect for the cinematic representaion of "Anglo-Saxon" culture. The film shamelessly decayed the legendary aura enveloping the poem, delineating the Anglo-Saxon culture as that of a constant intoxication of character; however, these rather abhorrent alterations were, I'm sure, made to cater to the modern audience.
\n
\nModern audiences deem a movie unworthy if it's vacant of excessive violence, undue alcohol consumption or superfluous sexuality-- Beowulf, for a PG-13 film, contained adequate amounts of both. I was ridiculously astonished at the casting choice of Ms. Jolie, although I'm sure that in the absence of her golden self, the movie would've failed in grossing a total of $57 million thus far... I think that with how much it strayed from the original storyline, they shoud've titled it something else with the "inspired by (or based on) the epic poem, Beowulf" as an addendum.","dateCreated":"1196387692","smartDate":"Nov 29, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"Beth_","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/Beth_","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1874401","body":"Through reading the entire discussion that has proceeded my comment, I must say that I agree in excess with the way that Kate has put into words her overall dissatisfaction with the way this fine, epic poem has been put into words.
\nNot having the opportunity to completely read this poem, I am hardly one to put criticism to the movie. However, I have to say that the parts of the poem I was privy to read, and having read Grendel, I must say that the movie was and utter disappointment to me. Having the mind that I would not be judgemental until I had fully viewed the movie, but I must say that I began to feel the sinking disappoinment before the movie was even half way over. I found all of the characters to be so self absorbed that the plot was completely lost in conflicts between the characters. The young queen was so distracting, she had the personality of a cardboard box. She always looked lost, and the whole scene reminded me of an animated version of "08210". The modernization of the drama, and the "sex appeal" given off by such a "hag" was not my idea of accurately portraying such an epic.
\nI must say, that the portrayal of Grendel was utterly disturbing to me. His decaying corps of a body was some Hollywood big shots version of a "scary" monster that was as ridiculous as it was disgusting. Is there ever any type of normalicy to eminate from Hollywood?","dateCreated":"1196391723","smartDate":"Nov 29, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"IrishPrincess","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/IrishPrincess","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1874945","body":"Having read the previously written comments made by others, I have to agree with everything that was said. Although I was expecting there to be a few changes made to the poem to make it Hollywood ready, the end result was a disappointment. The over sexualized portrayal of Grendel\u2019s mother seemed out of place to me, even though the soap-opera like drama added to the excitement of the movie. Another disappointment was the silly horror movie monster Grendel was portrayed as. His bloody corpse-like appearance took away the sympathy that readers experienced for Grendel in the original poem. The biggest disappointment of the movie was the portrayal of Beowulf. Instead of being the inspirational hero we all know and love, he was demised to a fool. He produced a child with a monster, lied to his people, and cheated on his queen. In the end to save his people from his mistake, he killed his own son and himself for fame. The \u201cstrip tease\u201d in front of Hrothgar\u2019s queen made him seem to conceited and the silly coverings used to cover the non rated PG-13 parts of his body was distracting. I agree with Beth that the movie should have been named something different and said it was based on the epic poem Beowulf; it would have helped the movie out as people that had read the poem would not have been as biased on the changes that were made.","dateCreated":"1196396028","smartDate":"Nov 29, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"MissLindsey","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/MissLindsey","imageUrl":"https:\/\/ssl.wikicdn.com\/i\/user_none_lg.jpg"}},{"id":"1875411","body":"In response to Kate's question, i have to say that the techology was stunning. It was amazing how it was all animated. I heard they used motion capture but even so, just to know that every detail and every pixel had to be created, I am amazed. TO see Anthony Hopkins as Hrothgar makes up in a way for the casting of AJ as the mother and the major story changes. Anthony Hopkins is a veteran actor that can bring emotions to an audience even when he is completely animated. I think that this is important because Hrothgar in the poem is a character that is very complex. He is a man that was once great but now, because of age, he cannot even protect his own kingdom. Hrothgar in the poem is happy and relieved when beowulf comes to the rescue. I think Anthony Hopkins did a great job in portraying the aging, great king. He carries elements from the poem over into the movie in a natural way. These elements of character could have easily been lost with the casting of a lesser actor.
\n
\nI also believe Beth put into eloquent phrasing that which had irked me also. I do not believe that Beowulf's character should have been so weak in the movie. The movie makers tried to take Beowulf and turn him into a tragic fallen hero-type character but at the same time they sacrificed the actual heroism and bravery. The character i observed in the movie was so weak and ashamed that he didn't even have the courage to tell his own wife that he slept with Grendel's mother and that she wasn't dead. He couldnt even confide in his wife after at least forty years of marriage.
\n
\nAlso, he was weak in that he let his marriage fall apart and started taking a mistress. He obviously still loved Wealtheow but was not man enough to try and repair the marriage. This characterization of Beowulf as weak, shameful and morose dissapointed me greatly and draws away from the heroistic, courageous and upright Beowulf from the poem.","dateCreated":"1196402167","smartDate":"Nov 29, 2007","userCreated":{"username":"sdasoldier","url":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/view\/sdasoldier","imageUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikispaces.com\/user\/pic\/1202793136\/sdasoldier-lg.jpg"}}],"more":1}]}],"more":false},"comments":[]},"http":{"code":200,"status":"OK"},"redirectUrl":null,"javascript":null,"notices":{"warning":[],"error":[],"info":[],"success":[]}} - Download<\/a><\/li>