Gerard Butleris probably most famous for his string of action flicks in the early 2000s and 2010s, but all of these projects pale in comparison to his work in300. TheZack Snyder-directed film took the iconicFrank Millercomic series and brought the historical epic to the screen. However, a year before Butler shined as Leonidas, the actor threw himself into a fantasy adventure inspired by the classical Anglo-Saxon poem, “Beowulf,” titledBeowulf & Grendel. Compared to some other adaptations of the epic, includingRobert Zemeckis’Beowulf(released only two years later), Butler’s take on the character has been largely forgotten. But now, 20 years after the fact, it is as good a time as any to revisit it.
‘Beowulf & Grendel’ Is a Character-Driven Revisionist Take On the Epic Poem
When jumping into this Canadian-Icelandic action flick, it’s important to note right off the bat that, whileBeowulf & Grendelpulls exclusively from the original epic poem, it deviates considerably from the source material. Many of the changes here are added for the sake of evoking further drama, and flipping the original tale on its head. If you are already familiar with the Beowulf story, then you will likely be frustrated at thesympathetic take it offers regarding Grendel(Ingvar E. Sigurðsson) or the serious lack of dragons in the final act. However, if you are otherwise unfamiliar with the original poem (which is simply excellent), then you will likely enjoy this film for exactly what it is. Given how much it departs from the Old English text, it’s not surprising that thefilm itself was not terribly well-received.As an adaptation, it struggles to offer an honorable and accurate view of the original story. However, when divorced from the grander Beowulf narrative, it’s a fascinating tale about the relationship between men and monsters.
Watching Butler play the titular hero here is an inspired precursorto his work on300. Of course, his Beowulf and Leonidas are nothing like one another, but a comparison can be drawn because of their respective warrior-minded worldviews. Still, Butler’s Beowulf is a conflicted one. He seeks justice and revenge against the monster Grendel for his attacks on Hrothgar (Stellan Skarsgård) and his people, but his attraction to the local witch, Selma (Sarah Polley), leads him to uncover deeper truths about both himself and the monster with whom he shares top billing in the title. This is quite a unique approach to the classic story,as Grendel is portrayed similarly to Beowulf. Both fight for the sake of honor, revenge, and family, yet Beowulf and Hrothgar’s actions are justified while Grendel’s are condemned.
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It would be accurate to callBeowulf & Grendela revisionist take on the poem. It fights hard to make the audience sympathize with Grendel, challenges Beowulf’s perspective of the creature and role as a traditional hero, and deconstructs Hrothgar from his valiant and honorable persona into one plagued by self-doubt and fear. Again, it doesn’t quite capture the brilliance or iconic imagery that the original author of “Beowulf” does, though one can see the narrative seeds planted that got us here. To this end,Beowulf & Grendelis a poor adaptation, but that doesn’t make it a bad motion picture. It’s an interesting subversion that ponders the truth behind myth and legend, ultimately forcing the audience to choose which narratives to believe. Though only two of the three main antagonists of the poem show up here, it’s an entertaining adventure that speaks to Butler’s strengths as an actor beyond simple action parts.
‘Beowulf & Grendel’ Has Been Strangely Overshadowed by Its Own Documentary
What’s especially interesting is thatBeowulf & Grendelwas filmed in Iceland, and the production was quite troubled.As chronicled in the “making of” documentary,Wrath of Gods, directorSturla Gunnarssonand his crew wrestled with the elements to bring this picture to life. As one can see in the film, the weather was a constant barrier, though it admittedly adds a certain realism. Interestingly,Wrath of Godswas far more well-received by audiences and critics. The documentary won five awards for its efforts, as its director,Jon Einarsson Gustafsson, was praised for his ability tocapture the tumultuous eventssurrounding the making ofBeowulf & Grendel. For his part, he was even granted a small part as a “Geat Warrior.”
It’s a shame, though, because,between the production value and the nuanced performances by Butler and Skarsgård in particular,Beowulf & Grendelhad lots of potential. All these years later, it seeks validation for its efforts, and while imperfect, it was a valiant attempt that had something unique to say about the text. Some may consider it a misunderstanding of the material, but then, that’s subject to interpretation.
Beowulf & Grendel
Beowulf & Grendel: In a medieval Norse setting, the warrior Beowulf sets out to help King Hrothgar by confronting the formidable monster Grendel, who threatens the peace of a village. The film explores themes of loyalty and heroism as Beowulf’s troop of warriors navigates the perils of their mission.
