George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and ‘Animal Farm’ are two of the mightiest works in British literature and the latter especially has become a constant for British schoolchildren when it comes to exam time. A subversive exploration of the ideals of communism corrupted into a dictatorship culminating in a bleak downbeat ending. It was intended as a stark warning to democracies that this could happen to you.
Animal Farm the book, the film…
Originally intended as a performance capture style film where Andy Serkis had made such an impact as Gollum in Lord of the Rings and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes trilogy but instead has opted for standard animation and follows an animal revolution on a farm where the pigs seize power and quickly descends into a ruthless dictator. That the film is not going to follow the book becomes apparent when the original ending occurs about an hour in and rather than opt for an equally bold end instead goes for something for more kid friendly
It’s very well served by an all-star cast of vocal talent that includes Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner and Serkis himself. But its Seth Rogen as Napoleon who is the stand out with his usual cheery tones playing against type and ideally suited to the duplicitous role of Napoleon the pig.
Four feet good?
This is the third version of the book after the 1954 film and arguably 1999’s ‘Babe’ and regrettably and fatally the end here instead of a warning is instead cosy for the kids robbing the story of satire making it a bland let down. As Pixar has shown with their best films, an animated film can appeal to both kids and adults alike and its depressing to see, that yet again Orwell’s great novel changed for no beneficial effect undermining the books warning message that’s as relevant today as it ever was.
related feature : Ape School – The making of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes….
related feature : Director Andy Serkis introduces ‘Venom : Let there be Carnage’ at the London premiere…….
Andy Serkis explains the decision to go animation rather performance capture….
Here’s the trailer….
