While I agree with critics and fellow IC blogger Paul that “Prince Caspian” was an entertaining film that is better production-wise that its cinematic predecessor, “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe,” and that certainly not all of the spirituality of the Lewis novel was lost, something was definitely missing from this latest Narnian adaptation. And I am not just saying that because this morning finds numerous professional speculations on why “Caspian” box office numbers came in lower than expected this past weekend.
I think part of the mistake with this adaptation is that the key moments that were at the heart of the book, didn’t truly make it on screen. The great Aslan himself barely makes an appearance in this film, which is sort of like having a Harry Potter movie without Harry Potter. Reepicheep and Trumpkin— while providing entertaining moments in the movie—are the other two characters at the heart of the book who are given shallow treatment by director Andrew Adamson. Such storytelling choices ultimately render the themes of the novel regarding faith and doubt, sight and blindness rather mute. It also makes the move, while good, not great, and definitely not memorable.
So I am beginning to conclude that maybe the weaker box office numbers (though I realize the movie still came in first place) do indicate something. No one questioned “Lord of the Rings” fans desire for to have Peter Jackson’s trilogy stay truthful to the series. No has questioned Potter devotees about staying true to the heart of Rowling’s work, either. But for some reason, many critics and Hollywood industry types are excusing the watering down of the heart of Narnia. And maybe this a question that needs to be considered before the filming begins on the next Narnia movie, the adaptation of ‘The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.”
posted May 20, 2008 at 3:12 pm
This is disappointing news, although I still plan to see the film. I was having a hard time following this article as it has a lot of typos. I suggest proofreading before posting. The critics are not putting much love on this movie and I hope that doesn’t kill the film and kill the chance of all the films getting made. Some of those critics didn’t even like the first one, so I am not giving them too much credit as I did like the first movie. Let’s hope the good somehow out-weighs the bad.
posted May 27, 2008 at 11:09 am
I came away from Prince Caspian almost in a trance. So deep did that movie take me away from reality, that I can’t beleive I let go of the present. It was an amazing movie — maybe the best I’ve ever seen. Sure, it didnt follow the book exactly. But, unlike any other film, it explored the theme of faith — losing it and finding it. All had lost their belief except for little Lucy. All others assumed Aslan was gone, never to be heard from again. But this faith of a child in her Savior was riveting. To see her on the bridge with her little knife — and her big lion — is a scene you cannot easily forget.
It was a rich movie that deserves repeat viewings.
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posted June 3, 2008 at 8:18 am
Haven’t seen the movie yet, but I intend to do so soon. As for commenting on the movie and Aslan barely having an appearance, in the book, Aslan appearance was brief. It was supposed to be brief. Our faith and determination to belief in something that we can’t see but we know is there is what the movie is based upon. So, sounds to me like someone needs to rely on faith and not what is seen. If any movies today have references to faith and Christianity, I recommend to everyone especially in todays society. I just wish people would stop nit picking things apart and look at things as a whole and what the portrayal is really about…