The new film, Snow White and the Huntsman came pretty close to being an epic retelling of the classic Grimm Brothers fairy-tale. In fact, I would say it’s the best version of the story created since the original literary work. However, it dropped the ball a few too many times to be a true fantasy classic.
Snow White had two primary aspects which propelled it far past other failed fairytale reboots, such as 2011’s atrocious Red Riding Hood and this year’s earlier Snow White tale, the forgettable Mirror Mirror.
The first compliment you have to pay the film is how visually stunning it can be. Two locations in particular stand out: The Dark Forrest, in which Snow White flees the evil Queen’s henchman, and a magical clearing called The Sanctuary. More so than the climactic battle, it is the events in these locations you will remember and daydream about the most.
Director Rupert Sanders "does not (yet) share [Pan's Labyrinth director, Guillermo] del Toro's gifts, but he, too, has an eye for the beautiful and the grotesque, and for that entrancing borderline where the two meet" (Christopher Orr).
The second factor working to elevate the quality of the film is the compelling performance from Charlize Theron (Monster) as the Queen. A nefarious enchantress, the Queen gets to show off some impressive supernatural feats, but the real draw of the character of the Queen is how deeply into the pool of crazy Theron has dived. Girl’s got issues. Theron really makes the character her own, transforming the Queen from her traditional stereotype into one dangerous loose cannon.
Director Rupert Sanders "does not (yet) share [Pan's Labyrinth director, Guillermo] del Toro's gifts, but he, too, has an eye for the beautiful and the grotesque, and for that entrancing borderline where the two meet" (Christopher Orr).
The second factor working to elevate the quality of the film is the compelling performance from Charlize Theron (Monster) as the Queen. A nefarious enchantress, the Queen gets to show off some impressive supernatural feats, but the real draw of the character of the Queen is how deeply into the pool of crazy Theron has dived. Girl’s got issues. Theron really makes the character her own, transforming the Queen from her traditional stereotype into one dangerous loose cannon.
It’s a wonder that anyone would dare to defy her, but some do. The first to unite with Snow White is the Huntsman, played by Chris Hemsworth. His work here is not much different from his turns as Thor, but he serves his purpose. They are soon joined by the dwarves, played by acting greats Bob Hoskins, Ian McShane, Ray Winstone, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, and Nick Frost. Finally, they meet Snow White’s childhood friend William, played by Sam Claflin, before they finally meet up with a rebel army.
Why are so many people inspired by Snow White? Apparently she is life and purity incarnate. This is a great contrast with the Queen, who is clearly Death as she sucks life out of the young and beautiful to take it for herself. Only, Snow White provides a less-clear symbol for life than the Queen is for death.
We see that people are willing to fight and die for her, and that woodland creatures prance around for her, and there’s an undeveloped line from the leader of the dwarves about how ailments are healed around her (although apparently not the dwarf leaders blindness), but we are never really given any real sense for why so many people find her so inspiring.
This is largely because Kristin Stewart, as Snow White, is barely given over 10 minutes of dialogue. Which is ridiculous, considering she’s the main character. It’s easy to attack the star of the supremely awful Twilight series for bringing the film down, but I happen to think she’s a good actress whose most widely-seen films have poorly written scripts. Same goes for Snow White. It looks great, and has some quality character moments, but doesn’t seem to have any idea how to develop its protagonist. This is a terrible shame, because it had the opportunity to develop some serious feminist empowerment themes and Joan of Arc parallels.
One less serious problem is that Snow White is supposed to be a danger to the Queen because Snow White is “fairer” than her. Now, I do think that Kristin Stewart is a very pretty girl. But Charlize Theron is sexy beyond belief. The Queen doesn’t really need to fear Snow White stealing her thunder. It’s not really a plot problem, but it is something that stands out.
Overall, Snow White and the Huntsman is a unique take on the Snow White legend, with a great Queen, great dwarves, and striking visuals. But it lacks the character development and epic climax to put it on par with the films it is clearly trying to imitate (Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings). It’s the fairest of the Snow White films, but only an average fantasy film.
The Final Word: Wait to rent it.
And here's a cool music video for a song in the movie:
Why are so many people inspired by Snow White? Apparently she is life and purity incarnate. This is a great contrast with the Queen, who is clearly Death as she sucks life out of the young and beautiful to take it for herself. Only, Snow White provides a less-clear symbol for life than the Queen is for death.
We see that people are willing to fight and die for her, and that woodland creatures prance around for her, and there’s an undeveloped line from the leader of the dwarves about how ailments are healed around her (although apparently not the dwarf leaders blindness), but we are never really given any real sense for why so many people find her so inspiring.
This is largely because Kristin Stewart, as Snow White, is barely given over 10 minutes of dialogue. Which is ridiculous, considering she’s the main character. It’s easy to attack the star of the supremely awful Twilight series for bringing the film down, but I happen to think she’s a good actress whose most widely-seen films have poorly written scripts. Same goes for Snow White. It looks great, and has some quality character moments, but doesn’t seem to have any idea how to develop its protagonist. This is a terrible shame, because it had the opportunity to develop some serious feminist empowerment themes and Joan of Arc parallels.
One less serious problem is that Snow White is supposed to be a danger to the Queen because Snow White is “fairer” than her. Now, I do think that Kristin Stewart is a very pretty girl. But Charlize Theron is sexy beyond belief. The Queen doesn’t really need to fear Snow White stealing her thunder. It’s not really a plot problem, but it is something that stands out.
Overall, Snow White and the Huntsman is a unique take on the Snow White legend, with a great Queen, great dwarves, and striking visuals. But it lacks the character development and epic climax to put it on par with the films it is clearly trying to imitate (Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings). It’s the fairest of the Snow White films, but only an average fantasy film.
The Final Word: Wait to rent it.
And here's a cool music video for a song in the movie:
Good review Ethan. A lot darker and grittier than most fairy tales we see on the big screen, but it worked and gave this film a new edge to it that I think it needed. Story could have had more tension to it though.
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