MovieChat Forums > Beowulf (2007) Discussion > Third act loses me

Third act loses me

posted 4 years ago by sONOMArEturns (1339)
10 replies | jump to latest

I love the last minute of the movie and how it ends; it's probably the best part of the whole thing. But the film is fine until Beowulf becomes an old man, and it just turns into another generic "chase/run from the monster" action film. I've seen it several times and can never remember what happens once Beowulf becomes old...and then I remember that's because nothing happens besides people running from the dragon. It's such a Hollywoodified ending to something that could've been more unique and interesting. I know that's essentially what happens in the original story, and the movie does a decent job at connecting the two halves together, whereas in the story where Grendel and the dragon have zero relation. At least the first two acts had some identity, some suspense. Zemeckis directed the first half like a horror film and I love it. I wish it would've kept the same tone throughout.

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 4 years ago

See, I found it to be a regular hero story up until the cave with Grendel's mother. At that point, suddenly Beowulf went from being a bold hero to a flawed, fallible man. How he would turn out became very important to me, and all of the "old man" stuff was gripping.

We see Beowulf look out over a battlefield, disgruntled and unhappy with combat. He confronts the Friesian warrior. That scene is great.

Then, at court, we see what a sad turn his life has taken. He sacrificed honour for power and glory, and he valued the story of a hero over the truth of it, and we see how love has evaded him, he isn't content, and he takes no joy or pleasure in his life.

This is a warning against greed and pride.

Yes, the dragon fight is generic and less interesting, and I do wish that he had a second scene with Grendel's mother, and possibly a scene with the child/dragon, too: one where he rejects him, perhaps?

But, I think the point is that his actions festered and turned into a monster, so this isn't something he needs to confront in the emotional sense.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

Love hasn't evaded him; he's humping the young chick.

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 4 years ago

While I see the appeal, that's not love.

It's contrasted with the relationship he could have had with the queen, but he basically poisoned it before it even began.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

He's getting love and he's giving love (the queen obviously loves him and he loves her and his subjects (He's been a good king). He might not be happy but he knows love. And the young lover is just that: Loving him and being loved by him.
You're confusing love with happiness.

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 4 years ago

He can't fully commit to that love, though, and he clearly doesn't enjoy it. While the queen respects him, and he yearns for her, their only interactions are sad or spiky.

I don't think he needs to be constantly happy-clappy, but these are clearly not healthy relationships.

Loving subjects is not the same thing.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

Duh, that's the theme of the movie! But your point was that love has evaded him and as I've shown that isn't the case. Happiness, yes. Love, no. That he and Hrothgar didn't have male heirs is what is supposed to make it a sad story. Which it really isn't! (Dude got laid and became king) Heirs are overrated.

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 4 years ago

Can we agree, then, that what love he experienced was tainted? My point was that he exchanged the true worth of things for superficialities. He might have the love of his subjects, but so what? Every moment of his life is haunted by his foolishness, selfishness, and his knowledge that he isn't the man he pretends to be.

I didn't think a lack of male heirs was what made the story tragic.

I would argue that a big part of the point is that "getting laid and becoming king" is what is overrated.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

History would disagree. We tend to remember great kings. What was the movie called again?

[–] Ace_Spade (9658) 4 years ago

But that's a big part of the movie's main point is that these stories aren't what we think they are; we're remembering half-truths. It's also a case where, had Beowulf not pursued his own glory so completely, he could have lived a much more fulfilling life.

Is being the Renowned King worth it? Maybe. But I think this film questions that, and hints that, no, it's not; we're better off seeking things of deeper value rather than sacrificing that value on the altar of our own egos.

[–] [deleted] 4 years ago

Whatever you want to believe.