Tom Talks #23: The Northman (A Solid Blockbuster, Without That Eggers Edge)

 

Hi guys and welcome back to Tom Talks and today we are discussing the highly anticipated new film from Robert Eggers, 'The Northman.' Eggers is known for his unique and weird brand of cinema as shown by his great portrayal of medieval life and witchcraft in the 'The Witch' or the widely praised 'The Lighthouse.' (Still one on my bucket list of films)

His directorial style has got him a cult fan base and now a big blockbuster with this film, and while I enjoyed this film, fans of the acclaimed director will be potentially somewhat disappointed. The main criticism I have of this film is it's predictable plot, which while entertaining, you could see how it was going to conclude from a mile away. (an aspect my mates in particular were disappointed by)

The score and the cinematography were also pretty solid, but not anything groundbreaking bar a few shots here and there. Because of the high standards set by Robert Eggers, you have more expectations for his films and what would be good for your average blockbuster, is not good enough for his own movies.

Amleth (Alexander Skarsgard) & Olga (Ana-Taylor Joy)

The acting here was pretty good. Alexander Skarsgard was good in the main role and you felt the weight of his burden that he carried throughout the film. Ana-Taylor Joy was decent here, but didn't blow me away like she did in 'The Witch.' Nicole Kidman stole the show for many as our lead's mother and she was great, but I feel like there was more hinted at with her character. Nevertheless, Kidman was on form here. Cameos from Bjork and Willem Dafoe were very good and highlights of the film. Although I get the feeling Dafoe's role in the film was cut shorter, which is a great shame as his brief presence was typical Dafoe brilliance.

Finally, Ethan Hawke made for a good king and was decent even if he was mainly a means to move the plot forward. I won't spoil who was the antagonist, but I just felt he didn't really do anything out the ordinary, but the focus of the plot was more on Amleth's (Alexander Skarsgard) journey.

Queen Gudrun (Nicole Kidman)

What shone in this film was the few mystical and weird Egger moments, that it appears were limited due to that classic studio interference. I also have to say, the theme that really won me over on this film was our lead's dilemma of not wanting to go through with his quest at the end and realising what he was fighting for wasn't as noble as he thought, which made for an intresting dynamic. Also, the final battle looked great and was pretty entertaining.

Despite my gripes with this film, I did have a lot of fun here, the action scenes were pretty great and gripping, the chemistry between characters were very good and the relationships developed, and our lead was a character I rooted for throughout. The pressure of big budget meant that Eggers couldn't quite make the film he wanted, but we still have a solid summer blockbuster with some of the director's unique approach to film. General cinema goers I am sure will have a blast and Eggers Stan's will be a bit disappointed. As for me I had fun and would watch again.

7.5/10

Thanks for reading this Tom Talks and make sure to follow the Instagram and Twitter for updates on future content. If you would like some more movie reviews here's one on 'The Matrix Resurrections' or one from my YouTube on 'The Batman.' Till next time this has been another Tom Talks!