I guess to any person who is wary of the movie news, probably knows the buzz this new live action adaptation of a Disney classic generated at D23 to which it received a standing applause. Well today the general viewer gets the chance to see for themselves, what appears to be Jon Favreau's triumphant return to large-scale productions.
The first thing I noticed that how it presents its world, the Forest in a very haunting way, which is very good. And it does so in a way that is also captivating with its large luscious trees and environments, which is brilliant. Obviously if you directly compare it to the animated classic, it does have a more muted colour palette, or so it seems from the trailer. However, in this case it sort of works in the haunting aspect of the movie. So I won't judge too soon.
My opinion on Disney live-action adaptations has been rather mixed so far. Though what definitely gets my hopes up for Jungle Book is that it isn't trying to be the animated version or anywhere near it, stylistically speaking and actually embraces the live-action medium. Shere Khan actually looks a real Bengal Tiger and the added realism actually makes him more scary. Bagheera and Baloo also looks like a real Panther and a Bear respectively. Even though there are realistic looking animals, they match their designs well enough to elude to the classic characterisations to not make them totally unfamiliar. The animals will also be voiced by some serious talent such as Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong'o, and Christopher Walken. Though the only animal we hear in this trailer is Scarlett Johansson as the hypnotic Kaa. It took me a bit getting used to, since for me, the original lisping voice is Kaa. However, I do see where Favreau is coming from in this decision. with her more seductive voice, which I guess works in a more serious tone. I mean let's get serious, the original played Kaa more as a comic relief than a genuine threat.
During the trailer we get little glimpses of Neel Sethi as Mowgli. I can't say whether the casting is good or not since we barely see him, none of them with dialogue. But from the looks of things, I guess he does fit the role. The trailer also showcases the recreations of classic parts of the story as well such as the incursion with King Louie as well as what seems to me is the climax. We also get a very brief glimpse of the elephants but none of the wolves surprisingly.Though they must be holding their cards for next trailers. It's atmospheric approach is something I am eager to see how it can breathe a new life into the story visually, each scene looks like it has been carefully captured and shows a hint of grandiose and wonder which should be in The Jungle Book. I have never read the original story by Rudyard Kipling, however it intrigues me to see that how this latest interpretation will be influenced by the original book and the animation.
I have talked for a good while about this movie going towards a more haunting/atmospheric approach and pretty much the last third or so of the trailer features a montage signifying that very thing, that the threat of the Forest is real than ever before. But just as the title card rolls we see Mowgli riding on the belly of Baloo in a river, whistling 'Bare Necessities'. That, I'm sure will be a sigh of joy for the fans of the animation and it reassures us that it hasn't forgotten its playful roots.
From seeing this trailer, I can definitely see why it achieved its 'anticipated' status. It is a gorgeous looking film brimming with lush environments and an inviting sense of adventure. The Jungle Book is slated for an April 2016 release. And just the next year in 2017, Warner Bros. will also put out their version called Jungle Book:Origins directed by Andy Serkis, so it will be very interesting to see how they will vary in interpretation.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment