PIC of the Week – The Northman
Article Series by Ray Schillaci
A24 continues its streak of provocative films by innovative artists with Robert Eggers’ striking viking epic, The Northman. This is not your father or grandfather’s sword and sandal story. Writer/director Eggers has fashioned a violent, gritty and very realistic tale that is from the Scandinavian legend of Amleth that inspired Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This is the second time Eggers has teamed up with another writer, the first being with Max Eggers on The Lighthouse. This time Eggers partners with Icelandic poet, novelist, lyricist and screenwriter Sjón whose works have been translated into thirty languages.
Assembling a spectacular cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke and Willem Dafoe, Eggers’ attention to detail proves uncanny as he thrusts us into the Viking world. King Aurvandill, Ethan Hawke, returns home to the island of Hrafnsey from yet another conquest, back to his wife, Queen Gudrún, played by Nicole Kidman, and his only son Prince Amleth. It is a day of celebration and preparation for the ascension of the young prince through a ritual ceremony. But, not all are celebrating. The King’s bastard brother, Fjölnir has plans for murder and taking the crown.
Amleth escapes with his life and joins a band of Vikings as a “berserker,” one who would fight in trance-like fury. Later, as an adult (Skarsgård), we witness his wrath attacking a village. The brutality of our main character is off putting which makes him more of an anti-hero. After the attack, Amleth finds a seeress in a temple who predicts that he will soon take revenge and that his bastard uncle is no longer the powerful threat he once was. He was overthrown and exiled in Iceland.
Amleth slips away from the Viking band to pose as a slave and hops aboard a ship to exact his revenge. He encounters a self proclaimed sorceress, Anya Taylor-Joy, who rallies by his side. Once he arrives in Iceland, he finds that his mother has married the man that killed his father and bore him a son. This troubles Amleth, but does not dissuade his mission. He is determined to save his mother and strike down his bastard uncle.
But, not all is what it seems to be. For his vengeance, Amleth will travel to meet a He-witch, fight a hellish undead Mound Dweller and locate a magical sword residing in the Gates of Hel. His life becomes even more complicated when he competes in a game challenging another farm and saves his stepbrother with his uncle praising him.
Eggers, being the historical perfectionist that he is, weaves a tale of epic and mystic proportions rarely seen. In any other hands this could have easily been just a simple story of revenge. But, in this writer/director’s hands a carefully crafted tale goes beyond sword and sandal territory. The violence is jarring, the unexpected twists and turns are revelatory and those who inhabit the characters are more than memorable. Everything about this production is grand, from the lush cinematography to the detailed sets and costumes.
As good as the picture is on the Blu, the 2160p/Dolby Vision UHD is downright spectacular. Once again, here is a reason to purchase a 4K system if you have not already invested in one. The rich colors, the clarity, and sharpness are breathtaking. The textural quality of this film is perfect for 4K. This may be the best representation for this year of what 4K is fully capable of.
As for the Dolby Atmos soundtrack, prepare to be jettisoned into Eggers’ brave old world. Rich with detail, this disc leaves no stone unturned. We are submerged into this violent world of sword, arrows and bloodletting. That is not to say that dialogue goes ignored. It is surprisingly clear, but anyone having trouble with accents may want subtitles. The original music score is extremely powerful, especially being accompanied by instruments of that period. This track is pure perfection.
The sad part, less than an hour worth of extras. I wish with such a production that Eggers’ film was allowed far more detail in the making. Perhaps a Criterion version will provide that. In the meantime, this is what we get…
• Deleted and Extended Scenes
• An Ageless Epic – A supplement that explores the plot and characters, Viking mythology, Robert Eggers’ direction and immersion into Norwegian mythology and Viking history, production design authenticity, costumes, and more.
• The Faces of Vikings – Exploring the cast and the characters they play.
• Amleth’s Journey to Manhood – A look at the “rite of passage.”
• Shooting the Raid – Making one of the film’s most invigorating and brutal action sequences.
• Knattleikr Game – Exploring the “ball game” seen early in the film.
• A Norse Landscape – Exploring real life and cinematic majesty of the Northern Ireland shooting locations.
• Audio Commentary: Co-Writer/Director Robert Eggers explores his film.
Although some of the ritual and celebration scenes may seem off putting to some, they are authentic in their portrayal. The violence may be much for some, but it definitely goes with the times. Eggers has once again transported us to a time we’ve rarely encountered with much gusto and bravura. All the players are easily etched into our mind with performances that feel grittier and more real life than ever seen before for this period. The comparisons to Shakespeare’s Hamlet will be undeniable, but we must be reminded that it was the Norse legend that came before. The Northman will haunt you with its poetic and lyrical fable while bringing down the full might of that period of violence, deceit and betrayal.
Lowest Price:
$27.96 – 4K – Walmart
$17.96 – Blu – Amazon
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