Film Review #9

Snow White and the Huntsman is a fantasy-adventure film with amazing visuals and a dark undertone. Rupert Sanders directs a cast of notable stars: Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Ian McShane. This 2012 adaptation of Snow White is indisputably more serious than the 1937 Disney version. However, it is nowhere close to being as dark as the German tale from the Brothers Grimm. Nevertheless, the film encapsulates a gloomy tone that is ideal for themes like war, murder, jealousy, vanity, betrayal, neglect, and desolation.

The plot of the movie is interesting to say the least. Snow White (Stewart) is born into royalty. Her parents are the king and queen of Tabor. When Snow White’s mother dies, the king is left brokenhearted. That is, until he saves Ravenna (Theron) from the Dark Army. Ravenna was so beautiful that the King married her the next day. Unknowingly, the king married a powerful sorceress. The night they wed she killed him, took over the kingdom, and imprisoned Snow White. When Ravenna took the throne the land and its people became barren. For over a decade everything remained the same. Until Snow White escapes! Ravenna enlists the help of an often inebriated Huntsman named Eric (Hemsworth). When the Huntsman realizes that Snow White is the true heir to the throne he intends to keep her safe. In an effort to capture Snow White, Ravenna allows her venomous brother to run rabid on the land. The stakes are raised and the Huntsman & Snow White have to find the castle of Duke Hammond. Getting there is not easy and the struggle to overthrow Ravenna afterward will be treacherous.

Wait.... Yeah.... She's totally evil guys

As I mentioned before Kristen Stewart plays the lead character Snow White. While I did not find her portrayal bad, I did not find it to be awe-inspiring. It was somewhere in the middle. Her almost melancholy expressions fit the moody tone of the film so I will applaud her for that. Much like when he played Thor, Hemsworth is charming in the film. His monologue after Snow White bites the poison apple is one of the more memorable parts of the film (for me). Charlize Theron is perfect as Ravenna. I bought her portrayal 100%. Honorable mention should go to all of the actors who played the dwarves. Their presence in the film is short but noteworthy. Aside for Stewart’s rather mundane presentation my expectations were more than fulfilled. I thought this movie was going to be terribly cheesy and just plain unpleasant.

In regards to film techniques the film used narration. I thought that made this tale particularly effective and helped to explain the beginning of the film well. The special effects are the most obvious and the most striking thing about the film. Snow White and the Huntsman is as visual appealing as films like Alice in Wonderland and The Fall. Visually this film is a masterpiece but it does have its shortcomings. The song by Florence & the Machine is well placed. I had no issues with the score at all. Each instrumental track used was perfect for themes like battle, sorrow, loss, and eventual victory. The YouTube video below sums up a lot of what I mentioned. Have a peek at Snow White in the Enchanted Forest!

If I had to give you one reason to attend this film I would say go for two reasons [read: I don’t care if that doesn’t make sense]. The cinematography is amazing. The visual effects presented are today’s best. The appearance of the film is an accomplishment itself. Second, I would say go for Theron’s performance. She has amazing presence and her messages of feminism are well conveyed. You fully buy in to her ideas of men.

7 out of 10