ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION

Cinematographer Kiesser, Jan

Executive Producer Friðriksson, Friðrik Þór

Executive Producer James, Peter

Executive Producer Marshall, Alex

Executive Producer Simpson, James

Executive Producer Stern, James

Film Editor Warren, Jeff

Music Hilmarsson, Hilmar Örn

Producer Cowan, Michael L.

Producer Gunnarsson, Sturla

Producer Jordan, Eric

Producer Karlsdottir, Anna Maria

Producer Piette, Jason

Producer Stephens, Paul

Screenwriter Berzins, Andrew Rai

Sound Okin, Simon

Production Company Beowulf Productions Inc.

Production Company Grendel Productions Inc.

Principal Cast Butler, Gerard

Principal Cast Marsan, Edie

Principal Cast Polley, Sarah

Principal Cast Sigurðsson, Ingvar Eggert

Principal Cast Skarsgård, Stellan

DESCRIPTION

TIFF NOTE

The seminal Anglo-Saxon poem "Beowulf" gains new resonance for audiences in Sturla Gunnarson's latest film. Thoroughly updated using contemporary English, Beowulf & Grendel nonetheless retains the full heraldic glory and mythical epic qualities that have inspired so many readers. Set against the dramatic background of a wind-whipped, ocean-battered landscape, the film tells the bloody tale of the warrior Beowulf's battle with Grendel, a great and murderous troll. As a young man, King Hrothgar (Stellan Skarsgård), leader of the Danes, kills a troll but spares his son Grendel (Ingvar Sigurdsson). Now an adult, Grendel seeks to avenge the murder of his father and unleashes his wrath against the Danes. His murderous exploits, fuelled by his anger at being wronged, are becoming legend. Unable to stop him, the Danes ask for the help of their Norse ally Beowulf (Gerard Butler), a battle-tried soldier in his own right. Out of allegiance to King Hrothgar, Beowulf leads a troop of warriors across the sea to rid a village of the marauding monster. However, Beowulf's attempts to fight the troll are thwarted when Grendel refuses to engage him in battle. Despite his seemingly savage nature, the troll is adhering to a strict code of retribution: his quarrel is not with Beowulf but with the Danes. When Beowulf meets Selma (Sarah Polley), a mysterious and sensuous witch, his understanding of revenge is further complicated and he begins to waver in his commitment to kill on behalf of King Hrothgar. But as Grendel's attacks intensify and Beowulf's men increasingly provoke his wrath, the conflict builds to an inevitable and terrible battle. Paired with the inimitable Skarsgård as the ailing and deceitful King Hrothgar, Butler effectively captures the conflicted Beowulf as he endures the slow erosion of his military code of conduct. More than a straightforward story of blood, beer and sweat, Beowulf & Grendel powerfully entwines themes of vengeance, loyalty and mercy. The film strips away the mask of the hero myth, leaving a raw and tangled tale that rings true through the centuries.

FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING HISTORY

TIFF CINEMATHEQUE PROGRAMMING HISTORY

TIFF YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING HISTORY

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FRL-81270 research file