Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, and Willem Dafoe star in “The Northman.” Our J.P. reviews the epic Viking film.
The Northman
Focus Features, Universal Studios
- Directed by: Robert Eggers
- Written by: Sión, Robert Eggers
- Produced by: Mark Huffam, Lars Knudsen, Robert Eggers, Alexander Skarsgård, Arnon Milchan
- Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman, Claes Bang, Anya Taylor-Joy, Ethan Hawke, Björk, Willem Dafoe
- Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke
- Edited by: Louise Ford
- Music by: Robin Carolan, Sebastian Gainsborough
Studio Synopsis:
Prince Amleth is on the verge of becoming a man when his father is brutally murdered by his uncle, who kidnaps the boy’s mother. Two decades later, Amleth is now a Viking who raids Slavic villages. He soon meets a seeress who reminds him of his vow — save his mother, kill his uncle, avenge his father. (Source: The Northman)
J.P.’s Take:
“I will avenge you, father, I will save you, mother, I will kill you, Fjölnir” is the mantra of “The Northman.” By that very saying you know what kind of epic tale this is going to be.
Although it was not known to me at the time where this Norse story had come from, I discovered it served as the inspiration of another famous saga as told by “Shakespeare: Hamlet.” This historic fiction is the precursor for the Shakespearean folk legend that also bears similar traits. “The Northman” certainly isn’t your typical children’s fairy-tale filled with beautiful majestic figures wearing the most luxurious gaudy clothing and jeweled crowns. It is the grueling vision spun by director/co-writer Robert Eggers and writer/poet Sjón of a fable of vengeance and redemption.
Eggers masterfully orchestrates a testosterone fueled warrior’s tale, filled with fever dream pitched visuals, which blurs the line between reality and the dream realm. What sets the stage for such a legendary saga is Amleth’s (Alexander Skarsgård) journey from young prince-hood to cunning avenger. While still a young prince, he witnessed the murder of his father King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke) and vowed to exact revenge on his wretched uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang), who is responsible for his beheading. What struck me right away is the dark, dreary atmosphere this film is presented in. There is an icy tone to almost every scene, yet it’s also strikingly true to life in the way it is filmed. If you could imagine 8th century medieval times, you’d comprehend how barbaric this era was, where men were men, and that it was considered honorable to die in battle. From Scandinavian lore you’d be sent to Valhǫll or Valhalla, which in modern times is known as “heaven.”
Primal overtones are prevalent throughout comprised of male characters growling their lines in grunted vocal tones and guttural speeches about honor and glory. Graphic battle scenes are filmed with such realism immersing the audience in their brutalness. Every grueling scene was shot in full (no quick cuts or shrouded motions to cover up the bloodshed). There’s an especially grisly scene where Amleth strings up multiple shredded corpses like a collage art piece which may prove stomach churning for some … but it’s the very expression of what this film is all about.
In order to further enrapture viewers, Amleth’s parable is told in a series of visions that are bestowed upon him. Being that he’s been raised by Vikings, he was trained in the ways of a berserker (as legend has it, Viking berserkers fought in a trance like state, which not only prepared them for battle but nearly gave them super powers). Aside from the barbarous nature, Amleth’s parable is mainly conveyed through imagery. Amleth receives visions that give him insight as to his true destiny and acts on them as though they are gospel. When he was a youngster, his father put him through rites of passage while consulting with Heimir the Fool (Willem Dafoe). Heimir shows them both, the family bloodline in a vision of a flowy watery like living family tree. There he sees himself as king. As a grown man, Amleth encounters the Seeress (Björk), who foresees him taking his revenge on his uncle. Later on, he takes refuge in an Icelandic village, where he sneaks away only to confront the He-Witch (Ingvar Eggert Sigurðsson) who facilitates a spiritual converse with Heimir’s head (who has been murdered by Fjölnir). The He-Witch shows Amleth visions of a mythical sword that only he can unsheathe. But first he has to battle an undead knight who holds it.
There is a final vision bestowed upon him as he and Olga escape Iceland, one that sees his heirs in the same flowy watery living tree visual. He and Olga will have twins and they will carry on Olga and Amleth’s lineage.
I was mainly drawn in by the cast while viewing a trailer one day, headlining Ethan Hawke, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Anya Taylor-Joy, and, of course, Alexander Skarsgård. At that time, I did not know Icelandic singer / actress / producer Björk was involved. All of whom I’m a fan of. All giving genuine performances.
I did not realize by taking a chance in viewing something unique and stirring that I would be roused by such a version of a hero’s account. It was done in the most realistic, cringe inducing manner that I was caught off guard. I grimaced at the slit throats, the stabbings, the dismemberment of people. I was taken aback by the entrancing visuals, I even had a few laughs at some hokey moments.
You know over time “The Northman” will become another cult classic for Eggers and Sjón, especially with hardcore Scandinavian mythology followers. I’ll admit it got my attention and, for better or worse, I got a rise out of it.