Shrek
Based on the children's book by William Steig, this latest
computer-animated comedy tells the story of Shrek (voiced by
Mike Myers), a crude, misanthropic ogre who lives peaceably alone
in his stagnant swamp. One day Shrek discovers his solitude overrun
by various fairy-tale creatures who are hiding out from the villainous
Lord Farquar (John Lithgow). Farquar, pretender to the throne,
wants to be rid of these creatures (for reasons never satisfactorily
explained), so is rounding them up and banishing them. Farquar
also intends to rescue a princess (Cameron Diaz) held captive
by a dragon, in order that he might gain the throne by marriage
to her (again, for reasons not satisfactorily explained). Happenstance
leads Shrek (and the annoying donkey played by Eddie Murphy)
into the service of Farquar, who recruits the ogre to rescue
the princess.
The story unfolds in unexpected ways, and Shrek is an appealing
protagonist. At first a gruff, amusing grouch, he is ultimately
revealed to be a lonely soul, misunderstood and shunned by all.
A number of funny sequences are featured throughout the film,
most notably the scene where various characters from nursery
rhymes and folklore (including Pinnoccio, the three blind mice,
and various fairy godmothers) are arrested by Farquar's henchmen.
Shrek and company are also at one point attacked by none other
than Robin Hood (who inexplicably has a French accent!).
The animation is superb-every shot looks like illustrations from
childhood storybooks come to life. The character renderings are
equally impressive, most particularly Shrek himself, whose likeness
is true to Steig's original illustrations, and offers a fabulous
range of exaggerated facial expressions. (It still amazes me
how these animators are somehow able to cause even the most bizarre-looking
creatures to resemble the actors who supply their voices.)
However, excessive and pointless use of noisy rock songs spoils
things at times, and the film is not without its share of awkward
moments, such as the donkey falling in love with a lady dragon,
and the embarrassingly bad song-and-dance number which closes
the film. And while ostensibly a "children's film,"
its appropriateness for the young is questionable, owing to an
excess of scatological humor and occasional sexual references.
Still, Shrek has a good storyline and engaging characters,
and while it presents itself as a biting satire of fairy-tale
traditions, it is ultimately an affectionate celebration of them.
It also offers a genuinely touching ending which promises that
anyone, even a portly, green ogre.
Paul Andrew MacLean
© 2001
Shelton CT 06484 USA
(800) 232-2224 voice
(800) 775-2729 fax
LadyJanet@RenaissanceMagazine.com