The BFG
Director: Steven Spielberg
Talent: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton, Jermaine Clement
Released: 22nd July
When it was announced that Steven Spielberg was to direct a big screen, big budget adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG, I felt my heart sink a little. Cinema has more often than not proved a tricky medium for Dahl’s storytelling. More often than not the grotesque and frightening (or courage-inspiring and character-building) elements of the stories are simplified or glossed over altogether.
Matilda worked out well-enough because director Danny DeVito was a devotee of the book and didn’t skimp on the torture implements or sick-making scenes of gluttony. Could Spielberg’s schmaltz work with The BFG, a story that’s a little less gruesome but has its fair share of child abuse and cannibalism?
I’m happy to report that Spielberg’s effort is a winner, thanks to some strong lead performances. Ruby Barnhill’s Sophie hits the right level of precociousness and Spielberg’s fourth collaboration with Mark Rylance works superbly. His BFG is fearsome, vulnerable and ultimately lovable, as is this film that bears his initials.
Words: Luke Maxwell
