The BFG – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Director: Steven Spielberg
Writers: Melissa Mathison (screenplay), Roald Dahl (based on the book by)
Stars: Mark Rylance, Ruby Barnhill, Penelope Wilton

Many of today’s cinema goers will have grown up with Roald Dahl’s classic book The BFG, and even the much loved 1989 animated film; so it is with some trepidation that we approach the new adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg.

As hinted at in the trailer, the world of the film is created almost immediately, with insomniac Sophie (newcomer Ruby Barnhill) wandering the halls of her orphanage in a picture-book vision of London. After accidentally witnessing one of the BFG’s nightly excursions, she is taken back to Giant Country; where it quickly becomes clear that the Big Friendly Giant is a fellow outcast, the runt of the litter in a community of much larger, flesh-eating bullies.

The inspired casting of man-of-the-moment Mark Rylance is the key to the film’s charm. Shot using motion-capture, Rylance’s features are transformed into the title character without losing any of the nuances of his performance; which is both subtle, and delightfully warm. The screenplay, written by the late Melissa Mathison (best known for writing E.T.) captures the magic of the book, and the BFG’s unique approach to English; but plays it safe when approaching any sense of danger. We may hear about the Giants’ child eating exploits throughout, but apart from tense scenes where their keen sense of smell threatens to expose the ‘human bean’ amongst them; their voracious appetites and child snatching missions are seen only from a distance.

Reassuringly faithful to the original, some of the most satisfying moments occur when the story reaches Buckingham Palace. Penelope Wilton plays the Queen with great delicacy, not overplaying the iconic figure though her palace is everything an American audience would wish for. The breakfast scene is also just what it should be, with giant sized portions and whizzpopping fart humour. Despite some decidedly odd references (why does the Queen phone ‘Boris’, and ‘Ronald and Nancy’ to mobilize the troops?) it is hard not to get swept away in the magic of it all.

Ultimately The BFG has a little too much Disney and not enough Dahl. But with enchanting special effects (at their best with the intricately created dream hunting), sumptuous design, and thoroughly likeable characters; you’re sure to leave with a smile on your face.