INTO THE WOODS Trailer
Coming to theaters is Into the Woods directed by Rob Marshall. It’s a musical fantasy film starring Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, and Johnny Depp. Before your brain jumps to conclusions, Tim Burton has nothing to do with this film. Remember the tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella? This flick takes all those Grimm Brothers fairy tales and twists them into something fabulous.
Before I get ahead of myself, let me give you as simplification of the plot. There are four lead characters in this story: Cinderella, Jack, the Baker and his wife. Other Grimm characters make appearances but these four move the plot. Act one is basically retelling the Grimm tales with some creative license. All the fore-mentioned characters go on their own adventures. The Baker and his wife are the only original characters and they’re on a mission to have a kid. In their way is the witch who has placed a curse on the baker’s family. To lift the curse, four items related to the other characters must be collected to create a magical potion that leads to happily ever after. Or does it?
This film is an adaptation of a musical by Stephen Sondheim. If you don’t know who that is, then check this out. As it turns out, this creation holds some personal interest for Mr. Sondheim. In 1987, Sondheim gave Time Magazine insight into his mind by admitting that the “father uncomfortable with babies was his father and the mother who regrets having children was his mother.” Personal issues are often the hallmark of great creativity. For another sample of his creative genius, check out my favorite Sondheim musical film Sweeney Todd or the theater equivalent. My apologies though; it is a Tim Burton film.
The trailer itself showcases drab coloring and desiccated settings indicating the type of tone this film is selling. Almost everything in the trailer lacks vibrancy and many of the scenes depict dilapidated houses or dark encroaching branches. That’s what you expect in a Grimm fairy tale brought to the big screen. Considering that this film is supposed to be a musical, it’s puzzling you don’t hear any case of singing from the actors in the trailer. If you check out trailers for other musicals, there are usually examples of the singing involved. Then again, it’s Disney.
If you like Stephen Sondheim musicals, then Into the Woods is worth checking out. It opens December 25th 2014 in the U.S and January 9th 2015 in the U.K. For worldwide release dates, click here.
What other fairy-tales are you looking forward to seeing on the big screen? Let’s talk about it!
(top image source: Into the Woods – Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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