Roald Dahl’s books for young people have always been ripe for cinematic adaptation. His stories invite us into a world where children are wise and empowered, grown-ups are silly and short-sighted, and a sense of fear and danger is never far away.
Matilda, James and Charlie are all outsiders: all of them emotionally intelligent beyond their years, with an artful insight and incorruptible bravery. They face frightful enemies, and their kind spirited dispositions always save the day. In the 1989 animated film THE BFG, Sophie (named after Dahl’s granddaughter) is a perfect English girl: polite, confident and inquisitive to a fault. When whisked away from her lonely life at Mrs Clonker’s Orphanage by David Jason’s BFG, and taken on a trippy journey to a strange world inhabited by other not- so-nice giants, she finds in him a much needed friend.
Though all of Dahl’s books are tinged with a horror sensibility […] this is perhaps the most lurid.
Unmistakably British, THE BFG relies on strong, assured character archetypes to drive the plot forward at a leisurely pace. David Jason’s BFG is instantly likeable and playful; his vague, percussive grasp of English is always entertaining. Simple animation techniques are carried by engaging voice work from the two leads, whose friendship is consistently moving and funny.
Though all of Dahl’s books are tinged with a horror sensibility not common in children’s stories, this is perhaps the most lurid. The BFG’s world he inhabits is foreign and alien, and the frightening Fleshlumpeater and Bloodbottler giants are thuggish and aggressive, with long, sharp nails and a punk themed dress sense. This subversive vision will more than likely be lost on children, but older viewers will key into the macabre undertones. A few ill-advised musical numbers aside, though, the BFG is a warm and nostalgic piece of 80s animation.
The BFG screens at the Arts Picturehouse on Sunday 16 September at 13.30
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFFPetXJwhA