Claire’s Corner: Love and Clichés Are in the Air
April 23, 2014
Maybe it is because prom is around the corner or because springtime blooms with romance, but something impelled me to revisit an old, romance movie and novel, even though it might be cliché and a bit childish.
A six-fingered man, unexpected deceit, and Rodents of Unusual Size. You wouldn’t expect these themes and adventure from a book titled “The Princess Bride.” However, the classic novel written by William Goldman masterfully ties in interests from both genders, contrary to what the title may suggest. And despite the popular claim that movie adaptations are never as good as the novel, the 1987 film adaptation does not disappoint with convincing actors who capture the humor and charm that characterize the novel.
“The Princess Bride” is structured so that Goldman is recounting a tale told by his grandfather. Goldman explains to readers the story that was read, called “The Princess Bride,” and tells of a young girl named Buttercup and her romance with a farm boy named Westley. However, their newfound love is interrupted when Westley decides to embark on a journey to find success and fortune.
Buttercup decides to wait for her love, but receives news that Westley was murdered by the infamous Dread Pirate Roberts. She is left in despair and mourns for Westley while reluctantly agreeing to marry Prince Humperdinck, the ruler of Guilder, who is looking for a beautiful fiancé. After the forced engagement, Buttercup believes she will be miserable for the rest of her life until she meets interesting and unexpected characters, such as a Sicilian named Vizzini, a giant named Fezzik, and a fencer named Inigo Montoya, and embarks on a journey encouraged by love and vengeance.
Goldman seems to have taken all of the well-liked components of any adventure novel and fairytale and incorporated them into one novel. The most prominent factor that made the novel shine is Goldman’s commentary that added comicality to the novel and made the story more personable.
However, if you have already read the novel, the film is a must-see. It might be because Goldman also wrote the screenplay of the movie, but the film is a perfect representation of the novel. Much like the novel, the film has a combination of humor and upmost sincerity. One of my favorite actors is Wallace Shawn, playing Vizzini, who consistently made me chuckle each time he threw his hands up in frustration and yelled “inconceivable.” Also, I wholeheartedly commend Mandy Patinkin, playing Inigo Montoya, who lit up my face with a smile each time he speaks the much rehearsed and passionate lines, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Patinkin allowed me to develop an attachment with the good natured Inigo and had me rooting for him the entire movie. The subtle satirical tone is present in all of the actors’ voices and although the cinematography is evidently not the best compared to modern films, the dialogue and actors make it worth seeing.
“The Princess Bride” is more of a family movie than a date movie, so although I did get a few chuckles out of the movie, I wouldn’t recommend the movie for a first date because of the admittedly lame punchlines. Still, it is a pleasant and charming movie that had me repeating Inigo’s line for days after.
