Three in one

The Adventures of Tintin:

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

When two of the most talented movie makers of our time get together to make a movie, it is no wonder that it becomes one of the most anticipated projects of our time.

The expectations are greater once you realise that one film-maker is the creator of the legendary 'The Lord of the Rings' series which had brought the largest profit to Hollywood. The other who had actually helmed the director's role is the man behind box-office projects like 'E T: The Extra-Terrestrial', 'Jaws', 'Saving Private Ryan' and 'Munich'.

Ever since they decided to join hands for a movie, directors Peter Jackson and Steven Spielberg had not looked back. Despite the movie meeting some hiccups on the way, the final product does not disappoint the fans for it is a thrilling adventure for those new to the series and a unique experience for others who are already familiar with Belgian artist Hergé's heroic young reporter.

The comic book fans will be able to notice that Spielberg's production is a combination of 'The Crab with the Golden Claws', 'The Secret of the Unicorn' and 'Red Rackham's Treasure'. However this does not mean that the movie does not go along with Hergé's originals. From the opening credits to the moment that the story unfolds with the image of an artist's drawing of Tintin before the animation figure makes its appearance, it is clear that film is designed in a manner which commands respect towards Hergé's style and vision.

When renowned journalist Tintin buys a stunning miniature replica of the Unicorn ship which had once sailed the seas decades back, he unexpectedly finds himself caught in a web of controversy. The replica is not an ornament that you would keep in a shelf or part of a private collection but contains a part of the clue that the heroic sea captain, Sir Francis Haddock, had hidden in its main mast to uncover a pirate's treasure.

While tracking down the clues to the treasure Tintin meets Captain Haddock, the descendant of Sir Francis. They have several narrow escapes from being killed by the thugs and finally make their way to Marlinspike Hall which is Captain Haddock's ancestral home.

An interesting fact to note is that though Hergé had penned two dozen adventures more than 40 years ago, the movie sets off a fairly modern experience. For example the human characters have the look of the animation as well as real life. The casting is solid overall.

Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost voice the characters with emotion to go with the facial expressions and situations.

Another striking aspect is that we are allowed to look at some events through the eyes of Tintin's dog, Snowy. This implies that Snowy is more than just a pooch in the story, just as Hergé intended.

The only drawback of the movie is its length. However the punch ups and chases through the markets and allies are constructed in a manner so that it is worth a watch. The landscapes too have been designed with care, from the busy market scenes to the stormy sea and sand dunes of the desert. No stone has been left unturned to put as much work as possible to making 'The Adventures of Tintin' a visually rich production.

Though the story is scripted in a different manner to its original, the script is penned in a manner in which every aspect has been covered. There are no loopholes or unanswered questions. It is a good example of how directors can adapt films from other works and still do a unique production without harming the original. The only other thought that is etched in the audience's mind once they step out of theatres is that when they will return to watch more adventures by the boy journalist, the sea captain and the ever faithful Snowy.