War Horse: Movie/Play Comparison

After seeing a moving performance of the original War Horse (see my review) at Lincoln Center last month, I was curious to see how Steven Spielberg's feature film stacked up. Now that I have viewed both, I think I can safely say that, despite their differences, both are fine pieces of work in their own rights.

In terms of plot line, both the play and the film are essentially the same. Various elements were altered, added or omitted (ect..., ect...) throughout the film, but most of these were relatively minor, and didn't take away from the main message of the story. On the plus side, several distinctive scenes from the play (plowing the field, English and Germans working together to release the star- that would be the horse, Joey- from a trap of barbed wire, and the first appearance of a tank the the battlefield) were beautifully preserved in the film, retaining the spirit and passion seen in the live performance.

In one respect, the film actually out-performed the play. Throughout the story, the horse Joey passed through the care of many different people, French and Germans as well as English. Despite the searing conflict of WWI that served as a backdrop for the story, and no doubt the bitter feelings between these nations, Joey had the ability to bring out the finest qualities in whoever he met (the barbed wire scene referenced above is a perfect example). This theme was visible in the play as well, but Spielberg's abilities brought it further to the main, strengthening the all-powerful theme of hope present in both play and film.

Overall, I would say that Spielberg has done an excellent job preserving the vision, scope and, above all, the spirit of the original War Horse. For anyone unable to see the live performance, his film would be a fine substitute. Go and enjoy.
 

War Horse at Lincoln Center

Perhaps more than other major conflicts, World War I holds a unique place in history. It marked the first time heavy machinery had entered the field, and resulted in a greater loss of life than any conflict up to that time. European society was thrown into chaos, and nothing would ever be the same again. One fact about WWI, however, is not as widely known; this was the last time that cavalry was deployed as a major unit in armed combat. Recently adapted by Stephen Spielberg into a feature film, the production of War Horse now playing at Lincoln Center offers a unique and touching glimpse into this little known world of vanishing cavalry.

 

Upon seeing the performance, my feelings and reactions were somewhat mixed (as were those of the rest of my family). The storyline in-and-of-itself was not groundbreaking- the prized horse (and perhaps only friend) of a poor English farm boy is sold into the cavalry by his drunken, gambling father and sent to fight in France. The boy secretly enlists and faces many dangers to find his horse, and the two are reunited in the end. The most unique and memorable aspect of the production, however, was the effects. The horses were constructed essentially like mechanical costumes; an articulated framework covered with strips of cloth and leather and manned by 2 or 3 puppeteers. They were really the stars of the show, even more than the actors. There was also a massive computer screen set above the stage, which featured continuously changing digital images (fashioned to look like black and white drawings) relating to the time and place of the current scene.

There were also short musical pieces spaced throughout the performance, some of which were surprisingly good. While the storyline may not have been remarkable, the characters featured multi-layered personalities and displayed very genuine (if somewhat exaggerated) emotions. Overall, if you looked at the story from the personalities and life situations of the characters, you could easily understand their feelings as well as the reasons for their actions.

Seeing this performance has inspired me to view Spielberg's film to see how it stacks up. In any case, I would recommend anyone who can afford it to visit Lincoln Center and book a seat to this remarkable production.

4/14/12- movie comparison