The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Story Overview

Summarize the movie’s plot, emphasizing the core structure of the film. Explain how the narrative revolves around George Washington Williams (played by Samuel L. Jackson), a historical figure, and his partnership with Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård). Williams invites the now-civilized Tarzan, living in England with his wife Jane (Margot Robbie), to investigate the Belgian Congo and expose the atrocities occurring there under King Leopold II.

Plot

Set nearly a decade after Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård) has left his life in the jungle to live in Victorian England with his wife, Jane (Margot Robbie), the story begins with Tarzan being invited back to the Congo by King Leopold’s envoy, Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz). Rom plans to capture Tarzan and deliver him to an old enemy, in exchange for diamonds from the hidden city of Opar. Jane is taken captive in the process, making her a pawn in Rom’s plot.

Reluctantly, Tarzan returns to the jungle with the help of George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson), a real-life American dignitary who is investigating Belgian atrocities in the Congo. Together, they venture through the dangerous jungles of the Congo to rescue Jane and expose the corrupt practices of King Leopold. Along the way, they encounter fierce enemies, including the tribal leader Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou), who has a personal vendetta against Tarzan.

The film combines action, adventure, and drama as Tarzan faces not only physical dangers but also moral dilemmas as he reconnects with his past. Ultimately, Tarzan must confront his old enemy and fight to save his wife and protect the people of the Congo.

Key Plot Elements:

• The central conflict is driven by the search for the Diamonds of Opar, a plot led by the villainous Belgian agent Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz), who seeks to capture Tarzan and deliver him to his old enemy, Chief Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou).
• The story mixes real-world historical context with Tarzan’s mythical elements, notably the jungle obstacles and Tarzan’s previous battles with Mbonga.

Analysis of Story and Themes

Discuss the challenges of adapting Tarzan for modern audiences. The film avoids the problematic aspects of the original novels by focusing more on the character’s ape-man origins rather than the controversial portrayal of African tribes. Mention the jungle as a character in itself, with its dangers, symbolism, and how Tarzan’s connection with it shapes his identity.

Characters and Performances

Tarzan (Alexander Skarsgård)

Skarsgård plays a subdued version of the titular character. His performance is adequate but doesn’t fully capture the iconic nature of Tarzan. Discuss the limitations of his role, particularly the fact that Tarzan is more of a secondary character to Williams’ primary storyline.

George Washington Williams (Samuel L. Jackson)

Samuel L. Jackson stands out as the most compelling character in the film. He brings a mix of gravitas and humor, making Williams the film’s true protagonist. Discuss his historical background and how the film uses his character to expose the horrors of colonialism in the Congo, offering a layered narrative.

Jane (Margot Robbie)

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Jane offers a strong, independent woman who is more than just a damsel in distress. Talk about how Robbie injects energy into a character that might otherwise be sidelined, though, as you noted, her role is mostly reactive to the plot.

Villains

• Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz): While Waltz brings his usual charm to the role of the villain, his character lacks depth. Discuss how the film portrays him as a sadistic Catholic villain, and whether or not this trope feels tired.
• Mbonga (Djimon Hounsou): Hounsou plays a compelling yet justified villain in Mbonga, whose hatred for Tarzan stems from a past wrong. Explain how this adds emotional weight to their final confrontation.

CGI and Visuals

Reflect on the film’s use of CGI. While the movie often relies on computer-generated imagery, it doesn’t always look convincing, particularly in landscape shots. However, you can acknowledge the practical sets that lend a certain authenticity to the production, especially in brief scenes. Discuss how the jungle itself, a mixture of real and computer-generated elements, becomes a metaphor for Tarzan’s internal struggle between his civilized life and his primal roots.

Music and Sound

Mention the film’s soundtrack, noting how it uses African chants to ground the narrative in its setting. While the music is effective in creating mood and ramping up the intensity during action scenes, it’s not particularly memorable. You can note that the music serves its purpose but doesn’t stand out as an iconic aspect of the film.

Criticisms and Enjoyment

Address the criticisms you have with the film. The first half feels slow, filled with too much exposition, and the heavy reliance on CGI feels forced in some instances. But as you mentioned, when the action picks up in the second half, the film becomes much more engaging. Highlight how Tarzan’s action scenes—swinging through trees, his battle cries—invoke a sense of excitement.

You can add the point that while the film may have its flaws, it still delivers a satisfying conclusion, complete with a “bad guy death” that leaves an impression.

Conclusion

Wrap up with your final thoughts. Despite the film’s uneven pacing and reliance on CGI, The Legend of Tarzan manages to deliver a thrilling adventure. While Alexander Skarsgård may not embody Tarzan as fully as some might hope, Samuel L. Jackson’s George Washington Williams provides the emotional depth the film needs. For fans of adventure films and those curious about Tarzan’s more modern-day rendition, it’s worth a watch, especially if you’re in the mood for a jungle-filled escapade.

You can also mention that the movie, while not perfect, is an interesting take on Tarzan’s character, making it an enjoyable film for fans of the adventure genre. If they decide to create a sequel, you’d be willing to check it out.