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The Legend of Tarzan (film)

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The Legend of Tarzan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDavid Yates
Written by
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyHenry Braham
Edited byMark Day
Music byRupert Gregson-Williams
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros. Pictures
Release dates
  • June 27, 2016 (2016-06-27) (Dolby Theatre)
  • July 1, 2016 (2016-07-01) (United States)
Running time
110 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$180 million[2]
Box office$64.4 million[2]

The Legend of Tarzan is a 2016 American action adventure film based on the fictional character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Directed by David Yates and written by Adam Cozad and Craig Brewer,[3] its cast comprises Alexander Skarsgård as the title character, Samuel L. Jackson, Margot Robbie, Djimon Hounsou, Jim Broadbent and Christoph Waltz.

Principal photography began on June 30, 2014, at Warner Bros. Leavesden Studios in the United Kingdom, and wrapped four months later on October 3. Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures in Cooperation with Dark Horse Entertainment and Jerry Weintraub Productions co-produced the film.

The film premiered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on June 27, 2016 and was released in the United States on July 1, 2016 in 2D, 3D, IMAX and IMAX 3D.[4]. The film has grossed over $64 million.[5][2]

Plot

After becoming shipwrecked, John Clayton, his wife Alice, and newborn son John Clayton III are stranded in a tree house in the jungle of the African Congo. His wife eventually dies of natural causes, and John is killed by Apes, leaving the baby alone. The child is taken in by a family of Apes, his mother whom he calls Kala and his brother whom he calls Akut. Tarzan is raised by them and adapts well, becoming a part of the jungle as if he were made for it. Later, he meets Jane Porter and falls in love with her. Kala is killed by a young hunter who is part of another tribe. Tarzan kills him in retaliation, unaware that he was the son of a chief.

In Berlin Conference 1884, the Congo has been divided up between Belgium and United Kingdom. The Belgian government is on the verge of bankruptcy. In an attempt to save the nation King Leopold II of Belgium states that he has an intention to seize control of the land's minerals, which resulted in large profits. When Rom searches for the diamonds of Opar, his men open fire on a local tribe but the Belgian soldiers were killed by the natives, leaving only Rom alive. Afterwards, Rom is approached by the tribe's leader, Chief Mbonga, who offers Rom the diamonds in exchange for Tarzan.

John Clayton III has returned to England to become Lord Greystoke, and through the British Prime Minister, he is invited by King Leopold to head an expedition to Boma to report on the development of the Congo by Belgium. The American envoy, George Washington Williams, urges John to go, as he knows that he is Tarzan. John initially declines the invitation, but is persuaded by Williams who suspects the Congolese population is being enslaved. Jane is disappointed when she is told that she cannot come on the trip due to losing their baby years ago. John later reconsiders and finds her in a tree and allows her to go with him.

John, Jane, and Williams take their trip to the Congo. The trio then encounter a tribe that knew John and Jane during their stay in the jungle. Shortly after, Rom attacks the tribe's camp and tie up John and Jane, killing the tribe leader in the process. He then captures Jane and several tribe members while John escapes. Williams and the last remaining tribe members chase after Rom and his men, but they get away. Later, Williams finds John and reunites with him, telling him that he must to ignite his destiny as Tarzan. Tarzan and Williams swing from vines onto the train carrying the tribe members and Jane. Tarzan finds a train car full of several men attempting to kill him, but he fends off the men and frees the other tribe members.

Rom reveals to Jane that his plan is to use the tribe members as slaves in his expedition after obtaining the diamonds. On the boat, Rom holds Wasimbu, a tribe member and Tarzan and Jane's friend which caged over the water. Rom drops the cage into the water, but Jane saves Wasimbu and avoid gunfire from Rom's men - however, she is recaptured. Tarzan and Williams encounter a grown Akut after separating from their group. Tarzan is forced to duel Akut because he will consider Tarzan a deserter for leaving the jungle: Akut emerges victorious from capitulation.

Shortly after Rom brings in Jane to Mbonga, Tarzan fights the villainous forces and duels with Mbonga. Having the winning hand, Tarzan decides instead to mercy on Mbonga because he wants to help his tribe, knowing that Rom would betray them. Rom and his men prepare to ride off on their boat to meet with other miners and explorers so those people will help them in the mining of the minerals. Their camp is trashed by a large stampede of wildebeest, led by Tarzan. Jane makes it to safety while Tarzan fights Rom. After a scuffle, Tarzan allows crocodiles to eat Rom alive.

Williams returns to the British and presents the evidence he has exposing the slave trade in the African Congo. One year later, Tarzan and Jane still live in the Congo and Jane gives birth to their first child.

Cast

Production

Development

An updated version of Tarzan had been in the works since at least 2003, with John August writing. [18] However, by 2008 it was reported that a different version co-writtern by Stephen Sommers and Stuart Beatle, that was said to resemble The Pirates of the Caribbean series was in development.[19] [20] By 2011 Craig Brewer, who also rewrote a version of the script, was set to direct the film. [21] although this did not come to pass. Instead David Yates was chosen to direct in 2012 [3] Other directors in the running included Susanna White and Gary Ross.[22] In April 2013 it was reported that the production was temporarily suspended due to budgetary concerns [23]

On February 11, 2014 Warner Bros. set July 1, 2016 as the worldwide release date for the 3D film which had officially begun pre-production[4] with Village Roadshow Pictures on board to co-finance the film with Warner's.[24] An official synopsis was revealed along with some crew, including director of photography Henry Braham, production designer Stuart Craig, editor Mark Day, and costume designer Ruth Myers as Yates' collaborators.[25] Alexander Skarsgård was cast in the lead role of Tarzan alongside Margot Robbie as Jane, with other notable actors including Christoph Waltz and Samuel L. Jackson.

Casting

On August 12, 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps was reportedly in talks to join the film to play lead as his debut to showbiz career.[26] On November 7, 2012, the studio was eyeing Tom Hardy, Henry Cavill and Charlie Hunnam to play the title role in the film.[3][27] On November 14, 2012, Alexander Skarsgård was added to the cast by the choice of director Yates, he'll play the title role, while Samuel L. Jackson was also being eyed to play Williams in the film.[6] Yates found Skarsgård to be the perfect Tarzan. He liked that he was born in Sweden but found a career in America, so "he has this wonderful quality of not quite belonging to one or the other" he said.[7] On March 6, 2013, Yates wanted Jessica Chastain to play the female lead role as Jane Porter.[28] On September 26, 2013, Christoph Waltz was in talks to play as a villain in the film; he was later cast as a Belgian soldier named Captain Rom who attempts to capture Tarzan in exchange for a ransom in diamonds.[13]

The studio had eyes on Margot Robbie and Emma Stone to play the female lead character Jane Porter.[11] Emma Watson, Sarah Bolger, Georgina Haig, Lucy Hale, Lyndsy Fonseca, Eleanor Tomlinson, Gabriella Wilde, Lucy Boynton and Cressida Bonas were all considered for the part. On January 18, 2014, Robbie was confirmed to play the female lead as Jane in the Tarzan film along with Skarsgard, beating Stone to this role.[9] On June 4, Djimon Hounsou was set to play Chief Mbonga in the film.[14] On June 17, Osy Ikhile was added to the cast to play a supporting role but the character wasn't announced.[29] Ella Purnell was cast as young Jane Porter.[10] Casper Crump was cast to play Captain Kerchover.[15] The release of the first trailer in December 2015 revealed that Jim Broadbent was also a part of the cast.

Filming

The principal photography on the film commenced on June 30, 2014, at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, UK.[30][31] The filming had begun on the day announcement was made for the expansion of the studio.[32] Filming wrapped the same year on October 3.[33] Making Africa seem authentic was especially important to the filmmakers since the film was shot in England, except for six weeks in Gabon filming background without the cast. A working waterfall and a 100-foot-long collapsible pier were assembled at Warner Bros.’ Leavesden studios.[34] According to The Wall Street Journal, shooting the film in Africa would have made the budget even higher.[34] Filming took place for a total of 70 days.[35]

Release

Warner Bros. set the film a release date for July 1, 2016, in traditional formats as well as 3D and IMAX 3D.[4]

Reception

Box office

As of July 1, 2016, The Legend of Tarzan has grossed $45.6 million in North America and $18.8 million in other territories for a worldwide total of $64.4 million.[2] Variety deemed, given its $180 million budget, that in order for the film to break even, it will have to earn at least $400 million at the box office.[36]

In the United States and Canada, The Legend of Tarzan opened alongside The BFG and The Purge: Election Year and was projected to gross to $25–33 million in its opening weekend.[36][37][38] It opened Friday, July 1, 2016 across 3,561 theaters and 6,700 screens and grossed $14 million on its opening day, including $1.4 million in IMAX showings.[39] This includes $2.6 million it made from Thursday night previews.[40] In its opening weekend, buoyed by positive word of mouth, the film grossed a better-than-expected $38.49 million, of which IMAX contributed $3.9 million, and is projected to gross around $45–48 million over its four-day Independence Day holiday frame, finishing second place at the box office behind Finding Dory, but first among new releases. However, despite its opening numbers, Deadline.com called it a dud due to the film's lofty budget. It's better than result came in as a result of its A- CinemaScore indicating that audiences liked the film inspite of receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics.[41][42]

Internationally, The Legend of Tarzan will receive a scattered released pattern inorder to take advantage of the competitive landscape and surrounding the ongoing 2016 Euro Cup soccer tournament.[43] Moreover, it will be dependent on internationally audiences and returns to recoup the film's hefty production budget. Jeff Goldstein, Warner's executive vice president of domestic distribution told The New York Times, "This property has always really been about the international opportunity."[44] The film opened across 19 markets on the same weekend it debuted in North America, including major territories like Russia and South Korea.[36] On its opening weekend, it grossed $18.8 million on about 6,700 screens and an IMAX total of $1.2 million from 122 IMAX theaters.[43] In Russia and the CIS, it opened with $3 million while in South Korea it debuted at No. 2 with $4 million. In the latter market, it faced significant competition from local films Familyhood and The Hunt both of which performed strongly.[43] Elsewhere, Asia had No. 1 openings in India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia. The studio also reported No. 1 debuta in the majority of Eastern European markets and Puerto Rico.[43] Next weekend, the film opens in the UK, France, Australia and Mexico.[43]

Critical response

The Legend of Tarzan received mixed reviews from critics, yet garnered a more positive response from audiences.[45] On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 34%, based on 134 reviews, with an average rating of 4.9/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "The Legend of Tarzan has more on its mind than many movies starring the classic character, but that isn't enough to make up for its generic plot or sluggish pace."[45] On Metacritic the film has a score of 43 out of 100, based on 38 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[5] On CinemaScore, audiences gave the film an average grade of "A–" on an A+ to F scale.[46]

References

  1. ^ "The Legend of Tarzan [2D] (12A)". British Board of Film Classification. May 26, 2016. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d "The Legend of Tarzan (2016)". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  3. ^ a b c Brodesser-Akner, Claude (7 November 2012). "David Yates Committing to Tarzan at Warner Bros". Vulture. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b c Kit, Borys (11 February 2014). "Warner Bros. Sets Release Date for Its 3D 'Tarzan' Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. ^ a b "The Legend of Tarzan reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  6. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (14 November 2012). "Alexander Skarsgard swings into 'Tarzan' frontrunner". Variety. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  7. ^ a b c Brian Truiit (December 8, 2015). "Sneak peek: 'Tarzan' puts a twist on a legend". USA Today. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
  8. ^ a b Kurt Iswarienko (June 23, 2016). "Alexander Skarsgard, of Sound Mind and Body to Play Tarzan". New York Times. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  9. ^ a b Sneider, Jeff (18 January 2014). "'Wolf of Wall Street' Star Margot Robbie in Talks for 'Tarzan' – She's Jane". TheWrap. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  10. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (November 5, 2014). "Ella Purnell and Asa Butterfield to Star in Tim Burton's 'Miss Peregrine's' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 20, 2015.
  11. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (11 December 2013). "Samuel L. Jackson in Talks for 'Tarzan' at Warner Bros". Variety. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  12. ^ Obenson, Tambay A. (February 11, 2014). "Samuel L. Jackson Confirmed For Tarzan Reboot. But Who Will He Play? Warlord Or Sidekick?". Shadow and Act. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  13. ^ a b Kit, Borys (26 September 2013). "Christoph Waltz in Talks to Play the Villain in 'Tarzan'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  14. ^ a b Fleming Jr, Mike (4 June 2014). "Djimon Hounsou Joins 'Tarzan'". Deadline.com. Retrieved 6 June 2014.
  15. ^ a b Orange, B. Alan (August 30, 2014). "First Look at Margot Robbie as Jane in 'Tarzan'". MovieWeb. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  16. ^ Roger Evans [@rogergevans] (August 15, 2014). "An amazing day on Tarzan with @CliveBrunt @AlexKFerns and Simon Russell Beale. Gonna be brilliant. What a gent David Yates is" (Tweet). Retrieved September 24, 2014 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ "Warner Bros 'Tarzan' Casting Roles". StarNow. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
  18. ^ Dunkley, Cathy (26 June 2003). "August ape for 'Tarzan'". Variety. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  19. ^ McNary, Dave (2 September 2008). "Sommers in talks to direct 'Tarzan'". Variety. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  20. ^ Spines, Christine (3 December 2008). "Tarzan preps big-screen return, 'Pirates of the Caribbean' style". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  21. ^ McNary, Dave (2 June 2011). "Craig Brewer set to direct 'Tarzan'". Variety. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  22. ^ Han, Angie (18 June 2012). "David Yates, Gary Ross, and Susanna White Circling One of Warner Bros.' 'Tarzan' Movies". /Film. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  23. ^ Fleming Jr, Mike (10 April 2013). "'Tarzan' Dying On The Vine At Warner Bros?". Deadline.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  24. ^ Cheney, Alexandra (May 5, 2014). "Village Roadshow Inks Co-Finance Deal with Sony Pictures". Variety. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  25. ^ Chavez, Kellvin (July 14, 2014). "Filming Begins for 'Tarzan 3D'". Latino-Review.com. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
  26. ^ "Michael Phelps tipped as Tarzan in Brit director's film". The Week. 12 August 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  27. ^ Brodesser-Akner, Claude (7 November 2012). "David Yates Committing to Tarzan at Warner Bros". Vulture. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  28. ^ Lussier, Germain (6 March 2013). "David Yates Wants Jessica Chastain For 'Tarzan'". /Film. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  29. ^ Sneider, Jeff (17 June 2014). "'In the Heart of the Sea' Actor Osy Ikhile Joins Djimon Hounsou in 'Tarzan'". TheWrap. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
  30. ^ Gallagher, Brian (June 30, 2014). "Warner Bros. Expands Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Begins Production". MovieWeb. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  31. ^ Cox, Gordon (30 June 2014). "Warner Bros. to Expand Leavesden Studios as 'Tarzan' Starts Filming". Variety. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  32. ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (30 June 2014). "Warner Bros Studios Leavesden To Expand In UK; 'Tarzan' Swings Into Residence". Deadline.com. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  33. ^ "On The Set For 10/06/14: Liam Neeson Starts A Monster Calls, Alexander Skarsgard Wraps Tarzan". SSN Insider. October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  34. ^ a b Lucy Feldman (June 23, 2016). "How 'The Legend of Tarzan' Got Modernized". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
  35. ^ Germain Lussier (June 14, 2016). "'The Legend of Tarzan' Set Visit: A Passionate Attempt to Reboot an Iconic Character". /Film. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
  36. ^ a b c Brent Lang (June 16, 2016). "'The BFG,' 'The Legend of Tarzan' Failing to Generate Much Box Office Heat". Variety. Retrieved June 23, 2016.
  37. ^ Pamela McClintock (June 24, 2016). "July Fourth Box Office: Few Fireworks Expected as 'BFG,' 'Tarzan' Track Poorly". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  38. ^ Brad Brevet (June 26, 2016). "'Finding Dory' #1 Again, Topping All Four of the Weekend's New Wide Releases Combined". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved June 26, 2016.
  39. ^ Scott Mendelson (July 2, 2016). "Box Office: 'Legend Of Tarzan' Snags Surprisingly Mighty $14M Friday". Forbes. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  40. ^ Brad Brevet (June 30, 2016). "'Tarzan', 'BFG' and 'Purge 3' Will be No Match for 'Finding Dory'". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 3, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  41. ^ Scott Mendelson (July 3, 2016). "'Tarzan' Box Office: When Best-Case-Scenario Isn't Good Enough". Forbes. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  42. ^ Anthony D'Alessandro (July 3, 2016). "'Dory' Dominates, 'Tarzan' Improves, 'Purge' Excels As 'BFG' Falls: July 4th Weekend B.O. – Sunday Update". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 3, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  43. ^ a b c d e Nancy Tartaglione (July 3, 2016). "'Tarzan' Takes $18.8M In First Offshore Swing; 'TMNT2' Kicks Up $26M China Bow; 'Pets' Purrs – International Box Office". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 3, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  44. ^ Brooks Barnes (July 3, 2016). "'The BFG' Stumbles as 'Finding Dory' Rules Box Office". The New York Times. Retrieved July 4, 2016.
  45. ^ a b "The Legend of Tarzan (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved July 3, 2016. Cite error: The named reference "RT" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  46. ^ "CinemaScore". cinemascore.com.

External links

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