The BFG
Short description
The BFG is a family fantasy adventure about Sophie, a young orphan living in London who one night spots a giant walking the streets and blowing something into the windows of the houses opposite. He notices her and carries her away to the land of giants. There she discovers that her captor is unlike the other, far larger inhabitants, who eat people and prefer children. This giant, who collects dreams and delivers them to sleeping children, has been cast out by his fellows for refusing to join them. When the man-eating giants threaten the human world, Sophie and her new friend seek help from the Queen of England to stop them.
Steven Spielberg directed the film, the thirty-fifth of forty features in his directing career, following Bridge of Spies and preceding The Post. Melissa Mathison wrote the screenplay, and Spielberg produced with Sam Mercer and Frank Marshall. Mark Rylance plays the giant, with Ruby Barnhill as Sophie, Rebecca Hall, Jemaine Clement, Bill Hader and Penelope Wilton among the cast. It is based on Roald Dahl's story.
Released in 2016, the film cost about 140 million dollars and took roughly 195 million dollars worldwide, a return well short of its production budget. Audiences rate it 6.3 out of 10 on IMDb from around 99,000 votes and the same on TMDB from over 3,700 votes, while critics gave it 6.7 out of 10 across 308 reviews, a modestly warmer reception than that of viewers.
What's left behind the scenes
- Production of the film began almost 25 years before its release.
- The final screenplay written by Melissa Mathison (1950-2015). The film is dedicated to her memory.
- Sophie, one of the main characters in the book and the film, is named after one of Roald Dahl’s granddaughters.
- This is one of Steven Spielberg's first films whose distribution in some major overseas markets will be handled by independent companies. This happened because several production companies are involved in the project.
- John Williams composed the music for the film "The BFG" (2016). He did not compose the music for Steven Spielberg's previous film, "Bridge of Spies" (2015). Over 42 years, Williams has not worked on only two of Spielberg's films.
- Steven Spielberg offered a role in the film to Gene Wilder, but the actor declined. Wilder played Willy Wonka in Mel Stuart's "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971), which was also based on a book by Roald Dahl.
- The first collaboration between Steven Spielberg and screenwriter Melissa Mathison since "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982).
- The second film adaptation of Roald Dahl's books distributed by "Walt Disney Pictures," following Henry Selick's "James and the Giant Peach" (1996).
- In 2009, "DreamWorks Studio" and "Walt Disney Company" began negotiations to release 30 films through "Touchstone Pictures" (a film division of The Walt Disney Company). Initially, it was planned that "The BFG" (2016) would be released through this company, however, "Walt Disney Company" became one of the producers and sponsors of the film. Considering the kind and magical nature of the story, it was decided to release the film through "Walt Disney Pictures". It is important to distinguish between "DreamWork Pictures" and the more well-known "DreamWork Animation". Initially, these were sister companies, but in 2004 they separated, although they retained the right to use the same name and logo. To avoid confusing viewers, "DreamWorks" is not mentioned in the film's source materials and promotional campaigns. Instead, the focus is on Steven Spielberg's company, "Amblin Entertainment".
- "The BFG" (2016) was the first live-action feature film in Steven Spielberg's 50-year career in cinema that he directed for "Walt Disney Pictures".
- The first screenplay written by Melissa Mathison in almost 20 years since Martin Scorsese's "Kundun" (1997).
- In 1991, "Paramount Pictures" was going to film this movie. Frank Marshall and his wife Kathleen Kennedy were to direct, with Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord as the screenwriters, and Robin Williams slated to play the lead role.
- The second adaptation of Roald Dahl's "The BFG". An animated film based on the book was made in 1989.
- Steven Spielberg said he had dreamed of making a film based on "The BFG" ever since he first read it. "It's amazing how Roald Dahl wasn't afraid to give a child power," the director said. "He very boldly introduced into the narrative that combination of good and evil that was characteristic of many early works of the Disney company—such as 'Dumbo' (1941), 'Fantasia' (1940), 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' (1937), and 'Cinderella' (1950). Dahl's book is both frightening and gives hope. And it is also good-naturedly instructive and simply wonderful, which is why I wanted to make a film based on it."
- Adam Godley, who starred in "The BFG," also appeared in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (Tim Burton, 2005), which was also based on a book by Roald Dahl.
- The first project from "Walt Disney Pictures" since Matthew Robbins' "Dragonslayer" (1981) to feature another major studio as a co-producer. "Dragonslayer" was produced by "Walt Disney Pictures" and "Paramount Pictures."
- The first film from Steven Spielberg since the release of the drama "The Color Purple" (1985) to feature a female protagonist, and the first since the science fiction drama "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" (2001) to feature a child protagonist.
- John Madden was originally slated to direct the film, but he became involved with filming "The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" (2015). Madden remained an executive producer on "The BFG."
- Another film by Steven Spielberg starring Mark Rylance. The actor received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Rudolf Abel in Spielberg's "Bridge of Spies" (2015).
- "The BFG" (1982) was the sixth book by Roald Dahl to be adapted for the screen in Hollywood.
- This was the first project produced by "Walt Disney Pictures" and "Walden Media" since the release of Andrew Adamson's "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" in 2008. At that time, a black cat ran between the companies due to difficulties with film production and purely logistical issues.
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