Film Preview: The Northman (2022)

Film Poster

Page Revisions:

(January 9, 2022) Original
(April 17, 2022) New Trailer (#2) — New Posters (#2-#10)
(April 24, 2022) New Trailer (#3) — New Poster (#11)

Release Date:

April 22, 2022

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “From acclaimed director Robert Eggers, The Northman is an epic revenge thriller that explores how far a Viking prince will go to seek justice for his murdered father.”

Poster Rating: C+ / C / C / C / C (6) / C

SEE ALL POSTERS BELOW
Review: (#1) There isn’t much to this design, but it contains the requisite Norse aesthetic that will position the film for a specific audience.

(#2) It’s overly simplified and balanced yet is unappealing. (#3) A little more stylistically relevant, but still an blandly balanced design. (#4) The Northman arrived before his ships. He must be able to fly. It doesn’t work. (#5-#10) These character posters have dull backgrounds and generic character photos, though the Bjork design features her character’s unique design work.

(#11) Another dull as dishwater design that isn’t bound to sell the film to any who hadn’t already been sold.

Trailer Rating: C+ / B / C

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Review: (#1) The trailer is so straight forward that there’s no mystery to engage the audience and only those who are compelled by the setting will want to check it out. Though, Robert Eggers’ fans might give it a chance even if no one else does.

(#2) The drumbeat backing punctuates the impressive visuals while forgetting to tell the audience the plot. The prior trailer gave that, but you won’t expand your potential viewership without adequately combining the look, feel, and narrative.

(#3) This red band trailer could have used its length to showcase some ultra-violence, but its main purpose seems to be to highlight the critic reviews that used the F-word. A novel and pointless approach.

Oscar Prospects:

Robert Eggers has quietly become a powerhouse indie director and this Norse drama certainly looks like something that could please Oscar voters. His first film didn’t earn anything and his second only picked up a Cinematography citation, so who knows if this one will improve his standing or remain esoteric enough to avoid Oscar voters’ interests.