Stardust

 

Stardust (2007)

Directed by Matthew Vaughn

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐½

Plot: Long ago, in the small English village of Wall, Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox) has made a promise to retrieve a fallen star to win the heart of Victoria, the girl he has convinced himself he is going to marry. He soon discovers after crossing the wall that the fallen star is in fact a woman, named Yvaine (Claire Danes), who is being pursued by three witches so they can regain their youth. All while this is happening, the sons of the dying king of Stormhold are hunting for the star too, as she possesses the necklace that is tied to the throne's succession. Tristan and Yvaine embark on a journey full of adventure, and are faced to confront their personal conflicts while also attempting to confront what is happening between the two of them. 

Characters: While there are many characters in Stardust that are crucial to the storyline of the film, the characters who have the most important storyline are Tristan and Yvaine. 

Tristan's story is seen through both the physical and mental transformation he experiences, as the journey him and Yvaine go on opens his mind to a surreal new world full of changes and surprises. He starts out as an insecure boy and grows into a hero that is driven by love and courage. His growth is credited through adventure because he is forced to think on his feet, show bravery under pressure, and reevaluate what love truly means to him. He goes from being underestimated from everyone he knows to proving his worthiness and no longer seeking validation from his peers. 

Yvaine's story is seen through her coming to terms with love and what it is, and then continuing to use it to her advantage when faced with adversity. Yvaine is not a typical "damsel," but a woman who holds strong to her heritage and is trying her best to adapt to a whole new world. She learns that being vulnerable does not make you weak, and love is the strongest form of power. Her character portrays what it means to stay true to who you are, even if it is difficult. 

Cinematography: Matthew Vaughn's work alongside Ben Davis' brings a magical story, originally written by Neil Gaiman, to life in the best way possible. The balanced blend of fantasy and realism helps to give the film its storybook quality. The most notable part of the film's cinematography is its visual color palette: Tristan's home of Wall was given earthy, simple tones emphasizing normalcy. Whereas is in Stormhold, there is a richer, varied palette of colors, making it feel otherworldly but not cartoonish. Neil Gaiman's classic storybook illustrations were brought to life, as it is a visually powerful and romantic film that stretches across all ages. 

Score: The score of Stardust immediately sets a fairy-tale tone, as it is playful and evolving and swells beautifully in emotional climaxes. The music is orchestral, making it timeless and perfect for a story that highlights the importance of love and the power that comes with it. 

Underlying themes: Underlying themes in Stardust is that of acceptance and connection. Acceptance is seen through Tristan because taking the adventure through Stormhold meant leaving his father and home behind. Everything seems to come all at once for Tristan, as he also discovers who is real mother is and his ancestry, making him question everything he has ever known. The people he mets on his adventure guide him to realize that he does not love Victoria at all, and was only infatuated by her beauty. Connection is evident through Yvaine, being that she has spent her whole life up in the stars, is now forced on a journey with a stranger that ends up changing her life. She has never experienced human connection, only watching from afar, and now that she is experiencing it herself, she is unsure how to handle it. This connection between her and Tristan helps her to belong to an unfamiliar world and understand real love. 

Final thoughts: I had to watch this movie for my Fantasy Literature class because we were reading the actual book by Neil Gaiman at the same time, and I really enjoyed it. I was shocked that I hadn't seen it before, but experiencing it for the first time with my roommate was so much fun. I don't know anyone who doesn't enjoy a good fairytale, and this is one of those films that leave you feeling whimsical and fulfilled. Between the comical aspect and the end where every character gets what they deserved, it's hard to not be a fan. This film is a great depiction on how love has the ability to make us stronger, identity is chosen not inherited, and that light (both literally and metaphorically) will guide you in the right direction. I recommend this film to anyone who hasn't seen it, you will never forget Robert De Niro's iconic role as Captain Shakespeare!