Review of Animal Farm: Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin, and Glenn Close voice “simplified” adaptation of Orwell novel by Andy Serkis
According to the CinemaDrame News Agency, a curious fact for film fans: the 1954 animated version of George Orwell’s classic novel Animal Farm was reportedly funded and overseen by the CIA as part of an anti-communist propaganda campaign. This may sound unlikely, unless one recalls the same agency once explored chemical methods to remove Fidel Castro’s beard.
However, Andy Serkis’s new animated adaptation appears to have no such governmental involvement. Instead, this flat, “family-friendly” version feels less like CIA propaganda and more like a PTA-produced project, diluting the novel’s powerful anti-Stalinist message into a shallow critique of “corporate power,” complete with human antagonists (including one played by Glenn Close, seemingly nostalgic for her Cruella de Vil era).
Screenwriter Nicholas Stoller (Neighbors, Bros) preserves the basic framework of Orwell’s allegory, but largely uses it as a vehicle for a series of cute animated animals delivering slogans that vaguely echo anti-communist messaging, such as “Let’s start this animal party!” The film is filled with energetic pop and hip-hop musical sequences, seemingly designed to boost soundtrack sales.
A new central character, Lucky (voiced by Gaten Matarazzo), has been added—a lovable piglet whose plush toy is likely destined for toy shelves.
Despite being aimed at young children, the film significantly softens the original’s political and social themes in favor of formulaic storytelling. One of its central ideas is that Seth Rogen’s voice (as Napoleon), usually cheerful in tone, can become surprisingly menacing under certain circumstances.
Despite narrative weaknesses, the film features an impressive voice cast:
Seth Rogen (Napoleon)
Kieran Culkin (Napoleon’s scheming assistant)
Steve Buscemi (a greedy banker)
Laverne Cox (Napoleon’s rival Snowball)
Kathleen Turner (the story’s donkey)
Iman Vellani (two piglets)
Jim Parsons (a sheep)
Andy Serkis (multiple human and animal roles)
Film summary:
Overall result: childlike.
Director: Andy Serkis
Screenwriter: Nicholas Stoller
Rating: PG
Runtime: 1 hour 36 minutes
In the end, it may be worth staying through the credits, as it is rare to hear Propellerheads’ History Repeating, featuring the timeless voice of Shirley Bassey, used so effectively.
