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Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 04, 2010 8:49 pm
by jyjoanne
I have been looking forward for this film ever since I finished watching PC. Edmund has always been my favorite character and I was really impressed by Skandar's acting in PC despite the small screen time he had compared with the other leads. I was really excited for this one because of the bigger role Ed had, I especially loved the parallel between Ed and Eustace and their bonding in VDT book. I walked in with a high expectation for Skandar's acting, Edmund's characterization and his relationship with the other characters. I really hate to admit it but I was kind of disappointed in these aspects of the film and here are some of the things about Edmund that I was disappointed with.

1. Deathwater scene:

I was irritated by what they did to Edmund's attitude in this film and ESPECIALLY in the deathwater scene. While it was not as bad as what they did to Peter in PC, It still struck me as some unnecessary changes. I don't have as much a problem as others have regarding the "you're all about to be tested" temptation plot but what were they thinking reversing the role in the deathwater scene?

Ed had learned his lesson in LWW about temptation and even though his role was small in PC, they really nailed his characterization there. He really was "King Edmund the Just" in PC, wise (particularly in the WW scene), brave yet at the same time very supportive and modest. Not so much in VDT. Even though he got in conflicts with Caspian in the scene in the book, it was Caspian who was tempted and Ed who was on the defensive side. Is it just me or did Caspian really didn't get much of a temptation despite of the temptation plot? So why on earth did they give his temptation to Ed??? On a side note, I don't know whether it's the IMO cringe-worthy change of that scene (Ed looked as if he got possessed :-s ) but I found Skandar's acting kinda awkward there.

2. Eustace:

My favorite moment in VDT the book was the heart-to-heart moment between Eustace and Edmund after he got undragoned. While the undragoning did felt a bit rushed, I was fine with them pushing it back but I would love for them to at least give us a Eustace-Ed moment. The part in the book really resonated with LWW and shown how much Ed had learned and matured. Long story short, I am bummed about the omission of that part.

3. Is it just me or Edmund seemed to have turned rather clumsy and messed up quite a bit in the action sequences? Ed should be better than that, oh well. BTW, I was sick of seeing the WW by now, stop bringing her back!! Even though it was reasonable to see her in his nightmare but it really was overused. It was really confusing to people who are not the fans of the books.

I do not think Skandar did bad and I think he did the best with what he had to deal with but I gotta admit that unlike what I have predicted, Eustace, not Ed, was my favorite part of the film. The bottomline is, I still like the movie and I would definitely watch it again but I would always like him better in LWW and even in PC than in here (same goes to Lucy).

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 04, 2010 11:30 pm
by captain_J-Rock
Personally I really liked Skandar as Edmund in this film. I hated that my favourite character was downplayed seriously in the last film, and I went into Dawn Treader expecting his role to be as large as in the book.

My expectations were fulfilled by a long shot.

The infamous "I'm a king" line comes across, not as a selfish, prideful want like it appears in the trailer and like Peter in PC - even though I liked that - but as a sort of longing and wish to be taken seriously. I credit that to how he was directed and his skill as an actor that he was able to make that line seem better than we thought and not how it would read on a page.

I was especially impressed in the Goldwater/Dragon Island - or as I have come to call it, Dragonwater - scenes. The Goldwater aspect of that scene made me shrink in my seat with fear. His eyes are just so creepy; you can just see the greed and the, almost, longing in them. The dragon scenes are also awesome.

However, I believe Skandar's - acting wise - best scene, is the Dark Island. I was pleased to see him step up to the plate with the action and get almost an entire battle to himself. You couldn't help but root for his character the entire time and, when I was in the theatre, during that scene, everyone was tense, and gasped and screamed, and then cheered when the sea serpent landed at the bottom of the ocean.

His character is probably one of the most difficult characters in this book, and possibly the entire series, to portray successfully - execpting probably Eustace and perhaps Caspian.

Overall, I believe that Skandar, once again, has done a fantastic job. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Until Next Time,
Yours in writing,
captain_J-Rock
God Bless! And Merry Christmas!

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 05, 2010 1:29 am
by stateofgreen
I was sort of trying to avoid spoiling myself, but I couldn't help coming in here and seeing that there is no Ed and Eustace moment!? Just reading that makes me slightly bummed out... :( :-o Wonder if that was one of the things that Doug Gresham fought for?....it doesn't make sense not to have that in the film because it has continuity (i.e. Edmund character development) carried over from LWW. In addition, it would have been a nice touch to see the cousins bonding after Eustace's ordeal. Missed emotional payoff opportunity!

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 05, 2010 6:52 am
by Varnafinde
jyjoanne wrote:1. Deathwater scene:

I was irritated by what they did to Edmund's attitude in this film and ESPECIALLY in the deathwater scene. [...] Even though he got in conflicts with Caspian in the scene in the book, it was Caspian who was tempted and Ed who was on the defensive side.


I disagree - Ed wasn't being defensive in the book. When Caspian claimed the pool for himself, Ed refused to go along with it, claiming authority over Caspian. They are equally tempted, and it's only Aslan's intervention that hinders a sword-fight.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 05, 2010 11:14 pm
by RoseRed
'2. Eustace:
My favorite moment in VDT the book was the heart-to-heart moment between Eustace and Edmund after he got undragoned. While the undragoning did felt a bit rushed, I was fine with them pushing it back but I would love for them to at least give us a Eustace-Ed moment. The part in the book really resonated with LWW and shown how much Ed had learned and matured. Long story short, I am bummed about the omission of that part. '
I agree, it was my favourite moment too, and I was very sad that they missed it out. can't quite understand the decision either, it would've made sense in terms of plot arcs :-?

in terms of skander/Edmund generally, I am still a big skander fan, but I agree that Edmund was under used in this film, and for the very first time across all 3 movies I felt some of skanders acting didn't quite resonate, it was almost a little...manic(?) at times. hard to describe, but it didn't quite work as well as the rest of the movies. :-s

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 09, 2010 11:23 pm
by Warrior 4 Jesus
Not much that hasn't been said. Skandar did very well. He's upped his fighting and acting skills and grown into a young man. He seems like a young king. I loved how King Caspian returned his torch to him. Great easter egg moment!

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 10, 2010 10:59 am
by lostin1800
I loved his acting in this. I thought it was very natural and believable as always. As for the temptation scene, isn't that the point. He and Caspian are over come by the lust for riches and power and act unlike themselves? (or rather the darker side of themselves-bad side of human nature?). I thought it was greatly done.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 10, 2010 2:10 pm
by eustacegirl
I found Edmund funny and protective of Lucy. He wanted to take care of her, protect her and even his lust for riches involved her. I am not saying lust for riches is good, I'm just saying I love how much Edmund is protective of Lucy and cares about her. I love that he instantly forgave Eustace and told Eustace it was okay, when he apologized. The only thing I did not like about him was his hair was a little too short. I love that he cried when bowing to Aslan. He probably still did not feel worthy enough to hug him.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 10, 2010 5:39 pm
by joy93
Edmund realy bored me :( :( :( I was like okay here we go again with the White Witch!!! 8-| 8-| I thought the part were Caspian tells Edmund he sees him as a brother was touching. Overall he did not leave me really satisfied at the end with the fact that this was going to be his last time we see Edmund. With that said I really liked his stunts ;) ;) He had some pretty AWSOME actoin sceens!!! :D :D

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 10, 2010 6:20 pm
by FencerforJesus
I will say this it took VDT for Skandar to actually get some acting competition. In LWW and PC he was by far the best actor on set. Here he is only matched by Will Poulter. Both were incredibly good. As a fighter, Skandar has had the least action time on film, but anyone who has studies swordplay can tell Skandar is the best swordsman in all three movies as well. I'd love to have a good sparing match with him, like he does with Ben on the Dawn Treader.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 10, 2010 8:40 pm
by Valiant
The WW wasn't in it much, but she anoyed me and did slightly detract from Edmund's character. Skander did well, but he could have done better. Also, Skander mumbled at certain points, which bothered me. It never bothered me in the previous films, but it did in this one for some reason.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 11, 2010 10:19 am
by lysander
There were definitely problems with Edmund in this film, but they weren't due to Skandar. He just was handed some AWFUL material to work with. I hated that they made him power-hungry and indignant; it wasn't as bad as Peter in PC, but it reminded me of that, certainly. I just give the fella kudos for turning in the performance he did, under the circumstances.

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 11, 2010 10:47 am
by -queenSUSAN-
Skandar has always been one of the most talented of the actors in the series, but he really stepped it up a notch in this one, rivaling Eustace as far as acting skill goes. I think the Deathwater scene was incredible; Skandar's eyes were haunting and he delivered a spot-on performance. I particularly loved the way Ed acted during the battle with the sea serpent, he was great. :) I have no problem with him not being quite as "Just" as in PC; he never came across that way in the VDT book either. The best thing was that Ed has much more of a role in this film. They brought across a point that I thought was very important: Ed always takes second fiddle! Reading the books, I always wondered how Ed felt about being in the "junior" role. Kudos to Skandar and it's such a shame he's always overlooked!

~~

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 11, 2010 11:07 am
by Sheroo of Stormness Head
I thought Skandar did an AMAZING job with Edmund again. I loved how they developed his friendship with Caspian, and his protectiveness of Lucy was quite appropriate (Edmund does mean "protector"!), and I loved how he grew to protect Eustace as well.

Before I watched the movie, I was concerned that they were turning him into a Peter from PC, but as the movie progressed, all of my fears were allayed. When he told Drinian to lower the boats, and was gently reminded that Caspian was the leader of this expedition, he very responsive (UNLIKE PETER DID: They did have a VERY similar scene in PC and Peter stares Caspian down) and followed what Caspian decided. The only other point when Edmund started to "take over" was in Deathwater, and that is completely appropriate to the book, and btw, Caspian is also power hungry at that point. Both of them are not acting like their normal selves. Both of them are enchanted by greed and gold, and when the way the portrayed this was VERY accurate and amazing. After Deathwater, they immediately are friends again and counseling and consoling each other ("Danger, Edmund"). Throughout the entire movie however, while Edmund obviously was the king, Caspian was the leader, and Edmund appropriately supported him. I may have said this already, but just that fact that Edmund and Caspian "make up" to one another immediately is COMPLETELY different than a PC Peter. I don't think someone can really compare PC Peter and VDT Edmund. They are so different! While Edmund falls once at Deathwater, Peter is power hungry almost the entire movie.

I loved how Edmund is always making sure Lucy's okay ("We need to find Lucy before it's too late" and at the Dufflepuds: Caspian notices the footprints; Edmund notices that Lucy was gone. And then, when he has the Dufflepud at swordpoint, his first words are, "Where's my sister?") His concern for Eustace was very touching as well.

So, throughout the entire movie, I was VERY pleased with Edmund's character and Skandar's performance. He has nailed Edmund like no one else can!

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 11, 2010 11:39 am
by eustacegirl
I love how haunted he sounded when the Witch siad she was always in his mind, he screamed "NO!"

Re: Edmund - Skandar Keynes

PostPosted: Dec 11, 2010 12:57 pm
by flambeau
Two words that I just have to say right off the bat... The Torch!!!! :D :D I loved how they brought it back from the last movie! I simply cannot get enough of that thing!

Moving on from my geeky moment above, I will start by saying that I was thrilled by the fact that Edmund/Skandar received more screentime in DT. He was sadly underused in PC (though I still love what little bits he does have) and it was wonderful to finally see him get to tackle some more major stuff again. I thought that Skandar's overall performance in the movie was quite good. The range of emotions he showed was great (fear, sadness, greed, anger, etc), and his goodbye to Caspian and then Aslan was the part that had me fighting back tears.

His relationship with Lucy was great! He is protective, caring, and it was pretty much just what I was wanting to see between those two.

Him and Eustace... great! His annoyance at the beginning of the movie was spot on, but then you do get to see that he actually does care about his cousin, despite how much he may dislike him. I was disappointed that the scene from the book between both of them after the undragoning was not in the movie. That is one of my favorite scenes in the entire chronicles, but I can understand that it could be difficult to fit that in somewhere. I would have loved to see it, but I will live without it. ;)

Loved the interaction between Caspian and Edmund! Just loved the whole thing, even the scene at Goldwater. Skandar's acting may have been a little weird there, but I can overlook it; I just chalk it up to the fact that he's being tempted by insane wealth and power... who wouldn't be acting a little bit strange in a situation like that? :P

I hadn't thought about it until j-rock mentioned it above, but the majority of the Dark Island scene is focused on Edmund. He is the one who repeatedly faces off with the sea-serpent, and I thought Skandar's acting was wonderful in that scene! My favorite moments would have to be the part where he is taunting the sea-serpent ("I'm still here!"), and the look in his eyes when once again faced with the image of the WW (towards the end of the scene).

His swordfighting was spectacular, as usual! The playful duel between him and Caspian was thrilling to watch, and I clapped at the end. ;)

About his voice; yes, he mumbles a bit at times, but that's just the way he talks. It takes some getting used to, but it's not all bad, just different. I didn't mind it all that much (but maybe that's just because I've been told that I can imitate it really well. ;)) ).

--- flambeau