The third entry in the Thor film series from the Marvel Cinematic Universe is titled Thor: Ragnarok. The 2017 movie chronicles Thor's quest to defend Asgard from the formidable Hela and her army. Along the journey, Thor is taken prisoner and made to take part in gladiatorial contests on the planet Sakaar, where he meets up with the Hulk, another Avenger. While it lays the framework for the events of Avengers: Infinity War and introduces new characters like Valkyrie and the Grandmaster, Thor: Ragnarok is a significant movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie also represents a substantial departure in the Thor franchise's tone and aesthetic, adopting a funnier and more self-aware tone.
Title | Thor: Ragnarok (2017) |
Directed by | Taika Waititi |
Written by | Eric Pearson Craig Kyle Christopher L. Yost |
Produced by | Kevin Feige |
Starring | Chris Hemsworth Tom Hiddleston Cate Blanchett Idris Elba Jeff Goldblum Tessa Thompson Karl Urban Mark Ruffalo Anthony Hopkins |
Cinematography | Javier Aguirresarobe |
Edited by | Joel Negron Zene Baker |
Music by | Mark Mothersbaugh |
Production companies | Marvel Studios |
Distributed by | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
Release date | October 10, 2017 (El Capitan Theatre) November 3, 2017 (United States) |
Running time | 130 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
Budget | $180 million |
Box office | $854 million |
II. Synopsis of the
story
Thor is imprisoned on the planet Sakaar by the Grandmaster
following the events of Thor: The Dark World and Avengers: Age of Ultron. He is
made to participate in gladiatorial contests there against other champions of
other races, including his old buddy the Hulk. They have to struggle together
to survive and escape the planet.
Hela, Thor's sister, has been freed from jail and has
returned to Asgard to assume the throne in the meanwhile. She makes herself the
dominating force in Asgard very fast because to her enormous power and army of
undead troops.
Thor understands that returning to Asgard and confronting
Hela head-on are the only ways to stop her. Thor embarks on a treacherous
mission to save his people and prevent Hela from destroying Asgard and bringing
about Ragnarok, the foretold end of everything, with the assistance of the
Hulk, Loki, and Valkyrie.
Thor and his allies engage Hela and her army in a decisive
fight, setting up a showdown between the God of Thunder and the Goddess of
Death. Ultimately, Thor triumphs, and Asgard is preserved—though not without a
high price.
Thor leads the last Asgardians on a quest to locate a new home as the movie comes to a close.
III. Theme Analysis
1. Examining the movie's themes of identity and
self-discovery
During the journey of its main character, Thor: Ragnarok
addresses the concept of identity and self-discovery. Thor has a firm
understanding of who he is and his place in Asgard at the beginning of the
movie, but as the plot develops, he starts to doubt both. Thor learns that his
power derives not from his hammer or his royal rank, but rather from within
himself via his encounters with other characters, particularly The Hulk. Apart
from his position as a prince or a warrior, he learns his actual strength and
identity as the God of Thunder.
In addition to being a prince or a warrior, he also
possesses the authority and identity of the God of Thunder.
2. A discussion of the film's defiance of convention and
risk-taking storytelling
By defying expectations and moving the series in a brave new
path, Thor: Ragnarok takes chances with its narrative. The film's comedy and irreverent
tone differ from the darker, more dramatic tones of the other Thor movies, and
it also has a more brilliant and colourful visual aesthetic. The movie also
takes chances with its characters, such as giving the Hulk a bigger part and
making Thor into a funnier, more accessible hero. These gambles pay off because
both reviewers and viewers liked the movie.
3. Analyzing the movie's allusions to colonialism and the
impacts of empire
Thor: With its portrayal of Asgard and its past, Ragnarok
touches on issues of colonialism and the results of empire. Hela is a metaphor
for the negative repercussions of colonisation since she wants to subjugate and
rule Asgard and her inhabitants. The concept of Asgard as an imperialist state,
with its prior conquests and colonisation of other worlds, is also discussed in
the movie. The film's message is unmistakable: colonialism and empire
ultimately result in chaos and ruin, and it is up to individuals to question
and oppose these hierarchies of power.
IV. Performance Review
The cast of Thor: Ragnarok is excellent, and some standout
performances are among them.
As Thor, Chris Hemsworth excels, giving the character wit
and humanity. Thor is on a quest for self-awareness in this movie, and
Hemsworth effectively portrays the character's maturation and progress. Also,
he gets along well with his co-stars, especially Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk.
In relation to that, Mark Ruffalo's portrayal of the Hulk
stands out as one of the movie's best performances. His exchanges with Thor are
among of the best parts of the movie because he gives the role both humour and
tragedy.
Another notable performance is Tessa Thompson's depiction of
Valkyrie. She gives the character a certain degree of toughness and depth,
making her a notable addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Of course, Jeff
Goldblum is wonderful in the character of the Grandmaster and brings his own
brand of eccentric charm to the part.
Ultimately, the acting in Thor: Ragnarok is one of the movie's strongest points, with each performer offering something special and distinctive to their parts.
V. Technological and Visual Aspects
One of the most aesthetically stunning movies in the Marvel
Cinematic Universe is Thor: Ragnarok. The visual and technical elements of the
movie will be examined in this area, along with its use of colour and style,
musical score, sound design, pace, and editing.
The combination of vivid colours and a vintage look is one
of the most noteworthy features of the film's visual appeal. Taika Waititi, the
film's director, took cues from the iconic artist Jack Kirby, whose vivid and
outlandish works helped shape the aesthetic of Marvel Comics in the 1960s and
1970s. The film's use of vibrant colours, dynamic compositions, and amusing
visual humour are particularly clear examples of this influence.
The soundtrack in the movie, which was written by Mark
Mothersbaugh, also adds to its distinctive look. In addition to writing the
music for movies like The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, Mothersbaugh is
well-known for his work with the band Devo. He uses electronic components and
retro-inspired patterns in Thor: Ragnarok.
The sound design of the movie is equally remarkable,
especially during the action scenes. The thunder and lightning strikes are
particularly noteworthy noises that add to the movie's epic feel.
Thor: Ragnarok's pacing and editing are quick and precise,
with a constant sense of forward motion. The movie frequently uses comedy,
which serves as a pleasant counterpoint to some of the sadder scenes and keeps
viewers interested in the plot.
The film's aesthetic and technical qualities contribute
significantly to its appeal, giving it a distinctive look and making it stand
out in the crowded superhero genre.
VI.Reception and
Legacy
Thor: Ragnarok, which was released in 2017, was
well-received by critics and audiences alike, and it quickly rose to the top of
the Marvel Cinematic Universe's box office (MCU). Together with its witty and
self-aware tone, the movie's novel perspective on the superhero genre and the
Thor character connected with fans and helped make it a fan favourite.
Thor: Ragnarok has received generally positive reviews,
earning an 8.1/10 rating on IMDb and a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film's comedy, aesthetic, and performances—especially those of Chris
Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson—were acclaimed by many critics. The movie's box
office performance was also noteworthy, bringing in over $854 million globally.
The MCU has been significantly affected by Thor: Ragnarok
since it served as a prelude to the events of Avengers: Infinity War and
Endgame. New characters like Valkyrie and Korg, who have since become fan
favourites and have continued to feature in later movies, were introduced in
the film. Furthermore, Thor's growth as a character in the movie—including his
newfound self-awareness and acceptance of his flaws—has persisted in subsequent
MCU appearances.
Thor: Ragnarok's self-aware tone and comedy have been hailed
for its innovative perspective on the superhero genre as a whole. Several
critics have even noted that the film's attitude and aesthetic helped to revive
the Thor franchise. The comedy in the movie has also been likened to other
popular superhero movies like Deadpool
Thor: Ragnarok has established itself as a standout movie within the series and the larger genre as a whole thanks to its critical and economic success, influence on the MCU, and distinctive approach to the superhero genre.
VII. Conclusion
Nevertheless, with to its audacious decisions in plot, comedy, and graphics, Thor: Ragnarok stands out as a distinctive addition in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film's themes of colonialism and identity are handled in novel and thought-provoking ways, and the ensemble constantly gives outstanding performances, with Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo standing out as Thor and the Hulk, respectively. The use of colour, style, and music in the movie also contribute to its unique aesthetic and technical features.
Both viewers and reviewers enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok, praising movie for its comedy and inventiveness. Its effect on the MCU is evident in the way that Thor's character arc has been developed in succeeding pictures, as well as in how it has affected the tone and aesthetic of following installments of the series.
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