Forgotten Features: Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas (2003)

The early noughties saw a myriad of new, computer animated features. Naturally, traditional animation found it difficult to compete. 2003 saw the release of Dreamworks’ CGI/traditionally animated hybrid Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, which, unsurprisingly, also found itself to be a little lost amid the sea of new age, CG flicks. As time has progressed, the film doesn’t seem to have appreciated in value any, in that it hasn’t garnered a huge fan base – rather it appears to have become something of a forgotten sunken treasure.

The film follows the eponymous pirate Sinbad, voiced by Brad Pitt, in his quest to retrieve the Book of Peace from Eris the goddess of discord (Michelle Pfeiffer) in order to save his childhood friend, Prince Proteus (Joseph Fiennes) from being executed in place of him. Marina (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Proteus’ fiancée, accompanies Sinbad to ensure he does as he promises, inevitably resulting in a romance between the pair.

The film appears to derive more inspiration from Greek mythology than from its initial basis, but nonetheless proves an enjoyable experience. The characters are somewhat rather two-dimensional, and the blossoming romance between Marina and Sinbad is very predictable – but this doesn’t really matter. It’s expected, yes, but this is hardly detrimental to the film itself. This is a fun adventure flick, one which ultimately delivers what it promises: action, drama, romance, comedy; it’s not perfect, but it is nonetheless captivating throughout.

The animation is particularly noteworthy, mostly due to the seamless blend of computer generated imagery and traditional techniques. It must also be noted that this was the final animated feature distributed by Dreamworks to contain traditional animation. With that in mind, it’s even more surprising to me that this film has been swept under the proverbial rug. One aspect of the film that deserves appraisal is the artistry and design of the characters, monsters and locations, particularly Eris and her realm Tartarus. Eris leaves haunting wispy trails behind her as she morphs from one pose into another, while Tartarus is enchantingly bleak, barren and mysterious.

The voiceovers are decent, although, as usual, I have an issue with the use of ‘big names’ in the role of main characters. Brad Pitt as Sinbad conveys himself as a little forced to me. On the other hand, Michelle Pfeiffer is surprisingly effective as the film’s seductively menacing antagonist, Eris. In addition, the score (composed by Harry Gregson-Williams) is magnificent, and perfectly encapsulates the action/adventure genre.

The only major issue I have with the film is its pacing in terms of the character development of Sinbad and Marina. Their romance is altogether rather underplayed and contrived, and seems to develop very abruptly. Yet, despite my having claimed this to be a ‘major issue’, it does not make the story any less convincing or enjoyable. There are other moments that seem just as contrived, and some which threaten to push beyond the boundaries of believability (okay, so I can take sea monsters, sirens and vengeful goddesses but, come on, a flying ship?!). Ultimately, however, these instances do not detract from the film’s enjoyableness and upbeat, energetic pace. What does disappoint, however, at least for me, is the film’s conclusion and Eris’ eventual defeat. The resolution is logical (if predictable) and generally satisfying, but it’s a little underwhelming considering the scenes of action that preceded it, making it seem a tad anticlimactic.

Regardless, this is worth seeing. Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas is smart, funny, fast-paced and full of action, and proves to be something of a hidden treasure in Dreamworks’ animated canon. Though it’s hardly what I’d call legendary, it’s not bad at all!