good adaptation

Rating: 8/10 (21 June 2018)

Although a Belgian, I've never been particularly fond of Hergé's work : when I read the Tintin series as a child, I liked it well enough but I did not adore it. As an adult, I can recognize its technical prowess and abundant imagination, but I still don't think it's as stellar, innovative or unique as some critics would have it. (Still, credit where credit is due : with "The 7 crystal balls" Hergé created one of the most scary comics of all time. The moment where a grinning Rascar Capac, both alive and dead, enters a building can wipe the floor with about 99% of the horror scenes contained in movies, comics or novels. It is the essence of nightmares.)
As a result of my lukewarm attitude, I began watching "The adventures of Tintin" without particular expectations. I'm pleased to say that it's both a clever, respectful adaptation and a pleasantly watchable movie. There are (at least) two brilliant set-pieces worth the price of admission alone : the first is the episode where captain Haddock tells of the heroic adventures of his ancestor, and the second is a long and bonkers pursuit through a North-African country. All over the movie there are touches of wit, satire and invention, just as there are moments of clever observation : note the scenes, for instance, where the poor have to queue for water in order to survive, while the idle rich surround themselves with fountains, canals and swimming pools. Authors have written 500-page works on social inequality that say less.
I watched the movie with some youngsters, who all left dazzled and enchanted : no mean feat in these modern times.
The scene where Bianca Castafiore sings is very well done - there is a truly glorious stream of music coming out of her mouth - but I was somewhat amazed by the choice of music : if I remember correctly, the various comics had her singing "The jewel aria" from Faust. The jewel aria too is delightful, plus it would have allowed the great diva to perform in Germanic peasant costume, complete with blonde braids. Perhaps some Tintinologists can help me clear up this matter.