The Call of the Wild

Movie Trailer

Release Date
February 21, 2020

Genre
Adventure, Drama, Family

Cast & Crew

• Harrison Ford as John Thornton
• Dan Stevens as Hal
• Omar Sy as Perrault
• Karen Gillan as Mercedes
• Bradley Whitford as Judge Miller
• Cara Gee as Françoise
• Terry Notary as the motion capture performer for Buck (the dog)

Director
Chris Sanders

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
• Lilo & Stitch (2002)
• The Croods (2013)

Producer
Erwin Stoff
James Mangold
Diana Pokorny

Writer
Michael Green
Based on the novel The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Budget
$125-150 million

Production Company
3 Arts Entertainment
20th Century Studios

Running Time
100 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
PG

Content Advisory

• Mild violence
• Peril
• Thematic elements

Movie Story
The Call of the Wild is an adaptation of Jack London’s classic 1903 novel, which follows the journey of Buck, a large-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is stolen from his California home and sold as a sled dog in the Yukon during the late 19th-century Klondike Gold Rush. The film blends adventure, emotion, and the unbreakable bond between man and animal in a tale of survival and self-discovery.

Buck is thrust into the harsh and demanding world of the Alaskan wilderness, where he must adapt to his new surroundings and learn to trust his instincts. He becomes part of a mail-delivery dog sled team led by the kind-hearted Perrault (Omar Sy) and Françoise (Cara Gee), who guide him through the treacherous terrain. Buck’s strength, intelligence, and determination help him rise through the ranks of the pack, ultimately becoming the lead dog.

Throughout his journey, Buck encounters various challenges and characters, including the greedy and reckless Hal (Dan Stevens), whose recklessness threatens the lives of his sled team. Buck eventually finds a true companion in John Thornton (Harrison Ford), a solitary man grieving the loss of his son. Thornton and Buck develop a deep bond, and together they embark on an adventure into the wild, searching for peace and freedom. As Buck becomes more in tune with the call of the wild, he discovers his true nature and embraces his place in the natural world.

The film is a heartwarming and visually stunning adventure that explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the inherent wildness in all creatures. Harrison Ford’s portrayal of John Thornton adds depth and humanity to the story, while the CGI-enhanced portrayal of Buck brings the beloved character to life with expressive emotion.

Special Effects
The Call of the Wild heavily relies on CGI, particularly in the portrayal of Buck and the other animals. The decision to use motion capture and digital animation for Buck allowed the filmmakers to imbue the character with a range of expressions and emotions, making him a central figure in the story. The visual effects team also created breathtaking landscapes, capturing the beauty and danger of the Alaskan wilderness. While some critics noted the CGI as being overly polished, the film succeeds in creating an immersive world that serves as a fitting backdrop for Buck’s epic journey.

Box Office Performance
The Call of the Wild grossed over $111 million worldwide, with its performance affected by the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the closure of theaters soon after its release. Despite this, the film found success on digital platforms and streaming services, where it reached a wider audience.

Filming Locations

• California, USA
• British Columbia, Canada

Notable Quotes

• “The Yukon is a dangerous place. You never know what’s coming. I came up here because I didn’t want to be around anyone.” – John Thornton
• “You were sleeping, and you didn’t know it. I was sleeping, and I didn’t know it. This is what woke me up.” – John Thornton
• “He was a dog like no other. He’d been spoiled, and he’d suffered, but he could not be broken.” – Narrator (John Thornton)

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Chris Sanders, known for his work on animated films, brought his experience to The Call of the Wild, blending live-action with CGI to create a family-friendly adventure. The decision to use CGI for Buck was driven by the desire to fully capture the character’s emotions and movements, which were performed by motion-capture actor Terry Notary. The film’s production involved extensive use of green screens and digital environments, allowing for the creation of the vast and treacherous landscapes depicted in the story.

Awards

• Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2021 Satellite Awards
• Nominated for Best Family Film at the 2021 Art Directors Guild Awards

Final Verdict
The Call of the Wild is a visually captivating and emotionally resonant adaptation of Jack London’s classic novel. While the heavy use of CGI may not appeal to all viewers, the film succeeds in bringing Buck’s story to life with heart and adventure. Harrison Ford delivers a touching performance as John Thornton, and the film’s themes of friendship, loyalty, and the call of the wild are conveyed in a way that is accessible to audiences of all ages. It’s a delightful and inspiring film that celebrates the bond between humans and animals and the allure of the untamed wilderness.

IMDb Rating
6.7/10