The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is a captivating and educational movie that tells the story of the visionary artist and sculptor, Waterhouse Hawkins, who was tasked with creating life-size models of dinosaurs for the first time in history. The movie is directed by Bill Butt and features an exceptional cast including Jonathan Pryce, Ernest Troost and many more.
Set in the 19th century, the film follows the colorful character of Waterhouse Hawkins, who was commissioned by Sir Richard Owen, a renowned naturalist, to construct life-size models of dinosaurs for the Crystal Palace in London. Waterhouse Hawkins further took up the challenge to create a life-size dinosaur drawing and presented it to Richard Owen, who was so impressed that he declared his contributions as vital to the cause of paleontology.
Throughout the movie, viewers witness the journey of Waterhouse Hawkins as he takes on this groundbreaking project, from his sketches and studies to the actual construction of the sculptures. The difficulties and setbacks he faces as he works to create his masterpieces are effectively portrayed in this film.
The movie portrays the immense effort behind creating these sculptures, from the initial sketches to the final bronze replicas. The crew working with Hawkins model the dinosaurs in mud, diligently moulding each curve and scale with incredible accuracy. The film also features some of the tools and methods that were used during the era, including the cast-iron artwork of Victorian decorative art.
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins undoubtedly involves the audience in the triumph and tragedy that surrounds Hawkins' story, set against an intricate backdrop that exemplifies the world during the 19th century. The film manages to balance elements of fantasy and history perfectly as colorfully painted scenes showcase the Victorian era, including vibrant clothing and towering hats that tell their own story of the epoch.
The movie's focus on the pioneering efforts Hawkins put into creating realistic-looking models of dinosaurs is a testament to the artist's skills and ingenuity. This can be seen in the intricate details Hawkins captures, from the dinosaur's skin texture to the sound of their roar, making his work the most detailed reconstructions of the animals of that time.
The movie's musical score is unique in that it reveals the conceptual experimentation involved in creating the sculptures. Music composer Ernest Troost introduces a blend of jazzy and classical sounds to his composition, which pays tribute to the scientific advancements of that era.
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is an excellent film for both young and adult audiences wanting to learn about the history of paleontology, art, and style in the 19th century. The movie will undoubtedly educate viewers on the artist's well-known humanitarian work, such as the construction of a communal birdhouse for birds in New York, connecting his contributions to public works like modern-day architects.
In conclusion, The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is a captivating movie with a unique storyline, incredible cast and an exceptional musical score. The film celebrates the human spirit of innovation and ingenuity, capturing the excitement and the wonder that comes from the discovery of the unfamiliar, making it a movie that will leave you with a sense of education and greater appreciation for scientific and artistic achievements.
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins is a 2009 family movie with a runtime of 20 minutes.
