After each plague he told Moses he could go, but before the Israelites could leave each time, he hardened his heart and withdrew permission. What we missed was the continual wearing down of Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). A very important plot/personality element was deleted by using this montage technique. One would never know from this that continual night was one of the plagues which drove the inhabitants of ancient Egypt mad. The same applies to the "plague montage." Rameses' temple in the background of one sequence turns to black, while Moses remains in the light in the slaves' neighborhood. Since they were never referred to, if one isn't knowledgeable about the story, one would never know what they are. Sinai are sometimes only painted on the backgrounds. Anyone not familiar with the story would not know what these props are, where he got them, why he has them, or what is inscribed on them. Moses (Val Kilmer), who is historically referred to as "the great lawgiver," appears with stone tablets containing the ten commandments in the very last few moments of the film. Many facets of the story were skimmed over, leaving those without a detailed understanding of the story confused. I think this is because rather than placing the emphasis on plot and personality, the emphasis is on action. Now, that doesn't bother me so much, as long as the characters are amusing, entertaining and compelling, which these were not. The characters had little to do with the way they are presented in the Bible. It somehow seems that the life of Moses and the Book of Exodus has more to offer than a couple of teenage kids (endlessly) drag racing in their chariots and the parting of the Red Sea. Basically like a live-action film, this is a film about breath-taking special effects, but if you've seen the trailer you've seen the best parts of the movie. It really doesn't matter how eloquently you say nothing, you've still said nothing, and Prince says "nothing" very well and with a lot of hype. Prince is all the very best icing, but underneath, there's no cake. Not that there isn't exquisite artwork, great animation and camera work - the likes of which the animated film has never seen before - but none of that really matters if there is not a compelling story. I felt the charge to advance the animated film had been fumbled. When I left the theater after seeing The Prince of Egypt, I was angry. But I regret to say, this time I was not entertained, and it all boils down to one thing - and that is the thing Steven Spielberg seems to do best - "story." The Prince of Egypt skips over the true meat of the story of Moses in favor of special effects and action. You made me laugh, you made me cry, you've kept me, and countless others, spellbound on the edge of our seats while you entertained us with your marvelous storytelling. I will forever be grateful for E.T., Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan. I cannot remember ever looking forward to any animated film with such excitement and hope, first and foremost because I consider Steven Spielberg one of the best storytellers in Hollywood.
When one considers the time, subject matter, budget, and talents involved with the men creating this film (Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen) how could the wonderful world of animation expect anything less than pure magic, emotion, and maybe even a film that will explore new heights and open up new possibilities for our artform.
That is why, if you'll forgive this rather lengthy introduction, I have looked forward to The Prince of Egypt with the greatest anticipation. It seems obvious that animation can and has rocked cradles and entertained young audiences very well, but there are many (myself among them) who feel very strongly that this genre of entertainment is in no way limited to children. The possibilities for this magical medium are limitless. I believe that the animated film is still in its infancy. So when anyone or any studio undertakes the creation of an animated film, my very best wishes go out to them.for if they succeed, it is a success for all of us in the world of animation and if they fail, it, likewise, is a failure for all of us. It has lifted me, moved me, transported me and claimed much of my working life. One of my great loves in life is the artform of animation.