Animal Farm

Patrick Stewart lends his voice to the cunning and ruthless character of Napoleon in the film. Napoleon signifies the corrupting influence of power, a cunning manipulator who leverages the animals' revolutionary fervor to establish his own brutal dictatorship.

Napoleon's leadership style stands in stark contrast to Major's. He lacks charisma and relies on intimidation and brute force to maintain control. The film emphasizes this through Napoleon's association with darkness. He often appears in dimly lit scenes, shrouded in shadows, creating a sense of mystery and menace. In contrast to Snowball's elaborate windmill plans, Napoleon's signature project—a windmill built purely for self-aggrandizement—is depicted with a stark, utilitarian design, reflecting his focus on power and control over elaborate ideals.

Napoleon's rise to power is fueled by his ruthlessness and willingness to exploit the animals' vulnerabilities. He capitalizes on Boxer's loyalty and Mollie's vanity, manipulating them to further his own agenda. The film portrays Napoleon's manipulation of Boxer particularly effectively. He uses Boxer's unwavering work ethic and inability to see through Napoleon's lies to solidify his own position.

Throughout the film, Napoleon systematically dismantles the principles of Animalism established by Major. He rewrites the commandments to suit his needs, replacing them with vague pronouncements that consolidate his power. The scene where the commandments are altered on the wall becomes a turning point, visually representing the erosion of the revolution's ideals.

Despite his brutality, Napoleon is not without a certain cunning. He understands the importance of propaganda and uses Squealer, the manipulative pig, to control the narrative. Squealer's constant revision of history and justification of Napoleon's actions highlight the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which ideals can be twisted to serve a dictator's agenda.

As the film progresses, Napoleon's resemblance to the humans he initially opposed becomes increasingly striking. He adopts human mannerisms, walks on two legs, and even begins trading with the humans he once despised. This visual transformation stresses the film's central message: revolutions can be hijacked, and the lust for power can corrupt even the most noble ideals.

Voiced by Kelsey Grammer, Snowball emerges as a charismatic leader who personifies the ideals of progress and intellectualism. He stands in stark contrast to Napoleon, offering a vision for the future built on innovation and collective benefit.

Snowball's leadership thrives on his intellect and ability to inspire. This is evident in the scene following the expulsion of Mr. Jones. When the animals gather, bewildered and unsure of how to proceed, Snowball steps forward. With a flourish, he unveils a detailed blueprint, proclaiming, "This, comrades, is the layout for a windmill! It will generate electricity, power lights, and heat our homes in winter: a marvel of modern science!" His passionate speech, coupled with the visual aid of the blueprints, captures the animals' imaginations. In comparison to Napoleon's grunts and intimidation tactics, Snowball's approach is democratic and relies on persuasion.

However, Snowball's idealism carries weaknesses. His focus on grand plans can overshadow the practicalities of implementation. The film portrays this through the animals' struggles to build the windmill. While Snowball rallies the animals with inspiring pronouncements like, "With hard work and ingenuity, we can achieve anything!", he seems to underestimate the challenges. Later, as the animals toil away at quarrying stone, their initial enthusiasm wanes. Mollie complains, "This is backbreaking work! Can't we just enjoy our freedom for a while?" Snowball, ever the optimist, replies, "The windmill will benefit all of us, Mollie. It's a symbol of our progress!" This exchange highlights the disconnect between Snowball's vision and the animals' immediate needs.

Another potential flaw in Snowball's leadership is his lack of understanding of the power dynamics at play. He seems to believe that logic and reason will prevail, neglecting the manipulative tactics employed by Napoleon. This is evident during the debate over the windmill. Snowball meticulously explains the benefits of the project, yet Napoleon simply grunts, "Windmills are a waste of time. We need to focus on defense against humans." Snowball, surprised by this opposition, tries to reason. However, Napoleon appeals to the animals' fear, sowing doubt in Snowball's plans. This ultimately leads to Snowball's downfall, as Napoleon exploits the animals' emotions to discredit his rival's vision.

Despite his flaws, Snowball represents a genuine attempt to fulfill the ideals of Animalism established by Major. He emphasizes education and self-improvement, believing that knowledge is essential for the animals' success. In a pivotal scene, Snowball gathers the younger animals and instructs them, "Read everything you can find! Knowledge is power, comrades!" The film reinforces this point later when Snowball argues, "The windmill can also generate electricity for lights! We can extend our learning into the evenings!" In Snowball's vision, the windmill becomes a symbol of more than just increased productivity; it represents progress and a step towards a more advanced society for the animals.

Snowball's expulsion from Animal Farm marks a turning point in the film. It signifies the triumph of brute force over intellect and the gradual erosion of the revolution's original ideals. However, Snowball's legacy continues to inspire some of the animals, particularly Boxer, who, despite the hardships, clings to the hope of a better future as envisioned by Snowball.

The character of Snowball draws parallels to historical figures like Leon Trotsky, a key figure in the Russian Revolution who emphasized the importance of planning and organization. Like Trotsky, Snowball represents a strand of revolutionary thought that prioritizes progress and social advancement.

Voiced by Paul Scofield, Boxer emerges as a tragic hero. His strength is both his greatest asset and his Achilles' heel. The film portrays him as a gentle giant, ever willing to lend a hoof. This is evident in the scene following the expulsion of Mr. Jones. When the animals gather around the muck heap, unsure of how to proceed, Boxer steps forward and declares, "I will work harder! We can rebuild this farm together!" His booming voice and commitment inspire the animals, setting the tone for the initial period of cooperation following the revolution.

However, Boxer's dedication is fueled by a simplistic understanding of the world. He lacks the intellectual capacity of Snowball or the cunning of Napoleon. The film emphasizes this through Boxer's belief in whatever leader is in power. This is seen when Napoleon challenges Snowball's windmill project. Despite Snowball's detailed plans and impassioned arguments, Boxer simply states, "Napoleon is always right," highlighting his naivety and inability to question authority.

Despite his limitations, Boxer possesses a deep empathy for his fellow animals. He is also fiercely protective of the younger animals, ensuring they are well-fed and cared for. This compassionate side of Boxer adds depth to his character, making his eventual betrayal by the pigs even more heartbreaking.

As the film progresses, the overwork and the pigs' manipulations begin to take their toll on Boxer. His tragic end at the knacker's yard serves as a powerful indictment of the pigs' betrayal. Despite his loyalty and dedication to the revolution, he is discarded once deemed unfit for labor. This scene resonates deeply, highlighting the exploitation inherent in any totalitarian regime, regardless of its initial ideals.

The character of Boxer draws parallels to the working class in the Soviet Union. He represents those who dedicate themselves to a cause, only to be betrayed by the very leaders they trusted.

Ian Holm lends his voice to the cunning pig, Squealer. Squealer doesn't possess brute force or grand visions; instead, he wields the power of language, becoming Napoleon's mouthpiece and the architect of the pigs' propaganda machine.

Squealer's true strength lies in his ability to manipulate language and twist facts to suit Napoleon's agenda. His loyalty is not to the ideals of Animalism but to Napoleon himself. He readily abandons any pretense of equality, happily adopting human mannerisms as the pigs consolidate their power. The film emphasizes this shift through subtle changes in Squealer's appearance. Initially, he walks on all fours alongside the other animals. However, as the pigs become more decadent, Squealer starts walking upright, mirroring Napoleon's newfound posture.

Despite his manipulative nature, Squealer possesses a certain charm. He flatters the animals, appealing to their vanity and downplaying their concerns. In a scene where the animals question the lack of milk and apples, Squealer reassures them, "Napoleon needs these provisions to keep his mind sharp for the good of all of us!" His folksy demeanor and seemingly logical explanations lull the animals into a sense of security, allowing the pigs to maintain control.

Squealer's character serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the ease with which revolutions can be corrupted from within. He signifies the reality that those who wield language can be just as dangerous as those who wield brute force.

Pete Postlethwaite delivers a portrayal of Mr. Jones that is both pathetic and menacing. While far from a cruel caricature, Mr. Jones embodies the oppressive force that fuels the animal rebellion. His shortcomings as a farmer and his disregard for the animals' well-being ultimately lead to his downfall.

Mr. Jones' initial incompetence sets the stage for the revolution. The film portrays Manor Farm as a dilapidated mess, with leaky roofs, overflowing dung heaps, and malnourished animals. Mr. Jones himself is often drunk and neglectful, prioritizing his own comfort over the farm's upkeep. In a pivotal scene, Mr. Jones stumbles into the barn, reeking of alcohol, and forgets to feed the animals, sparking their anger and solidifying their resolve to rebel.

However, Mr. Jones is not simply a hapless drunk. He possesses a violent streak that occasionally surfaces. The film depicts him with a quick temperament. Despite his flaws, Mr. Jones evokes a certain degree of sympathy. The film hints at the pressures he faces as a struggling farmer. In a scene at the pub, Mr. Jones commiserates with other farmers about rising debts and declining harvests. This glimpse into his world adds a layer of complexity to his character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.

Mr. Jones' ultimate fate in the film is ambiguous. While the animals successfully drive him off the farm, the film leaves it open-ended whether he truly learns from his mistakes. He departs with his wife and a menacing glint in his eye, hinting at the possibility of a future attempt to reclaim his farm.

Voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mollie the mare emerges as an engaging but ultimately shallow figure in the film. While not inherently malicious, her vanity and preoccupation with appearances create a stark contrast to the ideals of the revolution.

Mollie's superficiality is established early on. The film emphasizes her love of luxury through playful scenes where she admires her reflection in water troughs and meticulously grooms her tail. In a key exchange, following Old Major's speech, she asks with a toss of her mane, "Will there still be ribbons after the rebellion?" revealing her primary concern is not freedom or equality, but maintaining her accustomed comforts.

Despite her lack of commitment to the revolution, Mollie initially attempts to conform to life under animal rule. We see her awkwardly pulling a cart alongside the other animals, her frustration evident in her irritated sighs and longing glances toward the farmhouse. The film portrays this through scenes where she shirks her duties whenever possible, daydreaming of a return to her pampered past with glossy ribbons and leisure time.

Mollie's character serves as a warning about the dangers of superficiality. She represents those who prioritize comfort and fleeting pleasures over the pursuit of a greater good. Despite her flaws, Mollie is not entirely unsympathetic. The film hints at a sense of loneliness beneath her glamorous exterior.

Benjamin, the cynical donkey voiced by Pete Postlethwaite, emerges as a solitary observer, offering a voice of dissent steeped in realism. While the other animals celebrate their newfound freedom, Benjamin remains unconvinced, embodying the potential pitfalls of revolution and the enduring power of skepticism.

Benjamin's cynicism is established from the very beginning. Following Old Major's inspiring speech about rebellion, a wave of enthusiasm washes over the animals. In contrast, Benjamin stands alone, a lone figure of doubt.

Despite his cynicism, Benjamin possesses a keen intellect. He engages in quiet conversations with Clover, the wise old horse. In a scene by the stream, Benjamin questions Clover about the feasibility of the windmill project, stating, "Windmills are all well and good, but what about food in the winter?" This exchange highlights Benjamin's practicality, a stark contrast to the blind optimism of some animals.

The film doesn't depict Benjamin actively participating in any rebellion against the pigs. However, a flicker of defiance surfaces when Boxer is taken away to the knacker's yard. Benjamin breaks from his usual stoicism and lets out a mournful bray, a rare display of emotion that hints at his suppressed anger and a potential loss of hope.

By the film's climax, Benjamin remains a solitary figure. As the pigs walk upright, mirroring the oppressive humans they once rebelled against, Benjamin's expression is one of utter dejection. This silent observation serves as a powerful indictment of the revolution's failure and the tragic loss of innocence.