by Tom Doolan

Created on: April 25, 2008

An Anachronism is defined as "The representation of someone as existing or something as happening in other than chronological, proper, or historical order." So the very idea of an anachronism appearing in a fantasy film is a stretch at best. By their very nature, fantasy films defy conventional history and timelines, otherwise they would be historical films. Fantasy worlds are wholly made up, and although many of the most famous bear a striking resemblance to actual historical places, the fact that they are imaginary precludes the necessity of being "historically accurate."

A fantasy movie that has dwarves, for example, might very well have those dwarves firing muskets and rifles at hordes of barbaric orcs, because it is generally accepted in the fantasy community that dwarves are industrious with a proclivity for invention and engineering. Yet, this may seem anachronistic, since the notion that one race could have developed guns, while another is still just crawling out of the stone or bronze age would seem incongruous. Or would it? Think back to the British and their war with the Zulu people in 1879. Guns versus spears. Not so far-fetched, is it?

Fantasy writers and filmmakers will often draw inspiration for their imagery from real-life societies and cultures. Tolkien was a master, and even in the movie adaptations of his Lord of the Rings, certain cultural references are clear. The Riders of Rohan bore a striking resemblance to historical Vikings.

So, anachronisms, by their very nature, can't truly exist in a fantasy film, because the timelines and technology are made up, and bare only passing resemblance to reality as we know it. Not in the substance of the film, anyway. However, in the technical aspects of the filmmaking, the area becomes a bit more gray.

In most fantasy films, the music, or score, is epic and is designed to reflect the mood of the movie using orchestrated pieces. And even though these movies often take place in worlds where an orchestra would be a completely foreign concept, it is the music and the mood itself that is focused. However, in some films, such as Kull the Conqueror and The Scorpion King, the viewer is treated to a score that is laced with heavy metal guitars, and riffs right off of the latest head banging CD. This can be jarring, as it takes the viewer out of the mystical and places him in the now. However, this is more a result of the viewers perceptions and mindset as they view the film. If the fantasy film is meant to be nothing more than testosterone-filled eye-candy, then the feelings that an electric guitar riff can convey are quite appropriate, such as that of the hero being a badass.

So, in short, though anachronisms may seem to exist in fantasy films, they are really just fantastical representations of real-life imagery and sounds. And they serve a purpose, to convey the proper feelings and to excite the imagination. Because that's what fantasy is. Imagination.

Learn more about this author, Tom Doolan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.