“Shrek” is a 2001 American computer-animated fantasy film that draws inspiration from William Steig’s 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name. Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson in their directorial debut, the movie features the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. Serving as a playful parody of various children’s fantasy films, particularly animated Disney movies, “Shrek” centers on an ogre named Shrek (voiced by Myers) whose swamp is invaded by fairy tale creatures banished there by the wicked Lord Farquaad (voiced by Lithgow). To reclaim his territory, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad to retrieve a queen in exchange for his swamp’s deed.
Accompanied by a witty Donkey (voiced by Murphy), Shrek sets off on a journey to bring Princess Fiona (voiced by Diaz) to Lord Farquaad for marriage. Along the way, Shrek unexpectedly falls for the princess and uncovers a surprising secret about her. The film rights were originally acquired by Steven Spielberg in 1991, with plans for a traditionally animated adaptation. Ultimately, the project landed at DreamWorks in 1994, under the guidance of Jeffrey Katzenberg, following the studio’s establishment. Mike Myers took over the role of Shrek after the untimely passing of Chris Farley, infusing the character with a Scottish accent.
Originally considered for motion capture, “Shrek” transitioned to a final computer-animated look with assistance from Pacific Data Images. The film marked a significant milestone for DreamWorks Animation, positioning the studio as a key player in feature film computer animation. Garnering widespread acclaim, “Shrek” catered to both adult and child audiences, blending sophisticated humor with a straightforward yet engaging plot. It earned $484.4 million worldwide against a $60 million production budget and secured the inaugural Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The film’s success spurred the development of several sequels, holiday specials, and a spin-off, with plans for a fifth installment revived in recent years. Additionally, “Shrek” inspired various merchandise, including video games, a stage musical, and a comic book adaptation. In recognition of the film’s enduring popularity, the character Shrek was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in May 2010.
