Introduction: Commander Root is one of the most interesting characters in Eoin Colfer's Artemis Fowl series. This character is well-liked and regarded as the tough head of the Junior Reconnaissance Police division. And that's probably why many people are wondering, "Is Commander Root a Girl?". Let's look at the book-to-film differences in Commander Root and what decided it for adaptation.
Is Commander Root Originally A Girl?
Commander Root is one of the main leaders of LEPRecon (Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance) in the book version of Artemis Fowl. And his gender is male with his full name being Julius Root. He is popular for leading strictly and having a gruff demeanor.
A change in Disney's version in 2020 made Commander Root female and named her simply as Commander Root. That was supposedly to be the role of a widely-acclaimed actress, Dame Judi Dench. Major twists from Eoin Colfer's original Artemis Fowl series have taken place, sparking discussions about the creative choices behind its changes.
Why Was Commander Root Portrayed as Female in the Film?
The big-screen adaptation that arrived in 2020 opted for a huge gender swap with Commander Root, who is reimagined as a female character. This change led many to wonder about the reasoning behind the gender swap and whether it was necessary.
The decision to portray Commander Root as female in the 2020 Artemis Fowl movie was made by director Kenneth Branagh, who wanted to add more gender diversity to the film. The books are largely populated by male characters, especially in leadership roles, with Holly Short being one of the few female protagonists in LEPRecon.
Branagh explained that this choice helped create a more egalitarian society within the LEPrecon unit and provided a fresh interpretation of the character. This also aligns with modern narratives that emphasize inclusivity.
The Key Differences Between Commander Root in the Books and the Movie
There are many differences between Commander Root of the Artemis Fowl series of books and his parallel character in the movie adaptation of 2020. The changes are not limited to a change in gender but relate to the very portrayal of the character himself.
1. Characterization and Personality
Throughout the book, Commander Root seems to have this tough demeanor over everything-a little grumpy and prone to fits of temper, especially when dealing with Artemis Fowl or his subordinates. To his usually trusted officer Holly Short, it would seem he has a tough-love type of relationship, wanting to see nothing but the best out of his most trusted associates.
While the film version still has Root's authoritative bearing, the performance is somewhat mellowed and the character imbued with more wisdom and silent strength, rather than anger. Judi Dench's rendition is made of still waters, whereas the Root of the books is a bit more volatile.
2. Physical Appearance
In the books, Julius Root has high blood pressure, tinging his face into a beetroot color, earning him the nickname "Beetroot" by his subordinates; his physical carriage was comical.
The movie denies this quirky trait to this character and invests in Dame Judi Dench's portrayal of the commanding presence-one that is more dignified and less comic.
3. Leadership Style
Book Commander Root comes across as overprotective of the team members, while his leadership style is rough around the edges, relying on shouting orders and using intimidation to get things done.
The movie version, while stiff and stern, still showed a more cautious and strategic attitude towards leadership, greatly relying on intellect and command rather than brute force. This tone is in good harmony with Judi Dench's idea of an authoritative character being stern yet composed.
How Do Fans of the Original Series React to These Changes?
The changes in Commander Root's character varied for the fans of Artemis Fowl. Most of the regular readers of these series were found to be greatly shocked by the change in gender and also found it too much to differ from Eoin Colfer's original vision. Some fans, very attached with the book, were less enthused as their movie version didn't capture the rough-around-the-edges, temperamental Root they had grown to love.
On the other hand, some viewers welcomed the change in gender, especially those who had not read the books; it gave the character a fresh remake. The addition of Judi Dench did bring gravitas to the role, and her acting of a composed, wise leader appealed to many who enjoyed viewing such strong female characters in positions of authority.
Moreover, viewers appreciated the film because it tried to introduce diversity in the cast of the predominantly male storyline, whereby many enjoyed the fresh perspective brought into the character.
Bottom Line
That wraps up our answer to the question “Is Commander Root a girl in Artmis Fowl?” It depends. While Commander Root is a boy in the book series, she is actually a girl in the 2020 Artemis Fowl movie version. Overall, this change sparked mixed reactions from fans, with some appreciating the modern twist and others missing the original portrayal.
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