|
 |
Sea Wolf
|
by Turner Home Entertainment
Sales Rank: 6117
Price: $19.98
|
|
|
First of all, it takes a European actor to play Larsen. An ex-cowboy like Chuck Bronson with his "howdy-partner" diction just won't do. Larsen is an old-world European, a melancholic Scandinavian, with an angular, Germanic face. Bronson just doesn't cut the mustard. If you don't have a strong European actor to play Larsen, the movie is pretty much doomed, since it's so character-centered.
Viewer Reviews
You don't need the summery of Jack London's story about Captain Wolf Larsen aka `'The Sea Wolf' and two survivors of shipwreck Humphrey Van Weyden and Flaxen Brewster. Other reviewers have already done it, so please read them. I only add my feelings about the made-for-TV production, which I think could be better with different casting.
There are two things that I cannot understand about the production. Charles Bronson might be an ideal choice for the Captain if the film had been made during the 70s or 80s, This film was shot in 1993, which means Bronson is already over 70 years-old, while Christopher Reeve was just over 40. It is clear that if it really comes to the hand-to-hand battle, there would be no chance for Bronson or his character to win it especially with some other hostile crew around him, ready to avenge the brutality of the Captain. The camera cannot hide the fact; it rather gives stress to it when Reeve who is much taller than Bronson stands by him, and the difference of physique is painfully obvious.
The other disappointing thing about the production is its hasty ending, which betrays the lack of money invested in the production. Director Michael Anderson (known for `Logan's Run') describes the crucial part of Captains' fate in the laziest way typically found in low-budget movies, that is, the lines the characters deliver who would "explain" what is happening or happened for the audiences who cannot see the event itself. Larsen and his complex personality deserves better treatment.
I read the book years ago, and I cannot remember the details of it, but perhaps as another reviewer points out, Reeve might be more appropriate choice for the Captain. As the greatest asset of the film should be the conflict between two types of value, Reeve who did Superman might fit in the role of Captain Larsen, curiously intriguing mixture of tyranny and intelligence.
It is often said that Edward G. Robinson's version is much superior though I haven't seen it yet. Whatever the truths may be, if you're looking for thrilling action or riveting drama, it is not this film.
Back To Top
|
Sea Wolf
Available from Amazon
|
|
NOTICE: All product prices, availability, and specifications
are subject to verification by their respective retailers.
Copyright © 2009, Dominant Systems Corporation
info@HowlingVideo.com
Privacy Policy
Last Modified : 1-6-2009
|
