My father and I would stay up late to watch Dennis Conner win the America's Cup back from the Aussies in 1987 on ESPN. From that time on I became hooked on the sport of Yachting.
Perhaps for that reason I have always been drawn to "Wind." Like others it happens to be one of those movies that I enjoy watching over and over if it happens to be on television.
Yes, the plot is a bit formulaic and predictable, the acting not always sterling, but the film has very strong characterization and amazing cinematography, especially in the middle second act which I think is actually stronger than the very good sailing scenes.
There is an atmospheric and entrancing quality to these desert scenes, a kind of sleepy seduction to the sweep of the shots and the austerity of the environment. I always find it powerfully persuasive in its understated beauty and relaxed pacing.
This film may mark the end of Matthew Modine's arc as an '80s acting icon--"Cutthroat Island" perhaps being the more likely candidate--though he has consistently stayed employed. He always seemed an odd fit as a leading man but I enjoy him in the occasional character acting he now does. He is stronger in this role than he's given credit for, carrying several scenes well.
Cliff Robertson doesn't entirely phone this one in - the scenes where he has gone around the bend after losing the Cup are funny and well acted.
Taken on the strengths of the amazing cinematography, a nicely paced and composed, if predictable, plot, and fine acting make "Wind" easy to recommend.
But you best like movies about sailing.
Perhaps for that reason I have always been drawn to "Wind." Like others it happens to be one of those movies that I enjoy watching over and over if it happens to be on television.
Yes, the plot is a bit formulaic and predictable, the acting not always sterling, but the film has very strong characterization and amazing cinematography, especially in the middle second act which I think is actually stronger than the very good sailing scenes.
There is an atmospheric and entrancing quality to these desert scenes, a kind of sleepy seduction to the sweep of the shots and the austerity of the environment. I always find it powerfully persuasive in its understated beauty and relaxed pacing.
This film may mark the end of Matthew Modine's arc as an '80s acting icon--"Cutthroat Island" perhaps being the more likely candidate--though he has consistently stayed employed. He always seemed an odd fit as a leading man but I enjoy him in the occasional character acting he now does. He is stronger in this role than he's given credit for, carrying several scenes well.
Cliff Robertson doesn't entirely phone this one in - the scenes where he has gone around the bend after losing the Cup are funny and well acted.
Taken on the strengths of the amazing cinematography, a nicely paced and composed, if predictable, plot, and fine acting make "Wind" easy to recommend.
But you best like movies about sailing.