marzmello Reviews

Mansfield Park (1983)

Very Disappointing!

[22 April 2008]

If not for the unfortunate casting choice, this could have been a wonderful production. Fanny Price is supposed to be sedate but steadfast and loyal. Unfortunately, the actress they picked came across as rather dim-witted at times. Her behavior is so strange and ridiculous sometimes, it makes you wonder why the director permitted it. This is the one flaw that knocks this production on its knees. The supporting cast is actually rather good, specially Mrs Norris, Maria and Mary Crawford. Granted it is a low budget production but the script is good and follows the book more accurately than anything. But, given the silly performance of the lead actress, it's very hard to take this production very seriously.

Persuasion (1971)

Horrible Direction, Poor Acting

[20 April 2008]

Being a huge Persuasion fan, I had to check out all versions out there. I was prepared for lower production qualities and staging as I'm familiar with the styles of other ITV versions of the same era. However, I was really disappointed by the casting and acting in this version of the story. I can overlook the age differences etc, but really Anne and Frederick had absolutely no chemistry whatsoever. It's hard to believe there was anything between them. It made it very difficult to feel vested in the characters at all. I almost wished the actors for Harville and Wentworth had switched places, as there was obviously more natural spark between Anne and Harville. Rather than seeing subtle emotions, more often than not, the actors were quite blank in their expressions. The direction for the critical scenes was so poor and awkward. For example, the falling down scene at the Cobb was so painful to watch. Rather than show a sense of urgency and panic, the actors stood apart gawking as if in slo-mo. The Admiral was the most pitiful actor to watch, with his overacting and awkward gestures. The only positive to this version is that it does follow the sequences in the book more faithfully, and I did like that there were more scenes between Anne and Frederick at the end. Too bad it wasn't done by a different set of actors.

Kings of the Sun (1963)

Surprisingly good Mayan drama!

[3 June 2006]

Kings of the Sun refers to the 2 Indian chiefs played by Chakiris and Brynner. Brynner is Chief Black Eagle, leader of a band of fierce hunters. Chakiris is Balam, chief of the more technically advanced tribe of farmers (Mayans). The movie explores some interesting culture clashes as the 2 groups attempt to co-exist. Intriguing side plots arise from the Mayan's tradition of human sacrifices, and a love triangle develop between the 2 chiefs and a Mayan princess.

Brynner is just superb in this movie. His portrayal of 'Black Eagle', the warrior king of the free-spirited tribe of hunters, is truly magnificent. He's fierce, magnetic and in the best shape of his life! The movie is worth watching just to see him strut across the screen!Chakiris in comparison seems miscast as the Mayan chief. He is no match for Brynner and comes across weak, petulant, and lacks conviction. That said, this movie offers some fascinating portrayal of early Mayan/Indian life, complete with realistic temple and village settings. Definitely worth watching.

Taras Bulba (1962)

Yul Brynner - the definitive Cossack

[22 May 2006]

Taras Bulba is the story of the Cossack's fight for freedom, a fight to reclaim their beloved land from the Poles. It is also a story of a father's love and pride for his son. Yul Brynner is the definitive Cossack in this movie. His swagger and bigger than life persona is the perfect match for Taras. His portrayal is both powerful and moving. Added to that is the fantastic horseback battle scenes on the Steppes. The scenes where the Cossack regiments gather with a rallying cry are awesome. Those alone deserve a 10.

The story of Taras Bulba had the potential to be a great historical epic had it focused on Taras' struggle between his love for the Cossack way of life and that for his son. Unfortunately, given the box office requirements of the time, the studio execs decided to toss in a cheesy love story (complete with fuzzy close-ups) and Tony Curtis, with his matinée-idol hairdo untouched. That just jars you out of the period. According to his biography, Brynner worked long and hard to bring the rich character to life, but broke down when he saw the final cut. That said, this movie still deserves a watch if only to see the magnificent Yul Brynner and the wonderfully choreographed battle sequences.

The Sound and the Fury (1959)

Great Southern Drama - summer heat and dysfunction.

[21 May 2006]

This movie is only loosely inspired by the William Faulkner novel. The character of Jason has undergone a complete rewrite and here he is the angry yet well-intentioned, and somewhat misguided, head of the Compsons, desperately trying to pull the family up by their bootstraps.

As a movie, The Sound & The Fury stands on its own quite well. Yul Brynner and Joanne Woodward turn in powerful performances. As the strict guardian to young Quentin, Brynner plays the role with equal parts of anger and determination, with a touch of sizzle thrown in. Woodward, as the young Quentin, is both desperate and vulnerable, but tough. You can't deny the underlying chemistry between these two characters. Their scenes together crackles in the summer heat. Interestingly, Woodward was already expecting her first child while filming this movie. Brynner's southernized Russian accent is an entertaining distraction. This is a must see but leave your expectations of an adaptation at the door. Hopefully they'll release a DVD soon!