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Posted: |
Dec 27, 2012 - 1:07 PM
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By: |
Dan Roman
(Member)
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Recently viewed this Huston film as part of the Warner's Newman boxset. I've seen many films, but don't recall this one. Personally, I'm surprised at some of the negative reviews I have read. This is a very good film in the serious spy genre. Certainly, there are drawbacks: Huston's direction seems a bit flat at times, and there is a deliberate lack of emotion to the whole thing. (Reminiscent of Huston's The Kremlin Letter, although not nearly as downbeat). I rather enjoy this sort of film in measure; at the heart of it is an earnest attempt to replicate the cold, often tedious, realism of real world espionage. The whole feel of the production reminded me of an extended, grander episode of the excellent Danger Man tv series of the 1960's. In fact, maybe that's the main problem with this film. The production seems more suited to an actor such as McGoohan, rather than Newman. Newman does a fine job; however, he is cast too much against his Harper-esque, droll screen persona. Any thoughts on this film ? It certainly deserves more attention than is has gotten. Is it supercillious to say that perhaps it and the Kremlin Letter were too plot heavy for audiences. I, frankly, enjoy films that strive to a higher level of intelligence (pun intended).
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I like it. Always liked it. Interesting ending too.
Great theme. Originally a single I believe?
Certainly included on those boot compilation LPs with master gunfighter and johnny goldfarb, marseilles contract etc. Wheres Bob Di Mucci when you need him????
Not much music in the film from memory.
I wasnt too offended by Newman in the role. More than adequate.
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Posted: |
Dec 30, 2012 - 7:07 PM
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By: |
Bob DiMucci
(Member)
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Interesting you mention Ipcress, Michael Caine is another actor who would have fit this material better than Newman. I would have chosen Caine, McGoohan, or even Sean Connery to play the lead in Mackintosh.
I'm not sure how Newman originally came to the project. Warner Bros. executive vice-president John Calley optioned the 1971 novel, The Freedom Trap by Desmond Bagley, shortly before its publication. Newman, who contractually owed another film to Warner Bros., brought his producing partner, John Foreman, and John Huston onto the project just after the three had collaborated on THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JUDGE ROY BEAN. Jarre had also scored that earlier film.
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RIGHT CHURCH, WRONG PEW DEPT.:
Dan, you do know that this should have been started in the Non-film music discussion board? Fortunately, Mortenbord saved your hash with the very first reply by invoking the music score(s). You owe him one!
As a matter of fact, I only saw this film recently myself, and found it to be very worthwhile, though certainly not the best work of either its star or director. I'll be watching this thread with interest to continue seeing what other folks have to say.
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People often joke about how the repetitive nature of the song It's a Small World drives them crazy. Well I just gave a listen to the score of Mackintosh Man and the Disneyland attraction doesn't hold a candle to the earworm that is the 14 cues from this film. Aaaaaaagggggghhhhhhhh!!! Somebody get it out of my head!
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People often joke about how the repetitive nature of the song It's a Small World drives them crazy. Well I just gave a listen to the score of Mackintosh Man and the Disneyland attraction doesn't hold a candle to the earworm that is the 14 cues from this film. Aaaaaaagggggghhhhhhhh!!! Somebody get it out of my head!
Maurice's "Idea" was to do a THIRD MAN type score ...with numerous repetitions and variations of the same theme. A nice idea that maybe did not work this time around !
Well, I have to say (having never seen the film) it might very well be perfect for the movie but purely as a listening experience it's crazy-making.
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