| Product: |
The Edge (DVD) |
| Date: |
26/11/01 (25 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Exciting, intelligent, well written and well directed...
Disadvantages: Only two proper characters, no real female roles....
I saw this somewhat overlooked film a couple of years back, and it was a real surprise. Expecting a "boys' own" type adventure film, I instead found a thoughtful, intelligent thriller which puts great effort into realising its characters. All of this and a great big grizzly bear.....
The plot centres around the struggle between two men: reclusive bookworm billionaire Anthony Hopkins, and fashion photographer Alec Baldwin, who may or may not be having an affair with Hopkins wife (played by Elle MacPherson). Their conflict erupts when the two are stranded in the remote Alaskan wilderness, after the plane they are using to scout locations for MacPherson's fashion shoot crashes. Using Hopkin's wealth of untested knowledge, the two begin a desperate battle against the elements and a savage grizzly as they attempt to return to civilisation. However, will they be able to overcome the rivalry which threatens to tear them apart ?
The direction of this film, by Lee Tamahori ('Once Were Warriors') is excellent, with a perfect balance between action and character pathos. The scenery is spectacular, and provides the ultimate backdrop for this tale of wilderness survival. However, Tamahori manages to build a powerful story without simply relying on the landscape, and never lapses into 'National Geographic' territory.
This is primarily the study of two men, and how they react in such an incredible, dangerous situation, and the script by David Mamet is excellent, providing a depth of character rarely seen in modern films. The plot is perfectly paced, with action scenes and suspenseful developments entwined with the dialogue. I really found myself believing in these two, flawed men as they fought to survive both the wilderness and each other.
Thankfully, both of the actors are up to the task and provide gritty, convincing performances. We have come to expect this from the reliable Hopkins, but here it is a
pleasant surprise to see Baldwin turn a similarily excellent turn as the shifty photographer. There are a few supporting players, but they are swiftly left behind as the film hits its stride.
The film is not perfect, and I guess it may not appeal to everyone. As with most David Mamet films, this is a story primarily about men, and the one female character of the film, MacPherson is relegated to cameo appearances at the beginning and end. Given this, the film may come across as a touch 'macho', particularly to female viewers. Personally, I did not feel that this was the case, as the script presents us with two complex figures, whose journey should be interesting to all.
In relation to this, another slight criticism would be that the supporting characters are not nearly as fleshed out as the leads: they are a mixture of stereotypes and people who are blatantly only there to be killed off. Which is kind of a shame.
Overall, I was very impressed with this film. I found it to be both exciting and thoughtful, a fascinating struggle between two desperate men, set against a stunning backdrop. I only wish more modern films would invest so much effort in developing their characters as this.
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