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ON THE VIDEO SHELF
Section D

 

Jeremiah Johnson
   Based on a true story of the man known as the Crow Killer. It stars Robert Redford and was directed by Sydney Pollack. A grand and magnificent film with awesome filming of the harsh and cold winters. Redford plays Johnson, an ex-soldier who comes to find his fortune in trapping. He extends into the Rockies and learns the trade the hard way. Starting off as a novice, the film tracks his learning until he becomes one of the masters. It features interesting looks at how the white settlers invade the land and the necessary conflicts with the Indians that occur because of that. The first part of the movie covers the educational aspects of Johnson and the second half spins into the events that made Jeremiah Johnson (AKA John Johnson) into legendary status.
    Johnson is forced to help some settlers and because of that, a tragic event occurs. After Johnson takes revenge, the Crow Indians begin to send one man at a time to kill Johnson. Becoming part of his every day life, Johnson must content with the knowledge that no matter where he is, what he is doing, at any time, he could be attacked by an Indian hoping to best the "Crow-Killer."
    Redford does a fine job and it is fascinating to see him play the bewildered youngster at the beginning and the wily veteran by the end of the film. Will Geer and others play some of the occasional characters that Johnson comes across through out the film.

Colossus: The Forbin Project
   A small film that came out in the late 1960’s, it is seldom referred to and may be hard to find. It is a harrowing account of Dr. Forbin who develops the ultimate computer which will control the United States defense system. Although definitely antiquated by what we know of computers and how they operate today, for the time period, it was a horrific look at the dangers of technology.
    The cast is relatively unknown and the film has never made a big splash but it is worth checking out. A great many films in years after this was made will have a twinge familiarity to this one.

Angel Heart
   Unfortunately, this film is best known for the steamy sex scene between Mickey Rourke and Lisa Bonet. Bonet at the time was best known for her role as Bill Cosby’s daughter on the top rated TV show and her scene here shocked the audiences and overwhelmed other aspects of this film. Although the sex scene captured all of the attention, there is a lot more to this film than that. And furthermore, the sex scene fits into the movie and isn’t nearly as gratuitous as most are.
    This movie was made in 1987 and was at a time when Mickey Rourke was on his way to becoming one of the best actors in Hollywood. His fall from that pedestal won’t be covered here but seeing this movie and others around the same time makes it an even sadder note of Rourke’s decline. We are left to wonder what would’ve happened if he had made better choices.
    Rourke plays a seedy New York detective who is commissioned to find a missing singer. He finds himself searching in Louisiana and is plunged into the world of voodoo and secrets. As he unravels clues to the missing singer, other clues begin to surface as well and Rourke finds himself immersed in an evil and twisted scheme in which he has no part...or does he?
    The film comes together in a surprising and twisted climax. It is a film full of mood and atmosphere and Robert De Niro lends a hand in an over the top role. However, his role, like most of the movie actually has a great deal of subtlety that might not be apparent at first.

Tora!Tora!Tora!
   Yes, its a war movie but more than that, it explores the entire scene of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is unique in that it offers a view from both sides as we see the ineptness of the Americans who can not even contemplate such an event and the cautious planning of the Japanese as they storm across the ocean, expecting at any time for their cover to be blown.
    A long movie that is well worth it because of the anticipation that finally arrives. Interesting in the factual aspects.
    Not a great movie in the sense of drama but it gives a very good representation of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Death Hunt
   Based on the true story of the legend of the Mad Trapper of Rat River, this film takes considerable liberties with the true-life event. Charles Bronson plays the lead and this was in the period when he played his noble "loner" roles. A hunter, he is accused of being a killer and the Royal Canadian Mounties, led by Lee Marvin, begin to hunt him down. It because a tale of survival and raw courage as the two find themselves extending a grudging respect for each other. In the real life story, the actual truth of the situation is never known but for this fictionalized account, we of course, are treated to the "full" story. Nonetheless, it is a gripping saga of survival and ingenuity.

The Wind and the Lion
   A Sean Connery vehicle as he plays an Arab leader, the Rasuli, who kidnaps an American woman in order to bring attention to the plight of his people. Overshadowed by the world events as the nations scramble to take over the coasts of Africa, the Rasuli finds that the United States, led by a militaristic Teddy Roosevelt, will suffer no indignities such as this kidnapping.
    Based on a real historical event, director/writer John Milius has crafted an action adventure tale that sparks of humor with a slight twinge of romance. Sean Connery serves as a perfect choice and offers a commanding presence. Candice Bergen plays Mrs. Pedikaris, who is kidnapped with her two children, and Brian Keith turns in a wonderful performance as Teddy Roosevelt.