...if you liked "Silent Running", then you'll probably like "Orca". Both are allegories lamenting human misunderstanding, neglect, and mistreatment of the natural world. Both are "downer" movies with a message - not an especially subtle message, but one definitely worth considering.
This was one of the first movies I bought many years ago on the old RCA CED video disc format. But then, RCA bailed on CEDs, so I hadn't seen it for years (it never came out on LaserDisc and rarely shows up on cable). While browsing Amazon, I found it is now available on DVD, so I bought a copy. The DVD is quite rudimentary and could stand cleaning up and remastering, but I still like it as much as ever.
Yes, the plot is a bit silly and overwrought, but then so was "Silent Running", hence my comparison. At least the plot has some weight to it which, when you get right down to it, "Jaws" lacked.
The "Jaws" comparison is apt, however. Both films came out within 18 months of each other (IIRC), so "Orca" was dismissed as a rip off of "Jaws". But they're two entirely different films which had been in simultaneous development. "Jaws" is a scary thrill ride while "Orca" tries to get the audience thinking about something of substance.
As usual, Richard Harris chews the scenery. Will Sampson occupies his usual wise old Indian role. Charlotte Rampling is excellent as a marine biologist who dilutes the testosterone with a thoughtful, excellent performance. It's also enjoyable to see a young Robert Carradine and Bo Derek (her first movie) in minor roles.
This was one of the first movies I bought many years ago on the old RCA CED video disc format. But then, RCA bailed on CEDs, so I hadn't seen it for years (it never came out on LaserDisc and rarely shows up on cable). While browsing Amazon, I found it is now available on DVD, so I bought a copy. The DVD is quite rudimentary and could stand cleaning up and remastering, but I still like it as much as ever.
Yes, the plot is a bit silly and overwrought, but then so was "Silent Running", hence my comparison. At least the plot has some weight to it which, when you get right down to it, "Jaws" lacked.
The "Jaws" comparison is apt, however. Both films came out within 18 months of each other (IIRC), so "Orca" was dismissed as a rip off of "Jaws". But they're two entirely different films which had been in simultaneous development. "Jaws" is a scary thrill ride while "Orca" tries to get the audience thinking about something of substance.
As usual, Richard Harris chews the scenery. Will Sampson occupies his usual wise old Indian role. Charlotte Rampling is excellent as a marine biologist who dilutes the testosterone with a thoughtful, excellent performance. It's also enjoyable to see a young Robert Carradine and Bo Derek (her first movie) in minor roles.