Franz Waxman's magesterial score and Robert Surtees' remarkably clear deep-focus cinematography are the principal assets in service of Mark Robson's direction of this 1966 war film about the battle for Algiers.
Robson had kind of a hit or miss career. His works include the film adaptation of 'Peyton Place' which we may see today as kitchy camp, but one must also recall that it's one of only a handful of films ever nominated for 5 Oscars for performances alone. He also directed the episodic 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness ' with Ingrid Bergman, a far better example of his considerable capabilities.
Here we have individually powerful scenes vaccilating with an overall thrust that's a bit muddled. We never really end up caring about our characters the way we should or the way Robson intends. Robson waited a year for Anthony Quinn to become available and with good reason. Quinn has the gravitas to pull off such a role without having to resort to bluster. Alain Delon is magnetic as the Commander that just wants to know what he's fighting for. But George Segal's casting as an Arab is ridiculous. Segal, an otherwise always likeable actor, is done in by playing his role essentially in blackface. Plus, much of his performance is looped in post production, and I don't think all of it was by him.
All and all, an entertaining and diverting entertainment that wears it's political heart on its sleeve. A first-rate cast and high production value in a film that ultimately only works part of the time.
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Robson had kind of a hit or miss career. His works include the film adaptation of 'Peyton Place' which we may see today as kitchy camp, but one must also recall that it's one of only a handful of films ever nominated for 5 Oscars for performances alone. He also directed the episodic 'Inn of the Sixth Happiness ' with Ingrid Bergman, a far better example of his considerable capabilities.
Here we have individually powerful scenes vaccilating with an overall thrust that's a bit muddled. We never really end up caring about our characters the way we should or the way Robson intends. Robson waited a year for Anthony Quinn to become available and with good reason. Quinn has the gravitas to pull off such a role without having to resort to bluster. Alain Delon is magnetic as the Commander that just wants to know what he's fighting for. But George Segal's casting as an Arab is ridiculous. Segal, an otherwise always likeable actor, is done in by playing his role essentially in blackface. Plus, much of his performance is looped in post production, and I don't think all of it was by him.
All and all, an entertaining and diverting entertainment that wears it's political heart on its sleeve. A first-rate cast and high production value in a film that ultimately only works part of the time.
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