The Lost World (2001)

An expedition leaves for the Amazon to prove the existence of dinosaurs.

Director:

Stuart Orme

Writers:

Arthur Conan Doyle (novel), Adrian Hodges

Stars:

Bob Hoskins, James Fox, Tom Ward

Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bob Hoskins	...	Prof. George Challenger
James Fox	...	Prof. Leo Summerlee
Tom Ward	...	Lord John Phillip Roxton
Matthew Rhys	...	Edward Malone
Elaine Cassidy	...	Agnes Cluny
Peter Falk	...	Reverend Theo Kerr
Nathaniel Lees	...	Indian chief
Tamati Rice	...	Achille (as Tamati Te Nohotu)
Nicole Whippy	...	Maree
Inia Maxwell	...	Indian leader
Tessa Peake-Jones	...	Mrs. Hilda Summerlee
Tim Healy	...	McArdle
Joanna Page	...	Gladys
Tom Goodman-Hill	...	Arthur Hare
Robert Hardy	...	Prof. Illingworth

Storyline

Professor Challenger reveals the existence of a remote plateau in the Amazon jungle where dinosaurs have survived. He returns there leading an expedition. Not only are dinosaurs found and confronted, but also highly evolved apes, Amazonian Indians who think Challenger a god, and, on the way, the attractive orphaned niece of a lonely missionary. Theology intervenes in this exercise in vindicating Darwin and the missionary twice attempts to sabotage the mission. After much excitement, love is found in unexpected places, and, confronted by civilization, as represented by the Royal Society in London, Challenger changes his story.

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Plot Keywords:

psychotronic film | dinosaur | royal society | year 1911 | explosive | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

bbc.co.uk

Country:

UK USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 October 2002 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lost World

Filming Locations:

Flock Hill, Canterbury, New Zealand

Company Credits

Production Co:

A+E Networks, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), RTL

Technical Specs

Runtime:

150 min 147 min (2 parts) 145 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Dinosaur effects were created by the same team that had just completed the now-legendary Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) TV series. In addition, the Entelodont from Walking with Prehistoric Beasts (2001) makes an appearance.

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Goofs

The Plateau in the film has been described as a world that is "cut off from evolutionary development." If that were true then dinosaurs from different eras would not be in the same place, nor would there be any ape-men or humanoids.

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Quotes

Prof. George Challenger: [Professor Summerlee has just had a bitter argument with Reverend Kerr over evolution: Professor Challanger has kept silent and divulged that his parents were deeply religous] Professor Challenger: One day I went to my father and asked him for a microscope. I can still remember the sadness in his eyes; he knew he had lost me then. But without even knowing it he had given me an even greater gift. He taught me humility in the face of nature. I don't know if there is a god; but I know man is no ...

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Connections

Version of The Lost World (1992)

User Reviews

Entertaining British-style telling of the Arthur Conan Doyle story...

I watched this as a two-parter on A&E over the last two nights. Interestingly, the first part which is largely an exploration of the main characters is more interesting than the second part where the dinosaurs actually appear. Not that the special effects aren't convincing--they're superb. And the final scene, where the explorers return to London where Professor Challenger (Bob Hoskins) is about to reveal his prize possession, is one of the highlights of the film. But the buildup of tension is nicely done in the first part, as well as the introduction of the interesting characters.

All of the performances are first rate with two standouts--Matthew Rhys and Elaine Cassidy who supply the main love interest. These fresh-faced newcomers make their roles entirely believable. Seasoned actor James Fox is excellent as the skeptical Professor Leo Summerlee, especially when reacting to the blustery remarks and behavior of the overly enthusiastic Challenger. Peter Falk seems to have a grand time hamming it up as Rev. Kerr who is vehemently opposed to Darwin's theory of evolution and pulls a surprising stunt on the explorers.

All of this is done in a handsomely produced, tasteful manner (except for one brief scene of cannibalism which is too intense). It has the feel of a well produced British film, one that approaches the style of a Merchant Ivory production at times.

All technical aspects are fine and the costumes and settings enrich the story. Well worth watching, it maintains a good pace even though its running time is lengthy. The location photography in New Zealand is stunning.