Amazon words - The peril facing a lone American amid Third World political turmoil is elegantly communicated in this important film from Costa-Gavras (Z), adapted by the director and Donald Stewart from Thomas Hauser's nonfiction book. The key to its power onscreen stems from the decision not to center the action merely on the disappearance of Charles Horman (John Shea), but also on the search for him by his father Ed (Jack Lemmon)--and on Ed's discovery of a son he never knew. The Oscar-winning script flows freely between that search and Charles's earlier experiences in the unnamed country (in the true account, Chile). Providing a link between those two stories is Charles's wife Beth (Sissy Spacek), who follows her father-in-law around a country in chaos, teeming with reckless authority and disinterested American diplomats (epitomised by ace character actor David Clennon).
What a beautiful film. This is an example of superb craftmanship. You feel for the characters - specifically Jack Lemmon and Sissy Spacek - throughout the whole movie.
The film is tense throughout and you are made to feel a part of the confusion. It is a wonderfully acted film and if you are drawn in a little further the Criterion Collection.
The tale of political playing between the American government and the outsiders - the American government claim to not know what is happening in the country - wonderful.
Amazon Reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment