The Illustrated Man
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Movie Reviews of The Illustrated Man
Movie Review: screen adaptation that lacks subtlety and adds a mediocre plot line
Summary: 2 Stars
Except for the nude scene, this film is pretty crude kid's sci-fi. Not only are the stories way overdone, but they fail to capture the magic and sparkle of the original stories. I recall enjoying this when it came out, but on reviewing I really thought it was bad.
First, the director does everything to emphasize some theme, which makes it either stupidly melodramatic or grotesquely violent. This takes all nuance and ambiguity out of the film. For example, when Steiger commits an unspeakable act in some future, the camera holds his face for way too long for effect.
Second, they film adds this silly plot line, of the young man interacting with the older one in a melodrama of their own. Unfortuantley, the characters are not consistent - Steiger's would not have done to the boy what he sees as the future in the end - and the boy is a mediocre actor.
Third, the stories within the film are transmogrified to the point that they lose their balance and subtlety. For example, in the Venusian one, the goal is to reach a space prostitute, through a perilous trek in the rain. It is supposed to be a character study of sorts. Whereas the written version leaves far more to the reader's imagination, a hallmark of great sci-fi. So the films denudes it of all mystery.
That being said, Steiger and Bloom are good actors. They just had a lousy script and silly director.
Not recommended.
Movie Review: A Major Dissapointment
Summary: 2 Stars
Ray Bradbury has never been lucky at the movies. Read his science fiction classic instead of watching this dull adaptation.Movie Review: Some interesting scenes, not worth a full viewing.
Summary: 2 Stars
Interesting only to hardcore Bradbury fans. Not a very compelling movie. Boring at times.Movie Review: Steiger is great, but ...
Summary: 1 Stars
Rod Steiger gives a great performance in this one. He is very disturbing. I was VERY disappointed with the movie though. It is very slow and does not even come close to living up to the book. Yes ... it is very surreal and builds some atmosphere, but it basically made me yawn after the first 30 minutes and wonder how the screen writer got so far away from the book. Read the book and pass on this one.