The Razor's Edge
|
List Price: Our Price: $7.96 You Save: $6.99 (47%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.94 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of The Razor's Edge
Movie Review: The Path is Hard
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to put a review of this movie into the context of the W. Somerset Maugham novel from which it was adapted because both are rule-breaking works. Indeed, Maugham begins The Razor's Edge with the words, "I have never begun a novel with more misgiving." I read the book about 20 years ago, have re-read it several times, and to this day can't tell you if it is or is not markedly flawed in the way it was written. But I can tell you emphatically that I have never been more affected by any book. For about a week after reading it for the first time, I couldn't decide if it made any sense at all for me to be working in a bank. I remember finding only one other person who had read the book and found themselves similarly thwarted-a good person named Alexandra. Perhaps she will read this review and write one of her own.
This sense of ambivalence is reflected in the way that Bill Murray chose to adapt the story to suit his own interpretation of Maugham's vision. He takes a big risk in finding and or creating humor in the character of Larry Darrell-is this sense of humor appropriate for the period or is it too modern? I've seen the film a dozen times and still can't decide. But it does give the film a humanity and warmth that I find missing from the 1947 treatment starring Tyrone Power. One asks the same question of Maugham's decision to "star as himself" in his novel. By the way, Herbert Marshall deserves much credit for his portrayal of Maugham in the 1947 original film. And Murray deserves as much credit for avoiding a very literal re-make.
Some subtext that is largely forgotten: Murray claimed in a Rolling Stone interview upon the film's release that he had some horizon-expanding experiences while on location in Tibet-ironically paralleling his character's own experiences. If you didn't know, these characters and their story are all based on actual people that Maugham knew personally.
The cast is superb. Denholm Elliott, Catherine Hicks, Theresa Russell and James Keach truly capture their characters. Stand-outs in particular-because their characters were harder to portray-are Theresa Russell as Sophie (blows away Anne Baxter in the 1947 version) and believe it or not, James Keach as Gray Maturin. Keach had a smaller supporting role, but he manages to find just the right measure of human complexity in someone as uncomplicated as Gray was written- a gift that Maugham had with the written word.
Do I conclude this by revealing the eureka of the ending? The only thing I would rob you of is your own discovery-it is so subtle that you are almost tempted to read too much into it, but then again the more you see it the more its metaphor affects you. Despite all his setbacks, Murray climbs the famous stairs in Montmartre, first with small steps and then reaching the top with bounding exhuberance. He never quite gives up the path to salvation, does he? He understood the character far more than Maugham ever could. And for that sole insight he atones for any sins of interpretation he might have committed.
Movie Review: Sleeper If Ever There Was One!
Summary: 5 Stars
Bill Murray is brilliantly casted in the role of the main character; a man seeking the meaning of life on a spiritual quest that sacrifices everything and everyone in his world.There are significant differences between this film and the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The narrator is not a character in the film as in the book. Larry Darell does not visit the Dalai Lama in the book as he does in the film, but rather spends several years in India living with a Hindu holy man. Larry's philosophical and religious revelations in the book stem from Hinduism rather than Buddhism, as in the film. There are also other significant small details that are not as obvious in the film as in the novel; for example, the effect of the Great Depression on Gray's family fortune and why he & Isabel must move to Paris and live with Uncle Elliot.
It would be a mistake to think of this movie as a sort of spiritual parallel to "Seven Years in Tibet". It's actually got more in common with the Great Gatsby. This isn't a story about a Westerner becomming turned-on by Eastern religion as much as it's a story about aristocratic Americans from Chicago living as expatriats in Paris in the years 1918-to-1930-something, (as seen through European eyes).
There are some fabulous acting performances in this film, foremost of which is Denholm Elliot in the role of Elliot Templeton (perhaps the best of his career). Bill Murray should have received on Oscar for his performance. Word on the street today is that what an incredible film "Lost in Translation" is, and how it shows a side of Bill Murray we haven't seen before, but I disagree. Those critics need to go back and have a look at "The Razor's Edge" and they will see that "serious" side of Murray, but in a much better-written and more moving story.
This DVD is a nice presentation: a 16x9 widescreen picture that looks good and the sound is fine as well. You won't be sorry you purchased it.
Movie Review: A 'nam vet sees many parallels
Summary: 5 Stars
Did a tour as a FAC with a TACRON (Navy) back in 70/71. I'm now an educational counselor (after a 30 yr Navy career)for the military and have contact with combat vets constantly. Got someone who's been in combat? WATCH THIS MOVIE! I relate to the character and numerous others I've loaned this movie to have come back in tears - but good tears. Bill Murray is the perfect Larry because of the fact that the humorous little boy continues to shine through, THAT'S WHO HE IS, in spite of what he's endured, the experience of watching friends die and knowing human nature in a manner of which only combat veterans and law enforcement people ever experience. Larry stays Larry, he just changes in a manner that only another PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) victim can relate to. It's my opinion that many people miss the depth of the character Larry and see only the exterior of the character. Do you have to act like Budda or Ghandi to seek the meaning of life, the reason for you existence? The whole point of the movie is that Larry is just an average person tossed into circumstances and situations that preclude him from returning to what his existence was "planned out" to be (work in an office/firm, get married, kids, summer home, etc, etc)- life's experiences and fate dictated his new journey - a journey he obviously was forced travel, with truth always just steps further away.
Hey, could go on forever about this movie. Just to say I understand my feelings and thoughts about Vietnam (and other experiences) in a completely different light after watching a man that reminds me of me going through the same emotions.
Movie Review: Murray and Russell are Sensational!
Summary: 5 Stars
Cliche: I have never been a huge Bill Murray fan. I liked some of his movies but I did not love them. "The Razor's Edge" is a magnificent film! End cliche.
I mean that. It's not what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was a war film. It is not. I thought it was a chick flick. It is not. It is much, much more than these. It actually turns out to be an epic; director John Byrum, and actors Bill Murray and Theresa Russell are the reasons why.
I won't write a synopsis of the motion picture; I will say that Bill Murray interjects just enough humor into the film to make it not as dark as it could have been. There are certainly some tragic tales and lessons here, but Larry Darrell (Murray) emerges as even more human than what his circumstances allow. His experiences serving in World War I disillusion him, so when he comes back home his life takes him on a different course than previously planned. He searches for himself, and that search takes him across the ocean to distant lands. He experiences severe hardship, disappointment and deep betrayal, but he NEVER complains.
Theresa Russell gives a heart-felt performance as Larry Darrell's fiance, Sophie. The countryside vistas are elaborate and breathtaking. I just don't want to say much more if you've never seen the film. I watched it many years ago, but it had a more profound effect on me when I watched it today. Suffice it to say that the The Tibetan monk was right when he responded to Darrell's question with,
"The path to salvation is narrow, and is as difficult to walk as a razor's edge."
Movie Review: Highest Quality Remake of a Timeless Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
Having seen the original Tyrone Powers version of this movie from the 30's I approached this movie with some trepidation. For some reason I could not visualize Bill Murray fitting into Powers' shoes, and yet Murray has filled his character with even more sensitivity and power. I must now say that this is a VERY WORTHY remake of the film. Murray's performance is impeccable, sensitive and truly belies heartfelt emotion. The cinematography is of the highest caliber - it is lush, sensual and with impeccable detail. I also must commend the soundtrack as it is wonderful with some excellent period renditions of popular 30's era French songs. There have been very few films of this caliber to ever come along; clearly that it is not a mass market favorite is understandable; The film it is dealing with matters related to the soul and the awakening of a profound awareness in man; there are many hidden truths that are alluded to in this film which a student of esotericism or platonic philosophy would find much to chew over here. It is a warm, leave the movie and feel good film. It actually lacks some of the hard edge that the original has, and leaves the viewer with a warmer and more more optimistic outlook than the original 1930's version did. Exquisite viewing and a fine conversation starter afterwards! I must say that this Murray's strong desire to make this film, and Murray's others work, Ground Hog Day are packed with esoteric issues, which lead me to conclude that Bill might be a man of profound philosophy.