The Razor's Edge
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Movie Reviews of The Razor's Edge
Movie Review: Good film based on the book of one of history's great novelists
Summary: 4 Stars
One cannot help but be mesmerized by the wordcraft of Willy Maugham. Perhaps the best novel of all time is his "The Moon and Sixpence," a quasi-biographical social commentary of late 19th early 20th century mores and expectations.
In this fine novel, "The Razor's Edge," Larry, a young veteral of WWI, destined to financial "success" decides to go on the route to--pardon the cliche--"enlightenment." The woman who loves him, Izzy, cannot stomach that and marries Gray Maturin, Larry's buddy who'se always been in love with Izzy.
Well, heaven knows other reviewers have covered the stories theme so I won't repeat that here.
As I travelled in the same portions of the world through with Larry treked--though not with anywhere near the conscientious "search" that Larry had on his mind, I always rather idenfied with the character, in the novel and in the film. The film's music--yes, I have the soundtrack--fits the story very well.
I talked, however, with an associate a few years ago who pointed out a trait of the film that I hadn't considered before: one is always waiting for Bill Murray (Larry) to become Bill Murray, either an off the cuff crack, or something of that nature. In a way he does a few times, but it fits well into the script, even complements it. So, while that may be the viewer's problem rather than the film's, it's still true. One just expects that, I guess, from Murray.
The only other comment I have relates to what the novel included and the film could not:
That I recall, in the novel, the author points out that Larry had the luxury of adequate "resources" (money) to pursue enlightenment. So your average "Joe," even if his conscience begged him to pursue what Larry did, couldn't dream of pursuing it. It costs money, takes time away from paying one's bills, paying attention to one's loved ones--what most of us would call "reality."
Now, many will say, "That's the point! That's what Larry gave up," to the wonderfully exclamatory comments of the author throughout the novel. But that "reality" is conditioned by ones ability--based on those "resources"--to pursue one's dreams, or enlightenment, something perhaps more than we know would pursue if they could.
Again, that would have been very difficult to fit into the film, but was at least mentioned in the novel
Aside from that I recommend the film--the earlier Tyrone Power release and this one--and the wonderful novel, and perhaps, if time and "resources" permit--pursue your own dreams.
Movie Review: Keeps Your Interest
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Razor's Edge" is a very good movie that runs a solid two hours. The movie is based on W. Somerst Maugham's classic novel of the same name. It is sort of a existentional story that is hard to catch in a Hollywood film. The script keeps your intereest, as the story spans many years and changes in the lives of three men. The star, and person who "carries the water" in the film is Bill Murray. Murray was cast in a dramatic, thoughtful role. He shows how his talent is not limited to comedy and plays a well-to-do Chicagoan, Larry Darrell. Before WWI he is the usual happy-go-lucky young man with a beautiful girlfriend, Isabel. After Larry returns from the war, he is a changed man, looking for what is important and meaningful in life. He leaves Isabel and travels to Paris, then later finds his guru and inner peace in Nepal, India. While he is gone, many dramatic changes take place. Isabel marries his best pal, Gray, and Sophie's husband and child are killed in a automobile accident. Sophie hits bottom and becomes a drunk and a hooker. Isabel thrives with Gray and has two beautiful daughters, and continues to live with her rich, social climbing Uncle Elliot. When Larry comes back, he runs into Sophie at a Speak Easy. She is living the low-life and he helps her climb out of a life of drugs, alcohol and violence toward women. She is sober three months and they plan a life together. Isabel, still in love with Larry, sabotages their plans and Larry confronts her with his sadness and pain. He has learned from his guru that "The path to salvation is narrow and hard to walk as a razor's edge."
The casting for Isabel felt wrong and chemistry between her and Larry seemed off at first. The relationship changes in the last half of the movie, and the scenes worked and the movie keeps your interest. Again, Bill Murray did an excellent job - one should not come in with any pre-conceived notions on what to expect from him.
Movie Review: "For The Privilege Of Being Alive" ~ No Regrets, No Rewards On The Road To Enlightenment
Summary: 4 Stars
Synopsis: Larry Darrell (Bill Murray) wants more out of life than a well paying job, a big house and a new car every year. Leaving his pre-determined life in America behind he goes in search of the meaning of life, a journey leading Paris, India and back again.
India changes Larry's life, teaching him the difficult "razor's edge" path to salvation. Equipped with a new perspective on life and our place in the grand scheme of things he returns to Europe where he encounters his nearest and dearest American friends. The question is can Larry's newfound wisdom and understanding be applied to a Western world more attuned to the material pleasures, diversions and all the other assorted minutia it has become so identified with?
Critique: The '84 film `The Razor's Edge perfectly captures the spiritual angst of the early twentieth century lost in a post WWI world. The production values are first rate, the storyline touching and thoughtful and the acting excellent (Theresa Russell looks stunning). I found one of the most impressive elements of this film to be the nostalgic, highly evocative soundtrack. It's a magnificent collection that's definitely worthy of a spot in your CD collection. The only thing keeping this film from -5 Star- status is it's slow pacing that can intermittently cause momentary attention lapses in the audience.
My Rating: -4 1/2 Stars-.
Movie Review: An under rated movie; Bill Murray should be proud of it.
Summary: 4 Stars
Murray and his cohorts have remade a period movie/book work for review readers of a certain era. Yes, it was panned when it was released, and it has a lot of problem as a film production, but see it for your self. The Tyrone Power (III) version The Razor's Edge is also a good film, and it provides contrasts in periods of film making (sets vs. locations) as well as social periods (local actors or real people vs made up Westerners). Is one a better film? No, they are different films/treatments of the same book (I came away with a slightly better opinion of Power, and the reviewer commentary track makes a few good points <however, I disagreed with a few>). Read Maugham's book The Razor's Edge, too. The better contrast of the Murray film is making Larry an ambulance driver (greater class contrast) rather than a pilot (more upper class). I liked Murray's use of his own brother as Piedmont as well as Hicks and Russell. Murray is a fine actor only now getting better recognition (e.g., Lost in Translation).
Movie Review: An introduction to Maugham
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie served to introduce me to whom I consider to be one of the most enjoyable writers of the 20th century. I have since gone on to read, and re-read, other works by Maugham but "The Razor's Edge" continues to be my favourite.
Murray's movie brings much more humanity to the characters than the earlier Tyrone Power version; furthermore, the humour that Murray adds to Larry's character is indeed a welcome addition. The movie version by Bill Murray, in short, does justice to the novel.
To me the book and Murray's movie version of it complement each other. Read one, watch the other, and enjoy!