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The Count of Monte Cristo [2002] (REGION 1) (NTSC)


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

Retelling a story that has made it onto the silver screen more than most, this latest adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo makes yet another swashbuckling attempt to win over a new generation of cinema goers. A dashing James Caviezel takes the role of the Count, who is driven by a desire for revenge after being betrayed by his best friend Fernand (played by a dishevelled Guy Pearce) and landed with 16 years of solitary confinement in Chateau D'If, a damp cavernous prison. Thus the scene is set for a good old-fashioned romp.

The trouble with this "re-imagining" (to borrow a phrase from Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes) is that it's never quite sure whether to take itself seriously or not. Alexandre Dumas's original story is a traditionally melodramatic tale of deceit and double-crossing, with clear-cut bad guys and a moral lesson to be learned at the end. Here, director Kevin Reynolds appears unsure about whether to stick with tradition or bring the story up to date and turn it into a post-modern play on the old Victorian values and style. When the Count and his heavy-breathing loved one are reunited, their kiss is actually framed as a cameo. Both lead actors are also prone to heavy bouts of overacting, garnishing their performances with exaggerated baroque gestures.

Clearly this is a film in which the actors could over-indulge themselves and (almost) get away with it, were it not for the fact that--bar Richard Harris as the "Priest"--none of them seem to have the faintest idea about how to conduct themselves in a period drama. This Count of Monte Cristo will leave the audience a little confused as to whether they should cry along with the story or laugh along with the actors. --Nikki Disney

On the DVD: The Count of Monte Cristo on disc offers no escape from the dry drawl of director Kevin Reynolds, who features in almost every element of the extensive extras package. With a shy studio disclaimer before his commentary, he's got a refreshingly frank attitude to explaining a movie's making. Also included are details of the ambitious swordfight choreography, the origins and adaptation of Dumas's classic book and how the sound was developed as well as a behind-the-scenes feature on location. Quite often the footage feels like a tourism promo for Malta. The 5.1 sound mix is superbly utilised (when Reynolds isn't talking) and the transfer (1.85:1) is as pristine as you'd hope and expect. --Paul Tonks


enjoyable if slightly sugar coated
Review date: 2008-02-04 Rating: 6 out of 10

I enjoyed this movie and thought it was well acted. It does take enourmous liberties with the book and the ending is completely different to the book! the book is bittersweet whilst this did gloss over the darker aspectsof the book.


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Reviews


Fantastic film.
Review date: 2008-01-07 Rating: 10 out of 10

A tale about an illiterate man who is betrayed by his best friend, framed by a corrupt official and has his life and beliefs torn to shreds. After a turn of fortune and period of self-development he executes his calculated and chilling revenge.

What is it about James Caviezel....
Review date: 2005-12-29 Rating: 8 out of 10

Ever since watching The Passion of the Christ I have a huge respect for the diverse acting abilities of James Caviezel (I refuse to call him Jim - he is not 50 year old with a beer gut and an active member of the Darts club down my local!!) ...who am I kidding.. I have the biggest crush on this seriously hot bit of totty who also happens to be a fantastically eclectic Actor!!And he is superb as Edmund in this film. The change from the young innocent blue eyed boy Edmund to the bearded, hardened Count seeking revenge is brill. As previous reviewers have highlighted although this film doesn't really explore the depths of the original book or focus too much on taking itself seriously and/or the darker side of the story - it is extremely colourful, Guy Pearce rocks and above all it kind of covers, love, hate, humour and action as well as keeping up with its own pace. If you enjoyed Dangerous Liaisons (my FAVE film of all time ecxcept maybe Bram Stockers Dracula with my other future husband Mr Gary Oldman), Man in the Iron Mask - the original - or the 3 Musketeers then you will love this. Let me know if I am the only 28 year old to feel a strange pull within at those tortured looks of anguish that JC (omigod they even have the same initials!!!) perfects playing this The Count of Monte Cristo. They made him the perfect choice for TPOTC... I was in pieces both times round...LOVED IT!!

The Count Of Monte Cristo
Review date: 2005-08-22 Rating: 10 out of 10

Having read many other reviews of this film, it would seem that the general consensus is that the film has managed to capture the Saturday matinee feeling of the great epic adventure films of yesteryear almost perfectly. I'm more than happy to echo this sentiment and say this was one of the most entertaining films I've seen in a while.

Based on the classic Alexandre Dumas book of the same name, it is the story of lowly born Edmond Dantes who, whilst diligently working his way up the social ladder by hard work and honesty is betrayed by his so-called fiend, the Count of Morcerf Fernand Mondego. Mondego is green with envy and more than a little enraptured by Dantes's fiancée, the stunning Mercedes Iguanada and once Dantes is out of the way he wastes no time in moving in on the now available Mercedes.

Poor old Edmond is not only out of the way, he is sent to the infamous prison castle of Chateau D'If where the prisoners are beaten every year on their anniversary of incarceration to remind them of the time they have been behind bars. Fortunately for Edmond he receives a "visit" by fellow prisoner Abbe Faria, an ex-soldier and priest, who not only is digging a tunnel out of the prison but also undertakes to teach the naïve Edmond lessons in subjects as diverse as sword fighting, economics, unarmed combat and reading and writing.

To tell any more of the plot would ruin the film, but suffice to say that what follows in a entertaining roller coaster ride of fun and adventure as Edmond, recreated as the Count of Monte Cristo, plans to extract his revenge on those who have betrayed him.

One of the best things about the film is that the cast, whilst being fairly familiar to cinema fans, are not big major stars. There's no grabbing of the limelight here by some big name about whom the screenplay has been designed. James Caviezel is great as the misfortunate Edmond with a real wide-eyed innocence about his performance. Likewise Dantes's nemesis Fernand Mondego is superbly sneering played by Guy Pearce. There also some great support from Luis Guzman as the Count's hilarious and entertaining sidekick Jacopo the Maggot, JB Blanc as the smuggler boss and the gorgeous Dagmara Dominczyk as Mercedes. Possibly stealing the show is the much-missed Richard Harris as Edmond's prison friend Abbe Faria.

Another great plus point of the film is that it combines the elements of action, romance, sentiment, intrigue and storyline in exactly the right amounts, so it doesn't become a sloppy piece of period romance nor a unfathomable mess of plot and counter-plot. Great viewing for the family and thoroughly entertaining.

It's the best.
Review date: 2005-04-29 Rating: 10 out of 10

I simply loved this new version of Count M. Cristo ! It's stunningly acted , quite real cause the photograpy and places are fascinating !
Sorry R. Chamberlain and G.Depardieu but this time ,you American and French guys truly lost !

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Guy Pearce
Dagmara Dominczyk
James Caviezel
James Frain
Richard Harris

Creators:
James Caviezel (Primary Contributor)
Guy Pearce (Primary Contributor)
Andrew Somper (Producer)
Chris Brigham (Producer)
Chris Chrisafis (Producer)
Derek Evans (Producer)
Gary Barber (Producer)
Alexandre Dumas père (Writer)
Jay Wolpert (Writer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Walt Disney Video
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
EAN: 9780788838125
Binding: DVD
ISBN: 0788838121
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, Closed-captioned, Colour, DVD-Video, Widescreen, NTSC,
Release date: 2002-09-10
Universal product code (UPC): 786936165395
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Region code: 1
Running time: 131 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002-01-25
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)

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