Remakes... how many people are skeptical about them asking questions like: Who has taken up a task to remake a movie?" Why?", etc. There appear to be various reasons for remakes. While analyzing this phenomenon, we should focus on what is being remade rather than by whom since if the original was unsuccessful and flawed, a remake is a necessary solution. As for the director, it's quite rare to find another Cecil B DeMille who himself remade his TEN COMMANDMENTS realizing that modern (1956) filming techniques would allow him for splendid possibilities. However, there is a different case, something we take into consideration here - when a very good film, a masterwork is being remade. Then, the viewers have very high expectations. That has to do with THE BOUNTY (1984), a version of the highly appreciated sea epic MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY (1935). But does this film meet pampered viewers' expectations?
In my opinion, THE BOUNTY is a movie that may either be constantly compared to its 1935 predecessor or not at all standing alone as a single work of art. It has all aspects of a modern epic: stunning visuals with memorable moments, perfect music with decent atmosphere, top notch performances with true entertainment, great cast including late Laurence Olivier, and flawless action that constantly kept me on my chair. Moreover, the authentic locations prove the genuine story on screen. Let me analyze some of these aspects in more details.
Some people will perhaps disagree with me but I think that Anthony Hopkins is equally appealing as cruel Lieutenant William Bligh as Charles Laughton was. He portrays a man filled with fear and pride combined with the indefatigable desire to be obeyed and praised. He does not totally realize that his cruel acts towards his crew will occur destructive for him. He thinks that it is the only way to retain order. Mel Gibson also shines in the role as Bligh's former friend Fletscher Christian. In 1935 we had eminent Clark Gable in the role but Gibson does not appear to be far to Gable's portrayal. He is truly convincing as a simple young man with his carnal desires, loyal attitudes, and a sense of justice. I cannot imagine someone else in this role. Gibson has that blink in the eyes that always make me realize "This is a man who cares for other people." The supporting cast include Liam Neeson, Edward Fox, great Laurence Olivier and an exotic actor Wi Kuki Kaan so fine and memorable in his part as king Tynah.
The musical score by Vangelis is perfect. From the credits, the exotic tunes constitute a magnetism for the ear and a harmonious imagination of the viewer. Some interlude moments when there is only music made me close my eyes and imagine the beautiful corners of the world with their magnificence and dangers, with their sublimity and simplicity. This is linked to visuals and constitutes a stunning spectacle of an epic - not an ordinary one but sea epic which reaches its climax at Pitcairn Island where, allegedly, the crew arrive (don't take it serious historically).
However, there are people who will tell me that while 1935 version was allowed for everyone to watch; in other words, it was a wonderful adventure for the youngsters as well as adults, this cannot be said about 1984 movie. Unfortunately, THE BOUNTY (1984) is not the movie for youngsters. For instance, we have the scandalous long moment of savage orgy where people have mutual affairs to the joy of gods, for carnal satisfaction and "perfect" fertility. In one single moment, men shout like animals before they make love to their female partners. Another disturbing scene is when Bligh with his few men (after mutiny) embarks on Fiji Island and a group of savage cannibals attack them. They smash the head of one man and take his body for dinner. I agree that it is important to mention such moments because, by all means, kids should be protected from such demoralizing images. However, I don't think that we should add nudity to this problem. It was normal that most of the women in the exotic lands were naked (to the joy of the crew)...
All in all, I highly enjoyed THE BOUNTY in spite of the fact that I had seen the 1935 original before. I did not compare much, I treated it as a single motion picture, a wonderful adventure-action movie with brilliant performances and very memorable visuals. I hope that you will also see it that way. 7/10
In my opinion, THE BOUNTY is a movie that may either be constantly compared to its 1935 predecessor or not at all standing alone as a single work of art. It has all aspects of a modern epic: stunning visuals with memorable moments, perfect music with decent atmosphere, top notch performances with true entertainment, great cast including late Laurence Olivier, and flawless action that constantly kept me on my chair. Moreover, the authentic locations prove the genuine story on screen. Let me analyze some of these aspects in more details.
Some people will perhaps disagree with me but I think that Anthony Hopkins is equally appealing as cruel Lieutenant William Bligh as Charles Laughton was. He portrays a man filled with fear and pride combined with the indefatigable desire to be obeyed and praised. He does not totally realize that his cruel acts towards his crew will occur destructive for him. He thinks that it is the only way to retain order. Mel Gibson also shines in the role as Bligh's former friend Fletscher Christian. In 1935 we had eminent Clark Gable in the role but Gibson does not appear to be far to Gable's portrayal. He is truly convincing as a simple young man with his carnal desires, loyal attitudes, and a sense of justice. I cannot imagine someone else in this role. Gibson has that blink in the eyes that always make me realize "This is a man who cares for other people." The supporting cast include Liam Neeson, Edward Fox, great Laurence Olivier and an exotic actor Wi Kuki Kaan so fine and memorable in his part as king Tynah.
The musical score by Vangelis is perfect. From the credits, the exotic tunes constitute a magnetism for the ear and a harmonious imagination of the viewer. Some interlude moments when there is only music made me close my eyes and imagine the beautiful corners of the world with their magnificence and dangers, with their sublimity and simplicity. This is linked to visuals and constitutes a stunning spectacle of an epic - not an ordinary one but sea epic which reaches its climax at Pitcairn Island where, allegedly, the crew arrive (don't take it serious historically).
However, there are people who will tell me that while 1935 version was allowed for everyone to watch; in other words, it was a wonderful adventure for the youngsters as well as adults, this cannot be said about 1984 movie. Unfortunately, THE BOUNTY (1984) is not the movie for youngsters. For instance, we have the scandalous long moment of savage orgy where people have mutual affairs to the joy of gods, for carnal satisfaction and "perfect" fertility. In one single moment, men shout like animals before they make love to their female partners. Another disturbing scene is when Bligh with his few men (after mutiny) embarks on Fiji Island and a group of savage cannibals attack them. They smash the head of one man and take his body for dinner. I agree that it is important to mention such moments because, by all means, kids should be protected from such demoralizing images. However, I don't think that we should add nudity to this problem. It was normal that most of the women in the exotic lands were naked (to the joy of the crew)...
All in all, I highly enjoyed THE BOUNTY in spite of the fact that I had seen the 1935 original before. I did not compare much, I treated it as a single motion picture, a wonderful adventure-action movie with brilliant performances and very memorable visuals. I hope that you will also see it that way. 7/10