Vintage: Ghost and the Darkness
Directed by Stephen Hopkins (The Reaping, 24, Predator 2) and starring Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas, this film tells the tale of the great African railroad, and the true story of two lions that killed over 130 people during its construction.
Col. John Henry Patterson (Kilmer) is commissioned to build a rail bridge over a small river in east Africa. For the first two weeks, construction goes according to plan. However, two lions begin to terrorize the construction workers, attacking at night and dragging bodies off into the darkness of the African prairie. Teamed with Charles Remington (Douglas) the two men begin to hunt the two lions in efforts to end the terror of the workers, and complete the project.
I think what makes this film so interesting is the strength of its story. It seems these days story is often sacrificed for special effects, and flashy names. Though both Kilmer and Douglas were somewhat established by the time this film was created, it was certainly not treated as a big-name film. It’s a story about men against nature: some of the most powerful dangers in the world exist in the realm of the unknown.
This film plays heavily on the power of fear. Unlike contemporary films with flashy, gory images of mutilated bodies, or loud “jump out” scare tactics, this film plays on the audiences’ psychological fears and attachment to the characters. The dark—and more importantly—what lurks there is a simple, fundamental fear we as humans can all relate to.
Additionally, the strength of the actors help to carry the audience to the credits. Due to the simple nature of man versus beast, the additional story has the ability to focus entirely on the characters. Patterson awaits his wife’s arrival with his new son. His only fear is that he will be unable to stop the lions before she arrives. A graphic dream demonstrates his fears when his wife, dressed in a beautiful white sun dress is attacked by the very lion he hunts: simple, yet powerful.
It’s a strong film, with strong cast, and strong story. It's enjoyable, and doesn't leave the audience wondering why they just spent their time watching it. Perhaps my opinion on this film is bias, as I've always loved this story. So rarely do films appear in theatres today to "just tell a story." Politics and cash-makes has riddled the industry. This film is one that dodged that bullet. One of the greatest element of powerful movies is great storytelling. This is one such example.
Col. John Henry Patterson (Kilmer) is commissioned to build a rail bridge over a small river in east Africa. For the first two weeks, construction goes according to plan. However, two lions begin to terrorize the construction workers, attacking at night and dragging bodies off into the darkness of the African prairie. Teamed with Charles Remington (Douglas) the two men begin to hunt the two lions in efforts to end the terror of the workers, and complete the project.
I think what makes this film so interesting is the strength of its story. It seems these days story is often sacrificed for special effects, and flashy names. Though both Kilmer and Douglas were somewhat established by the time this film was created, it was certainly not treated as a big-name film. It’s a story about men against nature: some of the most powerful dangers in the world exist in the realm of the unknown.
This film plays heavily on the power of fear. Unlike contemporary films with flashy, gory images of mutilated bodies, or loud “jump out” scare tactics, this film plays on the audiences’ psychological fears and attachment to the characters. The dark—and more importantly—what lurks there is a simple, fundamental fear we as humans can all relate to.
Additionally, the strength of the actors help to carry the audience to the credits. Due to the simple nature of man versus beast, the additional story has the ability to focus entirely on the characters. Patterson awaits his wife’s arrival with his new son. His only fear is that he will be unable to stop the lions before she arrives. A graphic dream demonstrates his fears when his wife, dressed in a beautiful white sun dress is attacked by the very lion he hunts: simple, yet powerful.
It’s a strong film, with strong cast, and strong story. It's enjoyable, and doesn't leave the audience wondering why they just spent their time watching it. Perhaps my opinion on this film is bias, as I've always loved this story. So rarely do films appear in theatres today to "just tell a story." Politics and cash-makes has riddled the industry. This film is one that dodged that bullet. One of the greatest element of powerful movies is great storytelling. This is one such example.
posted by Admin at 9:52 AM
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