CORPORATE LINE: Richard Brooks, one of America’s most influential and successful directors teamed with Peter O’ Toole, James Mason, and Jack Hawkins for this ambitious adoption of Joseph Conrad’s high-seas adventure, LORD JIM. The story of an idealistic Merchant Marine officer who disgraces himself when he abandons his ship, Conrad’s classic tale of cowardice and redemption was a stark departure for Brooks. Better known for the contemporary realism of such seminal hits as The Blackboard Jungle, Elmer Gantry and In Cold Blood, Brooks was eager to tackle LORD JIM’S epic themes. The casting of Peter O’Toole, a top box-officer star, paved the way for the high-budget production to begin. Aided by an outstanding supporting cast, which includes Curt Jurgens and Eli Wallach, Brooks and his stars faithfully captured all the action, drama and depth of Conrad’s unforgettable adventure.
THE FILM: Peter O’ Toole could act in a high school play and still come out looking good. Lord Jim strives to be an epic but never really feels like one. Visual Lord Jim looks like an epic but gets lost on tangents leave you to wonder if director Richard Brooks was up against a wall from the beginning. There is a certain depth to the film that is lacking today and it’s good to watch something that makes you think and is visually appealing. The problem is that it makes you think and makes you second guess.
FRANKLY: Sadly Lord Jim is not a classic but worth watching for Peter O’ Toole alone. The locales are a visual feast—and the pirate battle is brilliant. It’s a shame that such a grand text wasn’t better adapted. Sometimes text is better off as text.
+ Charlie Craine
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