Starring: Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris
Director: Kevin Reynolds
Rated: M15+
THERE have been four films made about the Count of Monte Cristo.
To separate his film from the others, director Kevin Reynolds has entitled his film Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo. The addition to the title is telling.
In every way this classic story of an honest and honourable man who is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, is faithful to its sources. This is a sumptuous film made with meticulous attention to detail.
Filmed on location in Ireland and Malta the sets and costumes are a feast for the eyes.
Dumas’ story concerns Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel) who is suspected of being a sympathiser with the discredited Napoleon Bonaparte. Just as he is cleared of the charges, the evil Villefort (James Frain) conspires with the jealous Fernand (Guy Pearce) to deport him to the hellhole prison of Chateau d’If.
Here Albert meets the holy and good Abbe Faria (Richard Harris) who sets him free in more ways than one. After his escape Albert is reincarnated as the Count of Monte Cristo and plans his revenge on the despotic Villefort and his one-time friend Fernand.
There are two aspects to this restaging of a well-known yarn that make it such a joy. The stylised acting is perfectly pitched, suiting the period and the story and yet Reynolds’ tight direction saves any performance from descending to pantomime.
If you remember the swashbuckling fun of any of the former Monte Cristo films, then pack up your older children and take them to see this old fashioned tale of faith and freedom.
