A strange mix of "stories," and at the same time not really having much of a plot. Sorry, it's mostly talking ...
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: This reminds of a mix of superb films: "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962), "Moby Dick" (1956), with a bit of "12 Angry Men" (1957") for balance. But in all the mixing, this doesn't have much of a story, but a lot of talk.
There were numerous opportunities to set and reinforce numerous sub-plots, but they just hang there.
It's as though someone was either unwilling or unable to carry though on a clear and meaningful story.
To be clear, while there is a story - it's not much of one, and it could have been told in 1/4 the time.
ACTING: As you'd expect, the acting is fine - it's British acting (sans Ryan and Douglas). But acting can't overcome poor or incomplete story.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value
TEMPO: Slow, the endless conversations ... please!
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Solid camera work, but otherwise rather dull shots. Had some trouble on Ryan's closeups
MUSIC / SOUND: OK
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: The fact that Ustinov both directs and stars in this ... was a bold move, and I thought he pulled it off.
But this also underscores one of my general complaints - stick to your lane unless you're super talented.
Writers: The pair of writers had a combined eight (8) films with this being their last work - thank goodness.
In painfully effusive British style, the writing was lacking and produced an overabundance of talk.
Is it a good film? Yes, but teeters on flat out boring
Should you watch this once? Yes, I suppose if you like this type of story
Rating: 7.0 (that's it)
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: This reminds of a mix of superb films: "Mutiny on the Bounty" (1962), "Moby Dick" (1956), with a bit of "12 Angry Men" (1957") for balance. But in all the mixing, this doesn't have much of a story, but a lot of talk.
There were numerous opportunities to set and reinforce numerous sub-plots, but they just hang there.
It's as though someone was either unwilling or unable to carry though on a clear and meaningful story.
To be clear, while there is a story - it's not much of one, and it could have been told in 1/4 the time.
ACTING: As you'd expect, the acting is fine - it's British acting (sans Ryan and Douglas). But acting can't overcome poor or incomplete story.
ENTERTAINMENT: Moderate value
TEMPO: Slow, the endless conversations ... please!
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Solid camera work, but otherwise rather dull shots. Had some trouble on Ryan's closeups
MUSIC / SOUND: OK
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: The fact that Ustinov both directs and stars in this ... was a bold move, and I thought he pulled it off.
But this also underscores one of my general complaints - stick to your lane unless you're super talented.
Writers: The pair of writers had a combined eight (8) films with this being their last work - thank goodness.
In painfully effusive British style, the writing was lacking and produced an overabundance of talk.
Is it a good film? Yes, but teeters on flat out boring
Should you watch this once? Yes, I suppose if you like this type of story
Rating: 7.0 (that's it)