Oh, this movie wanted to be the "Godfather" in the worst way, boy did it ever. Unfortunately it was about as far from that masterpiece as it could possibly be. After watching "Heaven's Gate" a few years ago, I wanted to see if Cimino could make something as bad. My curiosity was correct- this is plain awful.
Lambert at one point in the film says in his horrific wooden accent, "Everyone muss know, I am ah serious man". That had me on the floor laughing. I understand the film was edited and cut by the studio, but what I saw today barely makes any sense. The scenes seemed hastily put together with no coherence whatsoever. The camera angles and lighting were awkward and unsettling. And what is with the "rape" scene in the middle of the film? And where did the American governess disappear to for the rest of the movie? Half the time we don't know who is on who's side, and who is about to betray each other, and...oh why bother! Another scene that had me in stitches was mentioned by another reviewer: the awkward Don dancing scene. It really looked like one of those ballroom scenes from the Muppet Show.
What a mess.
Lambert at one point in the film says in his horrific wooden accent, "Everyone muss know, I am ah serious man". That had me on the floor laughing. I understand the film was edited and cut by the studio, but what I saw today barely makes any sense. The scenes seemed hastily put together with no coherence whatsoever. The camera angles and lighting were awkward and unsettling. And what is with the "rape" scene in the middle of the film? And where did the American governess disappear to for the rest of the movie? Half the time we don't know who is on who's side, and who is about to betray each other, and...oh why bother! Another scene that had me in stitches was mentioned by another reviewer: the awkward Don dancing scene. It really looked like one of those ballroom scenes from the Muppet Show.
What a mess.