Richard Attenborough plays the martinet RSM in charge, who ultimately defies the mutinous Africans. He is initially depicted as a figure of fun, obsessed with regulations and the army, but when the pressure is on is the only one who really seems to know what to do. Attenborough's performance has been much praised and it is definitely striking - I felt he was over acting at times, but would like to hear from any British army veterans before making that call.
A subject like this is a political minefield, with it's hot topic subjects of imperialism, militarism, race, emerging democracies, etc. You continually look at "what is this film supporting?" Well it is sympathetic to Attenborough, a brave man in a hard position - but he is also a bit of an idiot who is clearly keen for action, perhaps overly so; it mocks the chain smoking naive Robson with her belief that Africans are picked on (and her looks are teased), but she's not dumb and has a reasonable point of view; it is harsh on the rebellious African officer (Earl Cameron) - yet he is allowed to state his case.
On more conventional matters the film works well: it's tense and exciting as most siege stories are, moves at a smooth clip; the story isn't predictable; the acting is fine; John Guillermin's direction tight and skilful. You probably didn't need the Farrow subplot (she has sex with a private, John Leyton), but it does add a dash of youthful glamour. The cast includes John Meillon as an Australian sergeant (called "Aussie") and a pre-throat operation Jack Hawkins.
No comments:
Post a Comment