![]() ![]() The Right Stuff is really an amazing filmic experience. They all refuse to let the heroism cover the unsavory aspects of a person's life and, simultaneously, they do not let those aspects darken their contribution to mankind. The filmmaker and actors understand that the Space Race was not a simple process they understand that heroes have a dark side. That, in my mind, is a positive rather than a negative. It is very rare that a film this indebted to America and American history can be so ambivalent. Its critical patriotism shows that films can show their love of country without wandering into nationalistic or jingoistic propaganda. ![]() It's rare that a movie creates such an inviting and intriguing world that, after three hours, we still do not want to leave. We are sad when the story ends we want more. The audience comes to know the characters through terrific performances by Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard, and Fred Willard and Kaufman's deft pen (which, no doubt, Wolfe's novel helped guide). At just three hours long, it occasionally feels too short. Why? The Right Stuff is a perfect blend of intelligence and wit and action. and Quills, but The Right Stuff is very much out of their league). An incredibly under-rated director, Philip Kaufman adapted Tom Wolfe's best-selling tale of the Mercury astronauts in 1983 and, since that time, he has been unable to top himself (he came very very close with Unbearable. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |