Plot: What’s it about?
Robinson Crusoe (Pierce Brosnan) has loved a beautiful women since they were children, but this romance seems doomed in all respects. She is promised to one of Robinson’s best friends and as he refuses to release her, the friendship has withered & died. In fact, Robinson is soon challenged to a sword duel against his friend, all because of his love for the woman. He agrees with some reluctance, hoping his friend will come his senses, release the woman, and let things go back to normal afterwards. But that is not the case, as his friend attacks with a fierce measure and even after Robinson bests him, he will not yield. As Crusoe walks away, the man makes a mad dash toward his back with sword drawn, so Robinson spins and in self defense, runs the man through and kills him. In order to avoid vengeance from the man’s brothers, Crusoe leaves town and promises to return in a year’s time, to take his love’s hand in marriage. So as he documents the trek of a ship across the sea, he thinks about returning to his bride-to-be, unaware of the tragic turn of events that awaits him…
As Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe is perhaps my favorite novel of all time, I always seek out the filmed adaptations made, though with some reservations. It is hard to imagine being able to capture all of the important moments of the material, as it would mean devoting a massive amount of running time, which films simply can’t offer. But a movie can touch upon the basic themes and bring the writing to life, which is often the best we can expect, especially with such rich, complex material as Robinson Crusoe. This 1996 take on the book makes some changes to the material and leaves a lot out, but it still makes for a good watch, if you’re interested. The main issues are within Crusoe himself, who is presented as more of an action superstar, as opposed to a man who spend most of his time thinking about life & all that comes with it. I know modern audiences need that explosions and such, but it is mostly out of place in this material, at least if the producers want us to believe this is the same Robinson Crusoe. Even so, the visuals are worthwhile and the film isn’t all that bad, so I think a rental is order, just don’t expect a loyal adaptation.
I wouldn’t have chosen him to take on the role, but Pierce Brosnan manages well enough, given the limitations of the adaptation. As I mentioned above, Crusoe is much more active in this version than in the novel and that suits Brosnan well, as he is more of a physical performer, as opposed to internal and more subtle work. His sophisticated, yet rugged looks and persona seem to mesh well with the character, but Brosnan simply cannot fill the massive shoes of this deep role, even when the material is shallowed to make it easier. But for those not interested in the original material or just looking for a way to fill ninety minutes, Brosnan’s turn is solid enough and should please most viewers. Other films with Brosnan include Goldeneye, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Tailor of Panama, The Lawnmower Man, and Dante’s Peak. The cast also includes William Takaku (Tv’s The Violent Earth), Ian Hart (The End of the Affair, Enemy of the State), James Frain (Reindeer Games, Titus), and Polly Walker (Restoration, Enchanted April).
Video: How does it look?
Robinson Crusoe is presented in a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a good, solid visual presentation, but it never rises up to that next level, in terms of performance. The print looks clean enough, with minimal grain and blemishes, but the image remains unremarkable, which is not the best this material can look. The colors and contrast come across as acceptable, but could be tweaked and refined to enhance the image, without a doubt. I think Miramax just rushed this out and didn’t devote many resources to it, which shows and while fans won’t be too disappointed, this could have been a much richer, memorable transfer.
Audio: How does it sound?
As the case with the video, the audio here is adequate and by no means bad, but there is plenty of room for improvement. The included 2.0 surround option has all of the basics in order, but fails to add the needed power in some scenes, such as the more action driven ones and the storm sequence. So yes, this mix sounds good and covers the material most of the time, but I think a new 5.1 remix could have worked wonders. The dialogue is clear and clean at all times, whether as narration or normal vocal work. This disc includes no other audio options, but it does have English subtitles, in case you’ll need them.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes the film’s theatrical trailer.
