It
is always a hit or miss affair when a classic novel or story
is made into an epic film. The Count of Monte Cristo is
Alexandre Dumas' classic story of an innocent man who is
wrongly but purposely imprisoned and his plan of revenge
against those who wronged him.
This
is a typical swash-buckling account of betrayal, deception,
love, revenge and justice. The tale begins with the introduction
of the two central characters, young sailor Edmond Dantes
(Jim Caviezel) and his best friend Fernand Mondego (Guy
Pearce). They make for an odd pairing as they are from completely
different social backgrounds and have diverse personalities.
Dantes
is an honest to God hard working man whose plan is to marry
his girlfriend Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk). Mondego, on
the other hand, lives a privileged life and being the son
of a count he wants for nothing. As is always the case,
those who want for nothing want what they cannot have and
Edmond is blissfully unaware that Fernand covets his beautiful
girlfriend.
From the outset it is obvious that rich kid Fernand has
a devious streak and cannot be trusted. Of course poor innocent
(or is it deluded?) Edmond does not see this, which makes
him all the more endearing. Taking full advantage of his
friend's gullible nature, Fernand hatches a plan of deception,
with a view to having the girl for himself. With the help
of his friend Villefont (James Frain), a corrupt magistrate,
Fernand succeeds in having his best friend incarcerated
for a crime he didn't quite commit.
Thrown
into Chateau D'If (the interior of which is Ardmore Studios
here in Ireland), a murky prison built on an island, poor
Edmond is left to die and is soon forgotten by the world.
For a long time he bears his imprisonment well, hoping that
he will be rescued and that justice will be done, his mantra
being 'God will give me justice'.
The years pass by and it dawns on Edmond that maybe God
is busy and unaware of his plight. Becoming bitter and twisted,
it seems that there is no light at the end of the tunnel,
until Abbe Faria (Richard Harris) literally tunnels his
way into Edmonds life.
The
Abbe has been tunnelling to escape Chateau D'If for years,
but miscalculated and took a wrong turn, instead ending
up in Edmond's dank cell. The pair continue to tunnel their
way back into the world they once knew, banging and scraping
beneath the floors of Chateau D'If, making no effort to
hush their voices (it's a wonder the guards never copped).
Tragedy
strikes though, and old man Abbe dies. This would normally
be seen as a massive setback, but it is actually a blessing
in disguise for Edmond. Not only has the Abbe told Edmond
where he has hidden vast treasures but Edmond also makes
good his escape. This may sound very fast paced, but it
all works quite well as it spans a period of thirteen years.
Locked
up for so long the dashing Edmond is washed up on a beach,
looking tanned, albeit quite scraggy. Armed with a massive
fortune (not quite sure how much, but it never runs out),
Edmond buys his way into the lifestyle enjoyed by his former
friend Fernand, who is now Count Mondego. His arrival into
high society is launched by an extravagant party, at which
he arrives in a hot air balloon set against a backdrop of
fireworks. Once ensconced in the world of wealth and privilege
he begins his plan of revenge on those who have wronged
him and in the end, God does give him his justice.
The Count of Monte Cristo (for that is what Edmond calls
himself), is a contemporary take on a classic story. It
is true to the novel and succeeds in capturing the imagination,
as did the novel. It has a first rate cast (keep a future
eye on young Henry Cavill who plays Mondego's son, Albert)
who demonstrate the variety of emotions experienced by each
character.
It's not all hum-drum seriousness though, as there are some
funny moments and witty one liners scattered about. If swash-buckling
period dramas aren't your thing, The Count of Monte Cristo
may well surprise you.
Verdict:
(4 stars out of 5) Wayne Cronin.
In
cinemas nationwide from March 29th.
Cert: PG Running Time: 131 mins.
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