jmacd-3

This has been on my watch list for ages. Finally got to see it, my best friend has a beautiful Blu Ray copy that we watched on his gorgeous, enormous TV.

It is an incredible piece of filmmaking. Never has so little movement, such unextraordinary activities been so tense and thrilling to watch!

The story intoduces us to a number of character and establishes all of the background we need to know absolutely expertly. Their individual evolutions through the story are a delight, and really elevate this above the average action, thriller, suspense genre fair.

Friedkin has a way of shooting that makes everything seem natural and real, putting the viewer at ease to the point of forgetting that we are watching a film.

There are a few truly surprising and jarring moments. It's a somewhat dark film, but it's excellent and riveting. The fact that this was not better appreciated when it was released is a great shame, and it is good that Friedkin is now receiving the recognition he deserves.

I happened to come across a VHS copy of this and was surprised to see Alec Guinness on the cover - where did this come from? So, not having read the source novel by Graham Greene, I dove in with almost no knowledge about where it came from or what to expect.

Guinness and his sidekick, Leo McKern, have great chemistry, and it is a delight to join them on their road trip - first a vacation, and then seeingly an escape! They each bring a depth and warmth to their characters. It struck me how much love and care these very different characters have for each other. Seeing this in 2025, where divisions driven by beliefs seems as bad as it ever has been, this is a great story that reminds us that we can disagree, but still respect each other, and even love each other.

Some of the dialogue seems a little stilted, I am assuming they remained pretty true to what was on the page. Sometimes it made me think of it as a stage play. But while this reduces some of the natualism of the piece, it didn't detract from my enjoyment of it at all.

A great drama dealing with a number of ideas and exploring them through the actions of these characters. Guinness's quiet character arc is well worth seeing - if you are a fan, you should not miss this.

Finding it might be a challenge, however!

I just watched a VHS tape of this, and I have to say, it really took me back! Some of it I remembered very well, other parts I'd completely forgotten.

My memories (which may be faulty) are of seeing this on TV, late at night (maybe CIty TV in Toronto?) in the very late 80s or early 90s. Back then, it seemed like a fever dream. As an adolescent, I could hardly believe what I was seeing - a sexualized cartoon! I think I was aware of the magazine, but I didn't know or understand the connection.

I was immediately enamoured with the anthology format and the wild, beautiful animation styles which seemed very new and modern to me. My next memories of seeing this were in the late 90s when, I think, it was re-released (I assume that's where the VHS tape I watched it on came from).

What can I say? Visually it still holds up great. The anthology format works fantastically - if you're not really into what's happening right now, don't worry, there will be something new in a few minutes! Plus there is a big Canada connection here, and it was great to recognize the voices of so many great Canadian voice actors from my youth, as well.

The eroticism seems a little cringey now. That kind of stuff never ages well, I expect. But that was kind of what made Heavy Metal... Heavy Metal.

Great to see this, like revisiting an old friend.