Archive Analysis: "The Count of Monte Cristo"

The Count of Monte Cristo

Directed by: Kevin Reynolds
Starring: James Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris
Rated: PG-13 for adventure violence/swordplay and some sensuality

Most of the time, classic literature makes bad movies. With only a handful of exceptions, most films simply do not have the time, ability, and form to follow the plot of a book. That may actually be a complement when considering Kevin Reynolds' adaptation of Alexander Dumas' classic The Count of Monte Cristo. While the book is a long, detailed soap opera about the cost of a life built on revenge, Reynolds almost completely breaks continuity with the book and adapts it to a swashbuckling B-film centered around sword play and adventure. While the plot and cinematography still make it a little confusing at times, the witty dialogue and fun action scenes keep the story moving. While Jim Caviezel's is solid as the title character of the story, Guy Pearce's cold and sinister performance gives the film it's life and style. It's a pretty clean PG-13 film overall, and even tries to bring in some Biblical themes, specifically from the late great Richard Harris as an imprisoned priest who points the wronged Edmond to God and away from vengeance (but muddied morality keeps the film from any strong Biblical ties.) While certainly not a classic like Dumas' book and perhaps downplaying his cautionary themes on revenge a little too much, Monte Cristo is still a fun, relatively clean, and enjoyable low-budget film that, at least, is a taste of the excitement and adventure of it's predecessor.