Film Review: The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

7 months ago

(source: tmdb.org)

Hollywood’s adaptations of classic literature, especially in last few decades, leave much to be desired. That includes even the popular novels of adventure genre that are supposed to be the most filmable. And one of the most popular was The Count of Monte Cristo, 1844 novel by French writer Alexandre Dumas, which had served as basis for countless films in various countries since the very beginnings of cinema. Its latest Hollywood adaptation was 2002 eponymous film directed by Kevin Reynolds.

The plot begins in 1815 Marseille where future appears to be very bright for Edmond Dàntes (played by Jim Caviezel), young second mate at French merchant vessel. Deeply impressed with the skills exhibited while replacing mortally ill captain, the ship’s owner wants to reward him with captaincy and hand of his beautiful daughter Mercédès (played by Dagmara Dominczyk). Edmond’s best friend Fernand Mondego (played by Guy Pearce), however, lusts over Mercédès, while the ship’s first mate Danglars (played by Albie Woodington) is bitter over not being promoted. Their interests align with Villefort (played by James Frain), city’s chief magistrate who wants to hide his family’s connections with Napoleon (played by Alex Norton), exiled French emperor, whom Dàntes had met during his last voyage via Elba. Dàntes is arrested in thrown into notorious prison fort Chateau d’If, where he would become target of sadistic tortures by warden Armand Dorléac (played by Michael Wincott). The only thing that keeps Dàntes alive is desire for vengeance, but everything changes when other Abbé Faria (played by Richard Harris), another prisoner digs tunnel to his cell while attempting to escape. Two men become friends and Faria teaches to read and write, martial arts and the location of great treasure hidden at small island of Monte Cristo. When Faria dies, Dàntes uses this as an opportunity to escape. He befriends a smuggler named Jacopo (played by Luis Guzman) and with his help he finds treasure. He uses it to build power and influence under pseudonym “Count of Monte Cristo” and prepares elaborate revenge against trio that wronged him, including Mondego who became Mercédès’ husband.

Kevin Reynolds is director best known for his collaborations with Kevin Costner, which weren’t always fortunate, like in the case of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves or Waterworld weren’t the most fortunate. Here he didn’t have to worry about Costner’s ego and, as a result, he did solid job. Some of the credit for that should also go to Jay Wolpert, screenwriter who managed to compress content of 1000 pages long novel into two and half hours of running time. Wolpert on occasion strayed from Dumas’ text, not always with the best results, and one of such examples includes Dàntes being initially illiterate, which makes him not the best material for ship’s captain. Impression is, however, improved by solid acting and satisfactory reconstruction of early 19th Century Europe. Jim Caviezel might not be the best choice for protagonist, just like Pearce doesn’t seem that effective as chief villain. On the other hand, supporting cast is very good, especially Richard Harris in one of his last roles. Count of Monte Cristo also features fencing scenes that seem unusually realistic due to not being influenced by Hong Kong martial arts films which were fashionable in early 21st Century. Although inferior to 1975 television film starring Richard Chamberlain, this adaptation of popular novel shows that Hollywood can still adapt classic literature in satisfactory manner.

RATING: 5/10 (++)