Posted on 10/12/2014 4:23:28 PM PDT by EveningStar
Director William Friedkin couldn't have been on more of a hot streak: "The French Connection," released in 1971, won five Oscars, and "The Exorcist," released in 1973, won two Oscars. In 1977, he released a movie he would later call the best of his career: "Sorcerer."
But "Sorcerer" was a bomb, grossing only $6 million worldwide — short of its $21 million budget — and receiving tepid initial reviews.
The existential thriller follows four criminals from around the globe as they accept a lucrative but deadly contract to transport gallons of explosive nitroglycerin across a South American jungle. The film is the second adaptation of French novel "Le Salaire de la Peur," which was adapted as "The Wages Of Fear" in 1953.
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Never heard of this, but will have a look.
Watched this when it was released. Even after watching Star Wars a few weeks later this film stuck with me. It was riveting. Must revisit.
Funny, as soon as I saw the Tangerine Dream post I thought of that image.
Saw this right after it was released. Riveting film. Must see again.
I never saw this movie but immediately thought of that episode, which mirrored exactly the idea of transporting nitroglycerin over rough roads for high pay.
I have never been so scared (scarred?) from Little House on the Prairie.
Only a critic would think that the 70s was the golden Age of Film. Probably few eras have more nihilistic crap per capita. I’d basically quit going to movies because I was tired of fighting thoughts of suicide. Star Wars brought back fun in movies. That, of course, pissed off the critics 905% of whom seem to think that only an obtuse and depressing movie is good.
Just bought it and watched it this week. The bridge scene is one of the most amazing things I’ve seen on film. The whole movie was incredible.
Friedkin is right. This was his masterwork.
Thank you for posting this thread and introducing me to “Sorcerer”. I haven’t enjoyed a film this much in years.
I worked in a theater where it played. We gave a bunch of refunds to people who came expecting a horror movie. Marketing it solely as the new movie from the director of “The Exorcist” and featuring the star of “Jaws” was not a bright idea.
Friedkin says, in retrospect, the title was a big mistake and played a big role in its failure. Have to agree. One of the reasons I missed the film all these years is I’d never have any interest in watching a movie about wizards and sorcery. As soon as I found out what it was actually about, I couldn’t buy it and watch it quickly enough.
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