Review of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) by John G — 28 Feb 2009
An amazing film that is truly one of the few that I can say makes the original book pale by comparison. The all-star cast is led by James Mason, who provides an AMAZING interpretation of the incredibly complex character of "Captain Nemo".
Paul Lukas' conciliatory portrayal of the French Professor "Pierre Arronax" works well against the over-the-top nature of Kirk Douglas' character of harpoonist "Ned Land". Peter Lorre's performance as Arronax's dour assistant "Cânçèi" transforms an almost forgettable character from the book into a sort of comic foil that helps to keep Mason's obsessive "Nemo", Lukas' fastidious "Arronax", and Douglas' conniving "Land" in check.
The film is also significant in that it features a scene in which Kirk Douglas sings a jaunty sea-chanty.
This review of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) was written by John G on 28 Feb 2009.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea has generally received very positive reviews.
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