Review of Gorillas in the Mist (1988) by Samuel J — 21 Aug 2009

"Shit, shit... I fell in shit!".

Director: Michael Apted.

Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Bryan Brown, Julia Harris, John Omirah Miluwi.

Running time: 124 minutes.

Country: USA.

After seeing the DVD cover of this film, I was expecting a beautiful, heartfelt and inspiring film. Obviously I got that but I was surprised at how emotional it really got. It is filled with courage and bravery. I didn't really know it was a true story until I was watching it. I was absolutely impressed with everything that was done with this film. I became very fascinated with reading about the life of Dian Fossey and reading more into what happened to her.

Sigourney Weaver's performance was absolutely terrific as Dian Fossey because it was so emotional, powerful and very realistic like it really meant something to her. I think it was a rather extraordinary role for Sigourney to be playing because she has played a badass action hero like Ellen Ripley. Sigourney is gorgeous anyway but she was extra beautiful in this one! She actually did look a lot like the real-life Dian Fossey.

Michael Apted did an absolutely fabulous job as director of Gorillas In The Mist. One thing that I think Apted did with this film which not many filmmakers achieve and that is being able to make a bio-pic feel like an epic film. No, it doesn't have artistic production or set in a historical age but it's the feelings of it. The music made me feel like that. It was really well written too.

Overall, Gorillas In The Mist is a really enjoyable film that is brilliantly told. It is filled with beauty, comedy and tragedy. Sigourney Weaver's most touching performance ever but I think her best is still as Ellen Ripley in Aliens and Alien. It is a very depressing story that sends out a powerful message and has made a big difference.