Review of The Boys from Brazil (1978) by Jason G — 15 May 2008

Ridiculous but nevertheless interesting premise. Based on the bestselling book by IRA LEVIN... THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL was a better book than film.

THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL was quite possibly one of the first films to take the concept of "Human Cloning" and elevate it from it's "science fiction fare" standard by actually lending the concept some credibility through real science.

This was of course, very innovative for 1978 (although, certainly in the years since '78, we've come to learn much more about cloning so the film might seem far less fantastical since it's release).

Don't worry though... there's still plenty of "Fantastical" to go around...

Clever and creative... THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL fails only in it's anemic casting. Producers must have figured that with screen veterans PECK, OLIVIER and MASON... the film would carry itself well, and certainly, these 3 men hand in terrific roles! PECK is brilliant as Mengele... MASON is a joy to watch as usual... and OLIVIER is... well... OLIVIER! (The accents might be a bit effected, and seemingly forced... but they are at least, consistent!

But having these 3 great actors is not good enough. Especially when the under-performing supporting cast is filled with actors mailing in "made-for-TV" level performances.

Veteran character actor Anne Meara has a small but fairly important role, but is entirely unconvincing and uninspired in it and Jeremy Black who plays the multiple roles of the titular "BOYS FROM BRAZIL" is equally dull, wooden and stilted in each character.

Not to be taken seriously. Still... the subject matter is interesting enough (even if the film is a bit dated) and I suppose BOYS FROM BRAZIL is as much fun as you can have with the 3rd Reich without making a full out comedy.