Review of The Thief of Bagdad (1940) by T.a. P — 16 Aug 2008
This version is superior to Disney's animated Aladdin in almost ever facet, except for the manic Robin Williams voice-acting. More of a showpiece as to special effects and technicolour, the film is highly escapist, delving into the fascination of early 20th Century Western minds with the Middle East and Asia.
The special effects have a quaint realism that is easier to appreciate than the wooden construction of today's blockbusters (Indy IV, for instance), such as the appearance of the 100 foot djinn, the mechanical flying horse, and the magic carpet.
Conrad Veidt, of "The Man Who Laughs" fame, plays Jaffar and has the most interesting performance. The representations of "Orientalism" and the power relations of Ahmad-Abu and Abu-Djinn (who is performed by Rex Ingram, a black actor) recall British and American colonialism to various degrees.
Of note, Michael Powell co-directed the film, dramatizing eyes and their means of looking as a power device that precedes Peeping Tom by a generation.
This review of The Thief of Bagdad (1940) was written by T.a. P on 16 Aug 2008.
The Thief of Bagdad has generally received very positive reviews.
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