From Deseret News archives:

Manchurian Candidate, The

Published: Thursday, July 29, 2004 12:19 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Though it's based on the same novel (by Richard Condon) that spawned the classic 1962 black-and-white film, the makers of this new "Manchurian Candidate" might have been better off naming their film something else. Anything else.

Though the the two films do share plot points and characters, they are very different, and this updated adaptation or loose remake or whatever it is, does deserve to be taken on its own merits, rather than being the subject of endless comparisons.

If anything, the new version is in many ways a trickier, more complex psychological thriller. Admittedly, it's not always successful and sometimes seems to lose its focus, but it does have its share of effective moments.

And helping to make it effective is a first-rate cast, led by Denzel Washington, who stars as Maj. Bennett Marco, a U.S. Army veteran haunted by things he witnessed during the Gulf War.

Marco is questioning what was an apparent act of heroism by Raymond Shaw (Liev Schreiber), one of his junior officers, who's gone on to bigger things; he's now a vice presidential candidate. But the deeper Marco digs, the more he's convinced that he and Shaw — and other soldiers — were subjected to mind-control experimentation.

Story continues below
He would like to talk to Shaw to confirm his suspicions, but Shaw's controlling politician mother, Eleanor (Meryl Streep), has no intention of letting anyone near her son, especially not his increasingly paranoid former commanding officer.

Director Jonathan Demme's work on this film is good enough to allow us to forgive him — well, almost — for "The Truth About Charlie," his wretched 2002 remake of "Charade."

There's an almost overwhelming atmosphere of dread hanging over the film. And the effective score (by Rachel Portman and featuring contributions by hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean) only adds to the tension.

As mentioned, the cast is terrific. As Marco, Washington is as forceful as ever — when he needs to be. And while Schreiber's performance might seem a bit bland, that's really the point of his character. But it should come as no surprise that the real scene-stealer here is Streep, who appears to be paying tribute to Angela Lansbury's performance in the original, as well as mimicking Hillary Rodham Clinton. As always, she's very watchable.

"The Manchurian Candidate" is rated R for strong scenes of violence (shootings, strangulation, a drowning, biting and some explosive mayhem), occasional use of strong sexual profanity, gore and some drug content (use of anesthetics and hypodermics). Running time: 130 minutes.


E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Movie Info
Rated R for gore, profanity, drug use.

Cast: Denzel Washington, Liev Schreiber, Meryl Streep
FIND LOCAL MOVIE SHOWTIMES
Image
Ken Regan, Paramount Pictures

Liev Schreiber is a vice presidential candidate in "The Manchurian Candidate."

previousnext

Latest comments

RSL's Rimando makes 3

So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!

mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...

RSL heads to MLS title game

Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...

I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...

RSL heads to MLS title game

financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...

This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...

RSL heads to MLS title game

I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...

BYU happy to escape with victory

What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...

Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...

This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...

Advertisements
Advertisement