Go Back  DVD Talk Forum > Entertainment Discussions > Movie Talk
Reload this Page >

Has anyone seen Friedkin's Sorcerer?

Movie Talk A Discussion area for everything movie related including films In The Theaters

Has anyone seen Friedkin's Sorcerer?

Old 07-23-03, 05:31 PM
  #1  
DVD Talk Special Edition
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Has anyone seen Friedkin's Sorcerer?

I have read that this movie was pretty much the cause of William Friedkin's fall from grace after making The Exorcist & The French Connection.

Can anyone comment as to how good of a film this is and if it is out on dvd?

Thanks!!!
Old 07-23-03, 05:38 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: San Diego
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've seen it. Nothing extraordinary. It's a remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot's "Wages of Fear." 2 stars out of 5, imo. The dvd sucks: full screen, poor audio and video quality.
Old 07-23-03, 05:49 PM
  #3  
DVD Talk Legend
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Times Square
Posts: 12,135
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 2 Posts
I haven't seen this in a long time, but as painkiller said, nothing extraordinary - in fact, rather dreary.
Old 07-23-03, 06:14 PM
  #4  
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: City of Chicago
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I love it, but a great deal of my admiration is focused solely on the movie from the point just before the truck journey begins. (Some of those shots are among the most jaw-dropping I've ever seen - and they're real!) The opening scenes are unfortunately rather ham-fisted, and go on far too long.

Both Sorcerer and Wages of Fear have their strengths and weaknesses. I don't know if I prefer one over the other.
Old 07-23-03, 06:29 PM
  #5  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I enjoy it. And the sound track is great.
Old 07-23-03, 06:45 PM
  #6  
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Hawaii, USA
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I saw this theatrically on release, and I REALLY liked this film. As Audrey mentioned, the soundtrack by Tangerine Dream is great! I'd love to see it again, but refuse to watch the FS DVD. (I own, but have not yet viewed "Wages of Fear" for comparison. )
Old 07-23-03, 07:27 PM
  #7  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Orlando, Fl.
Posts: 766
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm with shill66 on some pionts! Both have thier strength's and weakness'. I will admit I prefer Sorcerer better. Without giving anything away, I think Roy Schieder was a more likable character even though he was a "BadGuy" as opposed to the original guy (Yves Montand) who I just thought he was more of "abuser" who I didn't really like then a "BadGuy." In terms of quality of the DVD. I rented both from Netflix and actually watched Wages Of Fear last night. Both have a lot of scratches and dirt of the film and are full frame editions (RKNDKN might not be watching WOF then..ooops!). True the original was made in 52' but it was put out by the Criterion Collection and I thought it would get a better treatment ( But maybe thats all they had to work with) If you like them get them its not fantastic but ithier slightly better than a VHS version because I doubt it will ever be re-released.
Old 07-23-03, 07:34 PM
  #8  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sorcerer is a favorite of mine, and I'd love to see a new DVD; this one is distinctly mediocre. The reason the movie failed at the box office was a terrible marketing campaign - the trailer led you to believe it was about the supernatural when it really is an adventure movie.
Old 07-23-03, 07:44 PM
  #9  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: A little bit here and a little bit there.
Posts: 2,644
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have. too bad the current dvd is full screen
Old 07-23-03, 08:22 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Largo, Florida
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
One of my favorite films. William Friedkin's style is all over this movie. Dark, gritty, unpretentious, and full of suspense. From the opening minutes, to the classic Friedkin " downbeat/open ended " ending, this movie just does not let up.4 great personalities are created by Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Amidou, and Francisco Rabal in their central roles. You can feel just how desperate and dirty these 4 characters are to escape the hell they call daily life. Tight direction, great script, excellent performances, a couple dynamite action scenes, and a haunting soundtrack. I've never seen the DVD for sale anywhere in my area. Eventhough its in full screen, I would be compelled to buy it on the spot. Grade: A
Old 07-23-03, 08:36 PM
  #11  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: chicago
Posts: 2,647
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
is this a case where the film on the dvd is just un-matted...or does it actually look cropped/panned & scanned?

haven't seen it in a while (the remake), but i always enjoyed it more than the original.
in no way deserves the tomatos slung its way over the years.
Old 07-23-03, 08:45 PM
  #12  
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: City of Chicago
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm pretty sure it was a 1.66:1 film, at least the laserdisc sleeve would have me believe that...
Old 07-23-03, 09:55 PM
  #13  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: San Diego
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by ckolchak
is this a case where the film on the dvd is just un-matted...or does it actually look cropped/panned & scanned?

haven't seen it in a while (the remake), but i always enjoyed it more than the original.
in no way deserves the tomatos slung its way over the years.

I don't know what the original aspect ratio is exactly, and I just don't remember if it looked cropped or un-matted. However, I do remember a few scenes looking awfully crowded.
Old 07-24-03, 12:18 AM
  #14  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: The Appian Way by way of Birmingham, AL
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I've always thought Sorceror to be a really well put together, tough as nails action film with a lot of Friedkin's considerable style layered into it. There are some truly fascinating shots in the film. And the soundtrack is excellent.
Old 07-24-03, 01:14 AM
  #15  
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: on a river in a kayak..where else?
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I personally love this film. saw it in the theater back in the day and many times since. the dvd is crap...but does not make me love the film any less. I own it...I'll keep it. I'll upgrade if ever the chance. I also have a framed poster, original 1 sheet.
Old 07-24-03, 01:51 AM
  #16  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by ckolchak
is this a case where the film on the dvd is just un-matted...or does it actually look cropped/panned & scanned?

haven't seen it in a while (the remake), but i always enjoyed it more than the original.
in no way deserves the tomatos slung its way over the years.
I'm pretty sure it's unmatted, but a digitally remastered ANAMORPHIC 1.66:1 transfer with a Friedkin/Scheider commentary track would be really great!
Old 07-24-03, 10:28 AM
  #17  
Moderator
 
Geofferson's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: The Village Green
Posts: 39,752
Received 90 Likes on 76 Posts
Originally posted by audrey
I enjoy it. And the sound track is great.
YES!

Personally, I love the film. One of the most underrated 70s movies, IMO. The Tangerine Dream score is fantastic!
Old 07-24-03, 11:23 AM
  #18  
DVD Talk Legend
 
Jaymole's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: N.Y, N.Y
Posts: 10,515
Received 441 Likes on 249 Posts
This film will never be released OAR because Friedkin, (unless he has a change of heart), has gone on the record that he prefers it to be seen full screen (he personally supervised it's transfer).

I love this film and I'm able to not let my love for The Wages of Fear influence my opinion. There are 1 or 2 set pieces in this film that are astounding.
Old 07-24-03, 01:24 PM
  #19  
DVD Talk Limited Edition
 
Ginwen's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 7,387
Received 20 Likes on 17 Posts
I've only seen it once, and all I really remember is that it had one of the tensest scenes I've ever seen in a movie (I think involving a bridge).
Old 07-24-03, 03:14 PM
  #20  
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Hawaii, USA
Posts: 3,394
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You guys have made me REALLY want to see it again, even if it is FS.
Old 07-24-03, 03:34 PM
  #21  
DVD Talk Platinum Edition
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,227
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I like Sorcerer. There are a quite few sequences that are worth watching by themselves.

I haven't seen the Clouzot, and I kick myself for that. Every time I'm browsing through some DVD titles, I'm always itching to pick up Wages of Fear. But I never do. Hell, I've made much worse blind purchases.
Old 07-24-03, 05:57 PM
  #22  
DVD Talk Gold Edition
 
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Olympia, WA
Posts: 2,421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally posted by sundog
I'm always itching to pick up Wages of Fear. But I never do. Hell, I've made much worse blind purchases.
And you won't make many better than WAGES!
Old 07-24-03, 09:29 PM
  #23  
Senior Member
 
Bobby Shalom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 855
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Okay, now I gotta weigh in on this.

I like Sorcerer, it's got some good moments in it, but IMO Wages of Fear is a f***in' masterpiece. Any tension in Sorcerer was completely devised by Clouzot in Wages. That was one Frenchy who could direct!
Old 07-24-03, 09:55 PM
  #24  
DVD Talk Special Edition
 
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: City of Chicago
Posts: 1,583
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Any tension in Sorcerer was completely devised by Clouzot in Wages.
Surely some of it would have come from the novel?
Old 07-25-03, 01:36 PM
  #25  
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: "Sitting on a beach, earning 20%"
Posts: 6,154
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
One other reason for the film's failure is the fact that it opened one week after Star Wars. In fact after SW played one week at the Chinese in Hollywood, Sorcerer was the next film. It was a resounding flop and the next week Sorcerer was gone and Star Wars was back for an extended run.

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.