A Recreation, Not A Drama

Rating: 6/10 (8 November 2003)

"A Bridge Too Far" tries to follow in the footsteps of the other film based on a Cornelius Ryan book "The Longest Day" by relying upon a passel of international movie stars.
But the secret of "TLD" is that it succeeds for a different reason-namely the incredible atmosphere created by both black-and-white cinematography and the unusual technique of having multiple directors. "ABTF", unfortunately, lacks any sense of atmosphere at all, and consequently winds up as a series of vignettes in search of a soul.
There are some highlights from the cast, however; specifically Edward Fox as Lt. Gen. Brian Horrocks, who positively brims with conviction; and Anthony Hopkins' beautifully understated performance of Lt. Col. John Frost, which really anchors the film once we reach Arnhem.
But there are some equally dreadful lowlights as well; Ryan O'Neal is unbearable as Jim Gavin in a portrayal that manages to reduce one of the most enigmatic soldiers in American history to a whiner you want to slap every time you see him. And Elliot Gould is simply ridiculous.
The battle scenes, while containing a great deal of authentic equipment (though no one ever gets German tanks to look right), feel merely like a bunch of reenactors getting together for a weekend of fun. The whole movie tries to give the impression of sincerity but has the quality of a history lesson without any heart whatsoever; and that is the worst way of all to experience history.