Product: Von Richthofen & Brown (2007)
Rating: 3.0
Dogfights-great!;Story -eh
Here we have a curious chance to compare the results of the question "How would 2 director's use the same material in different films?" The films are"Richthofen and Brown" and the yardstick for WW1 air films," the Blue Max". Both films use the same aircraft, costumes and many of the same set pieces. Interestingly, neither is particularly accurate to it's source material. Both are quite enjoyable for the aviation buff.What I find most interesting is that the 'lesser' film has far better aerial sequences. Roger Corman seems to be more much aware of the aircraft than John Guillerman, who spends far too much time focusing on the Tiger moths. Corman hardly shows them at all, and then only in group shots where he needs numbers.Generally, he keeps his camera on the Fokkers and Pfalz.Historically, the film is almost a joke; it almost seems like each side has only 1 squadron. And while I admire John Philip Law greatly as an actor( he is without a doubt the best Sinbad) he looks about as much like von Richthofen as he does Mata Hari; von Richthofen was 5'5' and blonde, whereas Law is over 6'3 and brown haired.Still, I have to say that I enjoy this film. Perhaps if I turn down the sound when they're speaking...