Product: Moby Dick [VHS] (1998)
Rating: 2.0
I'm sure that they meant well...
Gee, it started out so well; this version of Herman Mehlville's classic novel of obsession and revenge begins with an earnestness that suggests it might actually do justice to it's literary inspiration. But unfortunately, that is not to be the case. The inherent problem with bringing Moby Dick to the screen is that the book is such a massive work that combines sea-going adventure and complex characters with an almost textbook discussion of whales and their habits. Whether you've read the book or not, you are probably aware of the story. A young wanderer signs on to a whaling expedition under the command of a legendary captain seeking to avenge his maiming by a a white whale. John Huston made a semi-classic version in 1956 that succeeded far better than this despite one of the few so so performances by Gregory Peck.The problem with this particular production is that it suffers from a bad case of "mini-series syndrome" -- a headline actor, plenty of time to tell the story and a limited budget to work with. Patrick Stewart certainly does his part. As Captain Ahab he displays a range of psychotic emotion that somehow eluded Gregory Peck in the '56 version (one of Peck's few disappointing performances). Ahab is a difficult character to portray without going over the top, but Stewart succeeds, quickly banishing the viewer's expectations to hear him refer to the First Mate Starbuck as "Number One" or issuing an order to "make it so" ala his alter ego Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Stewart's Ahab is as scared psychologicaly as he is physically. But in Stewart's hands you can somewhat understand the sailing and leadership ability of Ahab while bemoaning the course of destruction that he is pursuing.Another actor that stands out is Piripi Waretini in the role of Queequeg. His portrayal is far more enigmatic than the almost cartoonish "savage" portrayed in the earlier movie. But from there the quality of performance by the remaining cast drops precipitously. Henry Thomas is okay as Ishmael, however Ted Levine as the ill-fated Starbuck seems to be acting with his jaw wired shut. Mr. Peck is wasted in the almost cameo role of Father Mapple.Ironically, the seagoing visuals of the older film are far superior to those of this more digitized version. While the whale is more believable, the shipboard storm scenes look like they were filmed at a movie studio theme park, and sadly, they get worse as the film progresses. Was there a problem with the budget?Watch it if you will, there are far worse things to put in your DVD player. And if it stirs your interest sufficently enough to read the book... that is a very good thing!