Cast
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Charlton Heston
as Long John Silver
Christian Bale
as Jim Hawkins
Oliver Reed
as Billy Bones
Christopher Lee
as Blind Pew
Richard Johnson
as Squire Trelawney
Julian Glover
as Dr. Livesey
Isla Blair
as Mrs. Hawkins
James Cosmo
as Redruth
Pete Postlethwaite
as George Merry
John Benfield
as Black Dog
Steven Mackintosh
as Dick
Richard Beale
as Mr. Arrow
Clive Wood
as Captain Smollet
Nicholas Amer
as Ben Gunn
James Coyle
as Morgan
Crew
Director
- Fraser Clarke Heston
Writer
- Fraser Clarke Heston
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Treasure Island represents a fascinating example of Adventure/Family/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Fraser Clarke Heston brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1990, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Treasure Island took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 131 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 156 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1990, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- Globalization was accelerating economic and cultural exchange.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Treasure Island shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Romancing the Stone, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Treasure Island subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Goonies and Maverick explore similar territory, Treasure Island stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 22, 1990
- Runtime: 2h 11m
