Cast
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Crew
Director
- Michael Anderson
Producer
- John Davis
Reviews
CinemaSerf
After what seems like an age of prologue material, "Prof. Aronnax" (Richard Crenna) and his daughter "Sophie" (Julie Cox) finally set sail on the USS "Abraham Lincoln" under the command of "Capt. Farragut" (Jeff Harding) in search of a sea monster that has been marauding the South Seas terrorising the shipping. Luckily they have harpoon man "Ned Land" (Paul Gross) on board, so catching and killing this beast ought to be a synch. Well, the animal duly arrives and next thing, the threesome find themselves guests of the enigmatic "Capt. Nemo" (Ben Cross) who has a serious axe to grind with those on the surface. This smacks of a pilot episode to a television series. It takes far too long with character establishment then relies almost entirely on the underwater visual effects to tell a story that is really bereft of decent acting and writing skills. Jules Verne wrote a great story that offers loads to a film-maker, but Michael Anderson seems content to leave us with this lacklustre sequence of pretty predictable, lame even, adventures and there is even room for a little love triangle between the captain, the harpoonist and the daughter (who reminded me of Sheena Easton) who is fed up having to compromise as a woman in a man's world. Nothing at all memorable here, Cross is shockingly wooden and if this is the story for you, then the 1954 Disney version and the 1916 silent ones are far, far better.
Nov 28, 2022
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Adventure/Action/Science Fiction/TV Movie film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Michael Anderson 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 1997, 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 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea took approximately 24 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1547 individual shots.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and The Man with the Golden Gun explore similar territory, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 23, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 35m
Where to Watch
