Cast
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Matthew McConaughey
as Dirk Pitt
Penélope Cruz
as Dr. Eva Rojas
Steve Zahn
as Al Giordino
Lennie James
as General Zateb Kazim
Lambert Wilson
as Yves Massarde
William H. Macy
as Admiral Jim Sandecker
Rainn Wilson
as Rudi Gunn
Glynn Turman
as Dr. Frank Hopper
Jude Akuwudike
as Imam
Clint Dyer
as Oshodi
Delroy Lindo
as Carl
Robert Cavanah
as Captain Tombs
Paulin Fodouop
as Modibo
Abdul Salis
as Oumar
Maurice Lee
as Zakara
Crew
Director
- Breck Eisner
Producer
- Howard Baldwin
- Karen Elise Baldwin
- Mace Neufeld
- Stephanie Austin
Reviews
Kamurai
Decent watch, might watch again, but can't recommend unless you're running out of things to watch or are an action archaeology fan.
This was a weird attempt created a 2005 version of Indiana Jones, or, since this is in Africa, Alex Quartermaine with Matthew McConaughey, of all people. I'm not aware of Matthew McConaughey or Steve Zahn being big action stars, but they surprisingly manage to handle their own, even if it isn't always believeable. Rainn Wilson and Penelope Cruz get in on the action as well....if that helps.
The premise is a little interesting: they're looking for a U.S. Confederate boat in Africa. Because it's not interesting enough on it's own, Penelope Cruz is a doctor trying to stop a plague coming from a war-torn country. It all feels a like ridiculously improbable things happening in a world that is far too realistic rather than a world created of fiction that houses an incredible story.
The movie is heavy with plot armor, despite any cleverness the characters have.
It's fine to watch, but there has to be something else that you can watch that is likely going to be better.
Jul 25, 2020
GenerationofSwine
Words like "Literary work" and "Clive Cussler" really shouldn't be in the same sentence.
Hey...chill...I love Clive Cussler, I honestly do. In fact I'll put him in the same league as Elmore Leonard and Louis L'Amour and I will put them in the same league as Dumas and Doyle.
They all write pulp fiction, adventure, crime, mystery, horror, whatever, they all fall under the title "pulp" and I can admit that I eat them whole, without swallowing...
...and without the need to call them "Literary" in an effort to save face.
I have the academic degrees somewhere in a box, the intellectual prowess, and a library with enough classics and heady works of history and philosophy to be able to openly display writers like Chris Claremont, Marv Wolfman, and Timothy Zane to not have to call his work "Literature." I will however call it "Adventure" I will call it "Fun" and what should be most important to any writer or film maker..."Entertaining." It doesn't have to follow the book. Jackie Brown was a far cry from Rum punch and they were both a lot of fun to watch and read.
So Sahara isn't like the novel.
It is an Action-Adventure-Comedy. That means it is everything that pulp should be, it is everything that movies should be...
In fact it is the kind of film that the critics would have loved in the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Jan 14, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Sahara examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Breck Eisner 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2005, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Sahara took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $130.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 124 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 66 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1534 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2005, when this film is released:
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Sahara shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Baian the Assassin, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Sahara offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Black Mill and Tomorrow's Dining Table explore similar territory, Sahara 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: April 6, 2005
- Runtime: 2h 4m
- Budget: $130,000,000
- Revenue: $119,269,486
Where to Watch
