Film Review: The Edge (1997)

(source:tmdb.org)

Respected and critically acclaimed actors often struggle to draw large crowds to theaters based solely on their name on a film poster. Even Anthony Hopkins, known for his iconic role in The Silence of the Lambs, faced limitations in his career choices. In The Edge, a 1997 adventure film directed by Lee Tamahori, Hopkins finally had the opportunity to prove himself as a capable action star.

In the film, Hopkins portrays Charles Morse, a billionaire who joins his wife Mickey (played by Elle Macpherson) on a photo shoot in Alaska. Despite his wealth, Charles is a reserved man who finds solace in reading and acquiring knowledge. When a plane crash leaves Charles, photographer Robert Green (played by Alec Baldwin), and assistant Stephen (played by Harold Perrineau) stranded in the wilderness, they must fight for survival against a deadly Kodiak bear.

The outdoor adventure theme in The Edge was a departure for playwright David Mamet, known for urban dramas, but he handled it with intelligence and authenticity. Hopkins delivers a strong performance, grounding his character in intelligence rather than physical prowess. Director Lee Tamahori skillfully directs action sequences, and the Canadian locations add to the film's atmosphere. The presence of Bart, a trained bear, adds a menacing element to the story.

Despite some casting missteps, including the lack of chemistry between the leads, The Edge offers solid entertainment and proves that serious actors can excel in action roles. The film provides two hours of engaging storytelling that does not underestimate the audience's intelligence.

Rating: 6/10 (++)

(Original text posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on February 2nd, 2004)

Watch the trailer here