OLD MOVIES: “The Old Man and the Sea.” / “The Wicker Man.”

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“The Old Man and the Sea” (1990, Tubi) American-British adventure drama TV film, based on the 1952 novella of the same name by Ernest Hemingway. 



       It tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman, who alone in his small boat faces the most difficult fight of his life against an enormous marlin. At the beginning of the short novel, Santiago has lost his fisherman's luck; he has gone eighty-four days without catching a marketable fish.

       This TV movie was nominated for three Emmys, including for sound editing--which was pretty much Anthony Quinn's “battle scenes” with the marlin out in the sea. And this is an Anthony Quinn movie. 🎥💻📽


“The Wicker Man” (1973, Pluto TV) British folk horror film. Inspired by David Pinner's 1967 novel “Ritual,” the plot centers on the visit of a police officer to the isolated Scottish island of Summerisle in search of a missing girl. A devout Christian, the copper is appalled to find that the inhabitants of the island have abandoned Christianity and now practise a form of Celtic paganism.




       There was a 2006 remake (that I first saw before this), directed by Neil LaBute and starring Nicolas Cage. Yes, my idol Nic! Mr Cage is Sgt. Neil Howie, played by Edward Woodward in the 1973 movie, which was directed by Robin Hardy.

       The plot is definitely interesting but both movies didn't really grab me. The original had more palpable intrigue, better-written script, + Britt Ekland's naked dance routine (but alas! it was a body-double, damn.)

       Mr Woodward's performance was better than Nic but it doesn't really matter. Though I'd like to see a second remake and hope it is better. 🎥💻📽


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