poewilson
Do you stay faithful to the book or do you adapt a work so that it presents itself as the best film? Always an issue and for this film the adaption kills the work it does not suit the cinema and feels like a plodding piece instead of the insightful tale of humanity that the novella was. The framing of shots is poor and the blurring of the frame to hide the low quality of the special effects should have been better done, I felt like I was seeing a film from the late 30's rather than nearing the sixties. You could place anyone into the role of the old man and come away with a decent performance and Tracey does not give us anything that one may consider amazing.
David Conrad
It's a short story that should be impossible to translate into a visual medium, but surprisingly this quiet drama about an old man talking to himself in a boat works quite well as a movie. This version is moving and thought-provoking in the same ways as the novella. The B-reel of the huge, leaping marlin is real and impressive, and believably integrated with the footage of Spencer Tracy. The story is a great vehicle for Tracy's ability to project restraint and dignity, and his careworn face makes him an ideal choice for the role of the old fisherman even in the absence of any Cuban ancestry. The DVD special features are worth a look, too, as they show author Hemingway observing the production, contributing to it as a technical adviser, and fishing during the shoot.
Armand
the Hemingway novel. as seed for a great film. more than an adaptation, it is a impressive parable about hope, fight, desire and limits. each scene - as perfect circle. the fight against sharks scene - memorable. one of the most powerful roles of Tracy. and beautiful nuances of an extraordinary performance.the beauty of images and precise script are keys of this remarkable movie. a parable - movie because it can be a Christian story about faith and will of God. about ambition and sense of a bitter lesson. about yourself. a fisherman in his boat. a huge fish. and the return to home. all - in powerful light and heavy shadows. parts of a movie about small life things.
Lee Eisenberg
I should first admit that I've never read Ernest Hemingway's novel. My interpretation of John Sturges's adaptation of "The Old Man and the Sea" is that the title character, a Cuban fisherman (Spencer Tracy), is making what appears to be his last attempt at greatness. Teased by everyone for his lack of catch over the past few months, the old man sets out with a well defined goal and does everything that he can to fulfill it. I guess that the movie, released in autumn 1958, also served as a last look at Cuba before the revolution (although a full history of the country requires a much more detailed explanation).Anyway, it's definitely worth seeing.
AD
