I’ve heard quite a bit about this movie -- how it was a project close to Kevin Costner’s heart, the big budget and how it sank at box-office. Anyway, my curiosity was doused finally last night, when I watched it on Star Movies.
The prediction of the ice caps melting due to increase in the average temperature of the earth or the growth of the hole in the Ozone layer, that many scientist make, forms the basis of the plot. In some non-descript time in the future, that prediction has come true. The social changes that have occurred form the basis of the first half of the movie, while action takes over in the second part. I liked the former better -- how humans crave for land, how they make do with whatever they have, how basic things that we have today become very precious, the savage tendencies and yet how some things don’t change. The latter, though good, becomes too unrealistic at times, distracts you and leaves you with an unfulfilled feeling.
But the greatest aspect of the movie is the creation of the times, be it sets, costumes or make-up. Superlative stuff!
Costner does a good job of a grumpy action hero, though he doesn’t display his muscles or abdomen. But his screen image of being a moody person remains. Dennis Hopper is his usual villainous self and almost unrecognizable in his make-up. The formation of Jeanne Tripplehorn’s character is stunted and in the end, you feel like she’s there just to add some skin to an otherwise ’dry’ movie. Tina Majorina as the special kid is delightful. John Newton Howard rises with his background score in several portions.
Costner, as producer and proxy director, bears the cross for the movie’s failure. But the movie is certainly worth watching, for it provokes some relevant thoughts. You only wish it was what it could have been.
PS: I wish I could give the movie a 3.5 star rating!