Posted on 10/12/2014 4:23:28 PM PDT by EveningStar
Director William Friedkin couldn't have been on more of a hot streak: "The French Connection," released in 1971, won five Oscars, and "The Exorcist," released in 1973, won two Oscars. In 1977, he released a movie he would later call the best of his career: "Sorcerer."
But "Sorcerer" was a bomb, grossing only $6 million worldwide short of its $21 million budget and receiving tepid initial reviews.
The existential thriller follows four criminals from around the globe as they accept a lucrative but deadly contract to transport gallons of explosive nitroglycerin across a South American jungle. The film is the second adaptation of French novel "Le Salaire de la Peur," which was adapted as "The Wages Of Fear" in 1953.
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I am amazed by this post. At thirteen I was dropped off at the local theater with some friends to see Star Wars... It was SOLD OUT. So, nothing else to do we decided what the hell? Sorcerer was AWESOME. I can STILL remember the scenes like nitro-blasting the 20 foot in diameter fallen tree so the convoy could continue... Building the transport trucks (had to be three to make sure at least one made it)... Knowing that at ANY moment any of the three nitro-carrying trucks could just explode if it hit a pothole to hard! Sorcerer is in my top ten of all time.
Originally Freidkin wanted Steve McQueen in the title and wrote the film with him in mind. McQueen wanted to do it but on the condition that there be a role in for Ali McGraw who he was married to at the time. So no deal.
Also tried to get Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson for the role.
ping
The French Connection? The Exorcist? The Sorcerer? Have never seen any of them.
Star Wars? Saw it in theaters about a dozen times before buying the video. Now own the Blue Ray in a large set.
Movie trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMof5PuQF7w
I read the “Mad Magazine” adaption.
Who needs it! We got WAGES OF FEAR, a much better movie!
Mad Magazine’s movie adaptations were some of the funniest things I’ve ever read.
If you get a chance find and read their ‘Blair Witch’ because it’s hilarious.
Spoiler. AM, can you please delete comment #21?
Ah, “Maigret” was in it.
So ... Hate on the good movie .. cuz you think your’s is better... Class.
I had NO idea it was re-made.
I'll check it out.
But for film buffs, the original will knock your socks off.
It came out in 1953, and yes is B/W, and with subtitles, but you'll enjoy it. Guaranteed.
Looks like the same plot. Men are paid huge wages (as in a years salary) to deliver dynamite to an out of control oil well fire.
OT a bit, but I’m sure you’ve seen ‘Children of Paradise.’ I stumbled upon it totally by accident and it has always stayed with me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfqRRYDLKS8
‘Love is so simple.’ ;)
That’s interesting. I was describing Sorcerer to a younger colleague last week. I don’t recall why it came up either. It is one of the best edge of the seat hair standing on the back of your neck movies ever made. It gave me a new respect for old cases of dynamite!
WAGES OF FEAR, Yves Montand is driving back listening to the radio when....Never mind.
yup...
theme
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haq59LLzUlo
full soundtrack
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg3L56kOe6s
It’s like watching WINCHESTER 73, then comparing it with that awful remake in 1968, or STAGECOACH and comparing it with the horrid remakes in 1966 and 1986.
Yeah, whatever. Methinks your Daddy must have been the grip.
I saw this film when it was first released. It was excellent.
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