On N List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)


Never Cry Wolf (1983)

Rate: 10
Viewed: 12/24

CryWolf
12/24: If I met Charles Martin Smith one day, I would say, "You appeared in one of the greatest movies ever made."

He might think, "Oh, yeah. American Graffiti?" "No, not that." "Oh, The Untouchables then." "No..." "Hm, which one was it?" The answer is Never Cry Wolf. What a completely forgotten film from 1983 that's brilliantly directed by Carroll Ballard which took two years to make.

Not many motion pictures are as deeply haunting as this one. To depicit the Arctic wilderness, the whole thing was shot on location in Alaska and Yukon and British Columbia, Canada. The cinematography is thoroughly outstanding. What a surprise that Hiro Narita wasn't recognized by the Academy Awards for it.

Based on Farley Mowat's book, the story is powerful without the need to rely on words. It's about nature and adventure in the spirit of The Man Who Would Be King. As a bonus, wolves, caribou, and mice are featured a great deal. Not many would have pulled off an exceptional performance like how Charles Martin Smith did. He's just perfect for the role. There are strong scenes, but the best one is when Charles Martin Smith ran with the caribou which reminded me of the buffalo hunt in Dances With Wolves, having taken a month to film.

All in all, never forget what Brian Dennehy's character said, "And how do you beat boredom, Tyler? Adventure. Adventure, Tyler," and the result is Never Cry Wolf.