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Revolver (1973)
Rate:
4
Viewed:
3/25
3/25:
A sensible script is essential in the creation of a successful film, but that's not the case for Revolver.
I don't know if there's a mistranslation, causing a disconnect with me. Either the writers were bad,
they didn't understand English well enough, or their words got away during the strange dubbing. Another
mistake is taking a trip to the Alps that serves no purpose. The plot makes zero sense, involving a rock star in
the kidnapping plot.
Having Oliver Reed on board goes a long way. He's right for the role. Unfortunately, his performance is
ultimately reduced to one-note due to the same type of line he keeps saying over and over. I attribute
this to bad direction or lack of imagination. It's particularly the reason that can make a huge difference in
some films Oliver Reed starred in such as Paranoiac,
The Hunting Party, and The Brood.
As for the supporting cast, it's full of amateurs. I'm not familiar with Fabio Testi;
obviously, he can't act. Ditto for Agostina Belli and Daniel Beretta. Because of his looks, the latter could've
played Jesus Christ at some point in his career. Interestingly, he used to dub Arnold Schwarzenegger in French
in every film for nearly three decades. Frédéric de Pasquale is a familiar face from
The French Connection by playing an actor with the
clout to have the dirty car transported on boat from France to New York City.
The cinematography is Revolver's strongest asset as it's stunning in parts. At first, I thought Henri Decaë
might have done the work, but it turned out to be Aldo Scavarda. To my surprise, he's a nobody with a scant
résumé with the exception of L'Avventura. Strangely, it's the final picture of his career when he
could've done more and more.
All in all, too long by at least thirty minutes, Revolver is lost in translation.