I really couldn't see the point of making 'authentic' anything for such a blatantly over-the-top romp-around-the-raiders movie as this. Who but academics and nit-picking pedants would even notice if the longships were replicas? I know I didn't. They were the right shape, and that was enough for me. Besides; who needs accurately detailed vessels when they're sailed by an English-speaking crew with American accents? I mean; come on!
In any case, unlike most other period pieces, there seemed to be a marked lack of 'gravitas' to anchor the story to any serious context. Script was pretty banal, and drama so florid at times as to be almost camp. These were vikings lifted from 'The Eagle' or 'Boys Own' comics. Everything was as straightforward as it could be. They squabbled for power, they squabbled over women. They formed lifelong friendships, and similar enmities. And they partied fit to disturb the neighbours. But who's going to knock on a Viking's door and ask them to keep the noise down? The politicking would have needed to be far more subtle and complex, and the script wiser and witty to raise this effort into the 'serious' movie league.
Kirk Douglas's manic excess was just made for the part, as indeed was Earnest Borgnine's gargoyle face. But fay young Tony Curtis looked as if he was only along for the cruise and the cheque, and even then seemed to have his doubts. Some people don't fit a part no matter how hard they try, and Curtis just does not seem comfortable with this sort of work. Two years later, he looked equally out of depth as Spartacus's sidekick.
What action there is presents a gung-ho fest, particularly the raid upon a castle. It's a chance for every man to blaze a testosterone trail. Erol Flynn, but with a hairier chest and ruder manners. The two leading protagonists finally go head-to-head and boyish looks triumph over grisly resentment.
A lot of energy went into making this movie and it has much to recommend. But for the most part it's hardly serious enough for adults and would better suit kids of about 10-15 years old.
It sure ain't no 'Spartacus' or 'El Cid'.
In any case, unlike most other period pieces, there seemed to be a marked lack of 'gravitas' to anchor the story to any serious context. Script was pretty banal, and drama so florid at times as to be almost camp. These were vikings lifted from 'The Eagle' or 'Boys Own' comics. Everything was as straightforward as it could be. They squabbled for power, they squabbled over women. They formed lifelong friendships, and similar enmities. And they partied fit to disturb the neighbours. But who's going to knock on a Viking's door and ask them to keep the noise down? The politicking would have needed to be far more subtle and complex, and the script wiser and witty to raise this effort into the 'serious' movie league.
Kirk Douglas's manic excess was just made for the part, as indeed was Earnest Borgnine's gargoyle face. But fay young Tony Curtis looked as if he was only along for the cruise and the cheque, and even then seemed to have his doubts. Some people don't fit a part no matter how hard they try, and Curtis just does not seem comfortable with this sort of work. Two years later, he looked equally out of depth as Spartacus's sidekick.
What action there is presents a gung-ho fest, particularly the raid upon a castle. It's a chance for every man to blaze a testosterone trail. Erol Flynn, but with a hairier chest and ruder manners. The two leading protagonists finally go head-to-head and boyish looks triumph over grisly resentment.
A lot of energy went into making this movie and it has much to recommend. But for the most part it's hardly serious enough for adults and would better suit kids of about 10-15 years old.
It sure ain't no 'Spartacus' or 'El Cid'.