Max Von Sydow, A Reviewography by 7thson

The Seventh Seal





1957
Written and directed by Ingmar Bergman.
Photographed by Gunnar Fischer
Edited by Lennart Wallen
Music by Sixten Ehrling.
Set design by P. A. Lundgren.


Cast
Antonius Block: Max von Sydow
Jons: Gunnar Bjoernstrand
Jof: Nils Poppe
Mia: Bibi Andersson
Death: Bengt Ekerot
Girl: Gunnel Lindblom

So just randomly picking a film of his I have not seen yet, or if I have I cannot remember it.

Robin Hood

2010





Hopefully I can watch this in the next 2 or 3 days and get a review up.

Robin Hood







2010
Directed by Ridley Scott
Screenplay by Brian Helgeland

Cast:
Russell Crow - Robin Longstride
Cate Blanchette – Marian Locksley
William Hurt – William Marshall
Mark Strong - Sir Godfrey
Danny Huston – King Richard

In the forest no one can hear you screaming because you paid to see this movie. Just kidding, for the most part. I almost went and saw this in the theaters when it first came out but that close-up of Russell Crow looking down an arrow at me was off-putting for some reason and I do like most of his films. I could not honestly remember if I had seen this film before I watched it last night, but it appears as if it was a fresh viewing for me.








I recall having a choice between it and something else, I want to say the Karate Kid Remake but not totally sure. Either way I am happy I did not see it in the theater as it is a fairly mediocre movie imo (Yes I know the Karate Kid remake was not that great either, but hey what can I say?).


It is the story we all know for the most part with a quite few twists and embellishments here and there as most Robin Hood flicks do, but this one kind of goes astray. I do like the premise of the plot, but it never really drew me in and many of the characters just seem like A holes. Sydow (and yes I am biased) does a very decent job as Sir Loxley and I wish he had more screen time in this movie. I love how he plays a blind character but you can still see passion in his eyes as both an actor and the elderly knight.





It was also a pleasure to see Hurt and Sydow in a more modern (filmed) scene together.






I do think the best performance overall in this movie does belong to someone else though. Cate was alright as Marian, but nothing too notable and Oscar Issac does a very nice job as the newly crowned douchy King.





The best though was Mark Strong as Sir Godfrey, if this movie was done with his character’s perspective I think they would have had something here, liberties to history and all. He certainly plays the part perfectly and I almost wish he had played the sheriff.





It did have some nice scenes, but not enough to get me too excited about seeing it again or even having done so in the first place. I may watch this again sometime to give it another chance as I went in not really liking the whole idea of Crowe as Robin.

Voyage of the Dammed
1976
Directed by Stuart Rosenberg





Cast
Faye Dunaway
Max Von Sydow
Lee Grant
Malcolm McDowell
Orson Wells
And many more…


Rosenberg, of Cool Hand Luke fame, directed this film about the very controversial topic of Jewish immigrants seeking a safe Haven in Cuba aboard the MS St. Louis. Based on true, horrible, and momentous events this story is one that many nations (rightfully so in my mind) are very ashamed of. Max Von Sydow plays the ill-informed Captain of the liner that the Jews are using to escape their dilemma. It quickly becomes apparent (if you could not already tell by the film title) those poor souls are being used for nothing more than propaganda and there was never any intention of allowing them any type of refugee status. Although it is historically documented many have never heard of this awful account so I do not want to go into too much detail as to spoil the film. Oddly enough (outside of fellow movie aficionados) when I ask family and friends there are more who have not seen this or even heard of it than there are who have. This is of course my experience and it certainly may differ to other’s. After doing a little research it seems as if this is a story that has been ignored or just thought as something too painful and or embarrassing to talk about.


I know I have seen this movie in the past, but it has been a very long time and I certainly feel that I appreciate and sympathize with the subject matter now more than I ever knew was possible. My wife is Jewish and without trying to compare her struggles with anyone else she does get a lot of hate from people on occasion and especially in the customer service arena in which she works. Many times she has mentioned hateful talk about Jews from people that had no clue she is one. It pisses me off as does this flick, but in a way that educates and makes one reflect and not because of how the film was made.


The tragic footnotes at the end of the film bring home the absolute disregard our fellow humans can have for each other.


As for the acting and the filming I think this is an amazing movie. It draws one in to the plight of the passengers as well as the desire to see the right thing done. There are a few moments that shine and give a little feeling of justice. One of my favorite scenes in when the Captain confronts a Nazi party member played by Helmut Griem. The Nazi does his best to make the passengers feel uncomfortable and Sydow’s character is not having it on his ship.




This was the perfect part for him and he does it very well.


There are definitely other notable scenes:

Lee Grant was nominated for an Academy Award as Sam Wanamaker’s wife and if you have seen the film you know what scene more than likely got her that nod.



McDowell also does an excellent job as the captain’s assistant.




I definitely suggest this movie and wish it got more attention than it has. I cannot say that it stands up to a movie like Cool Hand Luke, but it did make me think quite a bit and there is definitely the advantage of star gazing whilst one watches. The only reason I do not rate it higher is because there are a few wasted roles by some amazing actors.

Oh I just noticed that the whole film is currently available on you tube. Give it a go if you have never seen it.