There are some very recognizable names and faces appearing here, and others involved boast some noteworthy credits. As the picture was filmed in Namibia we're treated to some truly beautiful sights, and from the start I appreciate the tasteful score of Brian May. (No, not that Brian May, the other one.) By 1987 the world was already full of post-apocalyptic action-adventure titles, but all the same I admire the contributions of those behind the costume design, production design, art direction, and props and weapons. The flick notably kicks off with an action scene, and this, and those to follow, all look rather excellent to these eyes, with swell fight choreography, stunts, and effects. The story of screenwriter Doug Lefler plays in a familiar space, and likewise the characterizations, but this is just fine; some instances of dialogue raise a quizzical eyebrow, but other examples are delightful; the scene writing is suitable, and reasonably varied. All told the writing isn't specifically remarkable, but it ably gets the job done with an aptly compelling, enjoyable saga. Furthermore, very honestly, the cast give capable performances - reserved, and nuanced, and definitely more carefully considered than what we get in most comparable fare.
'Steel dawn' is hardly a must-see classic, a revelation of the genre, but I find it earnest and perfectly solid. At first blush it seems distinctly direct and forthright given the scenes to greet us in the first ten minutes, yet between Lefler's script and more so the smart direction of filmmaker Lance Hool, that is far from the overall tenor the feature adopts. On the contrary: the approach is generally soft and thoughtful, nearly portending drama rather than action, right up until it's time for that action to kick in. This tack is well removed from the norm of most any frame of reference; more usual is for movies to throw violence at us willy-nilly, with any narrative context for it being a secondary consideration. The result, here, is not something that leaps out and grabs our attention, and it may not stand in the annals of cinema as an exemplar, yet I for one heartily welcome an action-adventure film that demonstrates patience, deliberation, and a mind for allowing the action to serve the plot and not vice versa. Such works are decidedly uncommon amidst the MCUs, 'Mission: Impossibles,' and 'Mad Maxes' in the world, and I'm very pleased with how surprisingly good this is all told. Dare I even say - I think this is kind of great!
The action sequences really are fantastic; they keep their head on their shoulders instead of aiming for wholesale bombast, and I firmly believe that works in the picture's favor. I mean it when I speak well of the acting: it's not that anyone was going to win awards with their portrayals, but from one to the next every player on hand carries themselves with range, personality, presence, and even tinges of subtlety that echo the overarching tone of intelligence and restraint. My commendations to Patrick Swayze, his widow Lisa Niemi, Anthony Zerbe, Christopher Neame, Brion James, and those in still smaller supporting parts - I did not expect this from a second-tier 80s genre romp. There are even some shrewd touches in the lighting, and George Tirl's cinematography. And while I'm inclined to think Hool's direction is the chief factor behind the more sober and judicious nature of the production, kudos surely do belong after all to scribe Lefler for a prudent, more serious-minded screenplay in which that nature could flourish. Truthfully, I don't know that I could even identify any particular flaw with this title. It's no stellar masterpiece, but it's far, far better in every capacity than I ever might have guessed sights unseen. That means something.
It won't appeal to all comers. It's unlikely to ever make a list of top favorites, let alone "best of" lists. I fully understand that what I consider to be a core strength, that low-key tenor and supreme mindfulness, could be exactly what turns off other viewers from the sum total. Yet in every regard I'm so happy with the skill and care reflected in 'Steel dawn,' and as far as I'm concerned it deserves much more recognition. So long as you're receptive to action-adventure of the sort that declines utmost zip and zest this is well worth checking out, and I'm glad to give 'Steel dawn' my very high and hearty recommendation.
'Steel dawn' is hardly a must-see classic, a revelation of the genre, but I find it earnest and perfectly solid. At first blush it seems distinctly direct and forthright given the scenes to greet us in the first ten minutes, yet between Lefler's script and more so the smart direction of filmmaker Lance Hool, that is far from the overall tenor the feature adopts. On the contrary: the approach is generally soft and thoughtful, nearly portending drama rather than action, right up until it's time for that action to kick in. This tack is well removed from the norm of most any frame of reference; more usual is for movies to throw violence at us willy-nilly, with any narrative context for it being a secondary consideration. The result, here, is not something that leaps out and grabs our attention, and it may not stand in the annals of cinema as an exemplar, yet I for one heartily welcome an action-adventure film that demonstrates patience, deliberation, and a mind for allowing the action to serve the plot and not vice versa. Such works are decidedly uncommon amidst the MCUs, 'Mission: Impossibles,' and 'Mad Maxes' in the world, and I'm very pleased with how surprisingly good this is all told. Dare I even say - I think this is kind of great!
The action sequences really are fantastic; they keep their head on their shoulders instead of aiming for wholesale bombast, and I firmly believe that works in the picture's favor. I mean it when I speak well of the acting: it's not that anyone was going to win awards with their portrayals, but from one to the next every player on hand carries themselves with range, personality, presence, and even tinges of subtlety that echo the overarching tone of intelligence and restraint. My commendations to Patrick Swayze, his widow Lisa Niemi, Anthony Zerbe, Christopher Neame, Brion James, and those in still smaller supporting parts - I did not expect this from a second-tier 80s genre romp. There are even some shrewd touches in the lighting, and George Tirl's cinematography. And while I'm inclined to think Hool's direction is the chief factor behind the more sober and judicious nature of the production, kudos surely do belong after all to scribe Lefler for a prudent, more serious-minded screenplay in which that nature could flourish. Truthfully, I don't know that I could even identify any particular flaw with this title. It's no stellar masterpiece, but it's far, far better in every capacity than I ever might have guessed sights unseen. That means something.
It won't appeal to all comers. It's unlikely to ever make a list of top favorites, let alone "best of" lists. I fully understand that what I consider to be a core strength, that low-key tenor and supreme mindfulness, could be exactly what turns off other viewers from the sum total. Yet in every regard I'm so happy with the skill and care reflected in 'Steel dawn,' and as far as I'm concerned it deserves much more recognition. So long as you're receptive to action-adventure of the sort that declines utmost zip and zest this is well worth checking out, and I'm glad to give 'Steel dawn' my very high and hearty recommendation.