I always knew about the film but never saw it until recently. I know it was kind of Murray's passion project (he Co wrote it) when he was at the peak of his powers following Ghostbusters.

The movie itself is a bit all over the place. At times it's terribly boring (basically the first 20 minutes and then all the parts with The uppity elites from Chicago) and at times it's actually pretty spectacular, especially the Tibet and the brief war scenes. The movie should have been about 70% of that stuff and Murray "finding himself" instead of the social drama.

I also think Murray was badly miscast. At that point in his career he just wasn't ready to lead a big drama like that. I think some of the other cast was bit in over their heads as well.

The story has lots of big screen potential if done right.

This post was edited on 2/20/20 at 10:56 pm

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Posted by madmaxvol

Infinity + 1 Posts

Member since Oct 2011

20885 posts

Posted on 2/21/20 at 8:25 am to Jack Ruby

quote:
I know it was kind of Murray's passion project (he Co wrote it) when he was at the peak of his powers following Ghostbusters.

He may have co-written the screenplay, but the film was based on the novel written by Somerset Maugham in the 1940's. I loved Murray's version, which was the second film adaptation of the book.

IMHO, it is Murray's best work as an actor.

ETA...I love the scene where he breaks out the headlights on the ambulance...

Plus...I love the role Bryan Doyle played..."He will not be missed"...to think, he was later reincarnated into the Mayor of Punxsutawney.

This post was edited on 2/21/20 at 10:33 am

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Posted by Kafka

I am the moral conscience of TD

Member since Jul 2007

150082 posts

Posted on 2/21/20 at 8:47 am to Jack Ruby

quote:
The story has lots of big screen potential if done right

The novel was filmed in 1946, in a far superior version

Those interested in the story should read the book, which is better still

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Posted by OldManRiver

Prairieville, LA

Member since Jan 2005

7160 posts

Posted on 2/21/20 at 9:24 am to Jack Ruby

quote:
I know it was kind of Murray's passion project (he Co wrote it) when he was at the peak of his powers following Ghostbusters.

If Wikipedia is believed, he filmed it before Ghostbusters actually.

quote:
Dan Aykroyd suggested that Murray could appear in Ghostbusters for Columbia Pictures in exchange for the studio's approving to make The Razor's Edge. Murray agreed and a deal was made with Columbia.

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