1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992)

Simply A Masterpiece

Sadly Over-hyped

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable movie. There are many coming out today that capture me and hold my complete attention for two hours. But, this one does. It is most importantly punctuated by excellent acting by an all-star cast. What disappointed me about the film was its liberties with history. The film does not capture just how close the crew of the Pinta came to mutiny. It was a far more dangerous moment than the film gives it credit. Second, is the Island of San Salvador. The San Salvador of the film is a myth. It is a typical small (60 miles circumference) with the standard Bahamian out island vegetation of scrub brush and small trees that have been the indigenous flora for millions of years. Instead, in the film, Columbus discovers a tropical jungle with semi-friendly natives and an "Eden" on Earth. There is also no source of potable water on San Salvador, so there is no chance of a human population on the island. Plus, the explorers were seen dodging giant tree snakes, when there have never been any snake species in the Bahamian chain. The island of "San Salvador" is more like the real densely tropical islands of the Caribbean hundreds of miles to the South,, which Columbus did later explore. Accept the film for what it is - an adventure tale with intrigue and back-stabbing- told around certain historical events and the film becomes a fine entertainment vehicle. Not to mention that Ridley Scott's fingerprints are all over the script and ensures a story well-told.

its virtue is not to be an impressive historical movie or a great show. but demonstration of high level work of a really ambitious/dedicated team. the direction, the music, the acting, the images, the script are a homage and a beautiful demonstration of talent and translation of essence of a period. a film about Columbus who is more than a way to remind a moment but who desires defines the roots of period. it is not perfect and that fact does it ideal prey for critics who defines it as too expensive effort for a not deep convincing result. but it is only pure show. not entertainment in basic definition, not a precise documentary but proof of a great embroidery from an unique artistic circle. that fact does it more than film of a moment. but an adventure for each viewer. so, a pure show.

Christopher Columbus (Gérard Depardieu) as an idealist, visionary, and ultimately a tragic figure, that's the idea behind director Ridley Scott's version. He takes Columbus from when the Muslims are conquered in Spain to when the natives are being conquered.It's a grand vision. The places are big and well shot. Ridley Scott has the skills to shoot this. I can only recommend this for its beautiful grandeur.While Armand Assante is interesting as Sanchez, Signourney Weaver just isn't regal enough in the role of Queen Isabella I. I would hope that she bring something more substantial to the role. But the worst has to be Gérard Depardieu himself. His accent really drains any drama from the movie. Most of the time, I would be lucky to just understand what he's saying. But the flat tone really prevents him from projecting a wider range of emotions. It really takes the tension out of the movie.There are some memorable moments in the movie. The most fascinating is meeting the natives. However it's mostly due to the look rather than anything inspired. The new world scenes are worth checking this movie out.

1992 marked the 500th anniversary of the 'discovery' of the Americas. It meant there were a plethora of documentaries and articles on Columbus. Some were critical, he discovered a continent that had 1 million people living there, might had been discovered by others before and he found the wrong place as he thought it was India. Ultimately many of the original inhabitants suffered from his intervention.1492 from Ridley Scott tries to makes sense of this contradictions. It is a gloriously flawed film, great art direction, production and music. A multi national cast with Depardieu speaking his lines with a heavy French accent but bringing presence. Scott scored with his supporting cast of villains, all of them hiss-able as vipers on the head of Medusa. You know early on things are going to turn ugly for the native Americans.Scott likes his history and admires Islamic history and you see early on when it comes to Reconquista when Moorish structure are destroyed and lost forever that the Spanish aristocrats are not appreciative of the arts and noble causes but only care about the monarchy, church and gold.Columbus is painted as a romantic adventurer, maybe misguided even naive. Depardieu cannot quiet hold the film together, frankly his English is not good enough. Its still a bold attempt at filmaking but we lack the real, more complex and the more greedy Columbus.