Getting There By Any Means Necessary

"Around the World in Eighty Days"

In the 1950’s theaters across the nation were losing business due to the invention of the television.  Studios wanted something new to compete with this alternative form of media.  Different camera systems were created and the process of using 70mm film stock was then available to filmmakers.  Being able to shoot on 70mm meant directors could get a much bigger, wider, clearer picture projected on screen.  This was to give the audience the impression of being fully immersed in the film.   Around the World in Eighty Days was one of those films that was shot in 70mm and utilized the large format process beautifully.  

In the time of Victorian England members of The Reformers Club propose a wager to one of their own, Phileas Fogg (David Niven.)  The bet is (as the title suggests) that Fogg has eighty days to travel around the world.  Fogg is up for the challenge and brings his newly hired man servant Passepartout (Cantinflas) along for the ride.  The two of them get from place to place by any means necessary whether it is by boat, train, or even hot air balloon.  Each new location brings a different challenge for the pair (actually it’s mostly for Passepartout) from bull fighting in Spain, to rescuing a beautiful princess in India (Shirley MacLaine,) and even fending off an attack by some American Indians.

Around the World in Eighty Days is one of those films that could easy get by on its imagery alone.  There are so many moments throughout this film where you are just in awe of the cinematography.  Just about every shot is vast, sweeping, and layered with depth.  It's plain to see that Director of Photography Lionel Lindon was allowed to take full advantage of the 70mm film stock.  We are thrust in the middle of all the action.  Each sequence proves to be quite an immersing and engrossing experience.

Cantinflas is fantastic as the Passepartout.  He brings a great deal of energy and liveliness in his performance.  Each scene allows him to show off his acrobatic and comedic talents.  Niven too is enjoyable as the straight-man.  Even though he isn't given as much to do as his co-star, Niven still brings a certain magnetism and charm when he's on screen.  We want Fogg to succeed in his adventure and it's amusing to watch his character figure how to overcome each obstacle that stands in his way.  Tons of actors make appearances all over the place.  Red Skelton, Frank Sinatra, and Buster Keaton are just some of the many delightful cameos made throughout the duration of the film. 

Around the World in Eighty Days has a Sunday matinee quality about it.  We get strapped in for an entertaining, adventurous, thrill ride that doesn't let up for three hours.  There are times when we are treated to more spectacle than substance but that doesn't detract from the picture for the most part.  The source material it’s based off of (a novel by Jules Verne) probably had better characterization than what's actually adapted on the screen.  This is a film that should be seen on the big screen in a theater that can handle 70mm to fully appreciate the sheer size and scope of its cinematography.  However if you have a big enough television and a loud enough home theater system than a minute piece of the cinema going experience should be fulfilled.  

While it is disheartening to know that 70mm features don't really exist anymore due primarily to budgetary constraints and the overall effort it takes into projecting a large format film, some filmmakers are given the green light to shoot certain sequences of their films using the process.  Christopher Nolan's upcoming conclusion to his Batman saga is being shot almost entirely in a large format using the IMAX camera system.  It's gratifying to know that some filmmakers still understand the power of putting their films on 70mm.  The studios want to revitalize our movie going experience from time to time and give us a little more bang for our buck.  If you're a fan of cinema and understand what it means to see a large format film or are just looking for a fun, pleasant, and rousing flick then indulge yourself in viewing Around the World in Eighty Days.  You are in for a real cinematic experience that pays off in the biggest way possible.