Great Film: Stargate
One of my Favorite Movies of all Time
I don't understand why this movie is so underrated. I have seen it
multiple
times, and each time I get something new from it. It is a beautiful work
of
art (The Director's Cut is also a must-see, because the added scenes
elaborate on a few confusing plot points) Now, I would just like to take a
moment and talk about the aspects of Stargate that make it an enjoyable,
exciting, riveting, and thought-provoking film.
First of all, David Arnold has to be recognized for his masterful
soundtrack. He should have won some kind of award, like Hans Zimmer won
for
Gladiator. David Arnold combines themes of romance, adventure, and wonder
the likes of which I have never heard. (And believe me, I am an avid fan
of
movie music, especially Sci-Fi) I am even brave enough to say that his
music
in Stargate rivals classic, celebrated soundtracks such as Star Wars (John
Williams) Next time you see the movie, pay as much attention to David
Arnold's music as you pay to the plot. The opening titles themselves are
reason enough to rush to the store immediately and buy the soundtrack. My
favorite sequence of the soundtrack, by the way, is (#21 Myth, Faith, and
Belief) In the movie, this is the scene where Daniel (James Spader) talks
to
Ra (Jaye Davidson) It is the scene right before the one where Daniel is
*almost* forced to kill the soldiers, including Jack O'Neill (Kurt
Russell)
that he arrived with.
Second of all, this is a VERY believable science fiction film. Most films
(like Star Wars, Star Trek, and more) don't have very many ways in which
they can actually tie-in with reality. Stargate is in itself a theory. It
asks: Where did the pyramids come from? How did the Egyptians develop
their
gods, and how were they influenced? The answer given by the film to these
questions is entirely feasible. Even though the gate itself isn't easy to
accept, the underlying theme to the movie is. (pay very very close
attention
to Daniel and the "seminar" he gives about 10 minutes into the movie in
front of other scientists)
Third, and last, I would like to tip the hat to Jaye Davidson's
performance.
His portrayal of Ra is chilling.(although some people don't seem to agree)
Just hearing him speak and seeing his eyes glow sends shivers up my spine.
He makes a perfect villain, and it is truly a shame that he hasn't been in
many other movies.
This movie receives from me an easy 9 out of 10. It would have gotten a 10
if it were not for the horrible lack of character development. Jack
O'Neill
is especially bland, although he does seem to brighten up a little bit in
the last scene.
See the movie! Buy the soundtrack! And I hope you liked my comments!
Cast
- Horus played by Djimon Hounsou
- Kasuf played by Erick Avari
- Lieutenant Kawalsky played by John Diehl
- Freeman played by Christopher John Fields
- Col. Jonathan 'Jack' O'Neil played by Kurt Russell
- General W.O. West played by Leon Rippy
- Dr. Daniel Jackson played by James Spader
