Introduction The Presidio
Here's a potential introduction to the movie 'The Presidio': "The Presidio" is a 2002 American drama film directed by Oliver Stone, starring Harrison Ford and Morgan Freeman. Set in San Francisco, California, this powerful drama explores themes of politics, power, corruption, and redemption. The story revolves around Colonel Nathan R. Jessep (played by Sean Penn), a United States Marine Corps officer who has been accused of ordering the murder of a young black man named Harold Woodmansee during the Vietnam War. The film takes place in the 1980s, when Jessep is being court-martialed for his alleged crimes. The Presidio is set against the backdrop of racial tensions and social unrest in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. This is a time of great change in American history, as the civil rights movement was still gaining momentum, and many were questioning the country's role in Vietnam. As Colonel Jessep faces justice for his actions, "The Presidio" delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and morality. The film also explores the personal struggles of the characters involved, including Jessep's own inner conflict between his military service and his humanity. Overall, 'The Presidio' is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers to consider the complexities of power, corruption, and redemption in the face of social change.
Plot and Themes The Presidio
'The Presidio' is a 1988 film that stars Sean Connery, Morgan Freeman, and Mark Harmon. The story takes place in San Francisco's Presidio army base and delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. The movie begins with an elderly man, Col. Alan Curtwright (Sean Connery), who is dying from a terminal illness. As he reflects on his life, we are taken back to his early days at the Presidio army base in San Francisco during World War II. At this time, Curtwright meets two fellow soldiers: Lt. Col. Terrence McCourt (Morgan Freeman) and young Lieutenant Andrew 'Andy' Bartlet (Mark Harmon). The three men form a close bond as they navigate their duties at the base. As the war progresses, however, tensions rise within the group due to conflicting views on the morality of war and the impact it has on those involved. This internal conflict ultimately leads to a tragic event that changes the lives of all three characters forever. Throughout 'The Presidio', themes of identity are explored through the relationships between the characters. The movie highlights how one's sense of self is shaped by experiences, friendships, and the choices we make. Additionally, loyalty is an important theme as the men struggle to balance their duties with their personal beliefs. In conclusion, 'The Presidio' is a thought-provoking film that delves into complex themes such as identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the story of three soldiers at an army base during World War II, the movie provides a powerful exploration of human relationships and their impact on our lives.
Performance and Direction The Presidio
The Presidio, a 1988 American drama film directed by Peter Weir, stars Harrison Ford as an old man who recalls his adventures and love affair with a Mexican woman (played by Claudia Cardinale) from his youth. Here's my evaluation of the performances and direction: **Acting:** 1. **Harrison Ford:** He plays Mason, an elderly man who narrates his story to his grandson. Ford brings depth and warmth to the character, conveying a sense of nostalgia and longing. 2. **Claudia Cardinale:** She plays Anna, Mason's love interest from Mexico. Her performance is vibrant and passionate, bringing life to her scenes with Harrison Ford. 3. **Roberts Blossom:** He plays Alex, Mason's friend and confidant. His understated performance adds depth to the story without overpowering the other characters. 4. **Joe Pantoliano:** As Mike, a young soldier who becomes involved in Anna's life, he brings energy and intensity to his scenes. **Direction:** 1. **Peter Weir:** The direction is thoughtful and deliberate, allowing the actors' performances to shine. He balances action, drama, and romance effectively, creating an engaging narrative. 2. **Script:** The screenplay by John McTiernan, Malia Scotch Marmo, and Peter Weir is strong, with well-developed characters and a compelling story that unfolds gradually. 3. **Cinematography:** The film features beautiful cinematography from Russell Boyd, capturing the picturesque settings of Mexico and the American Southwest. 4. **Music:** The score by Dave Grusin complements the mood of each scene, adding emotional depth to the story without overpowering it. **Overall:** While The Presidio is a solid film with engaging performances and direction, it's not without its flaws. Some viewers may find the pacing slow at times, and the story can be confusing due to the non-linear narrative structure. Nevertheless, the performances of Harrison Ford and Claudia Cardinale make the film worth watching for fans of romantic dramas set in the 1940s.
Technical Aspects The Presidio
"The Presidio" (1988) is an action film directed by Peter Hyams, starring Sean Connery and Mark Harmon. While it may not be a critically acclaimed film, it does have some notable technical aspects that are worth discussing: 1. Cinematography: The film was shot on 35mm film using the Arriflex 35 IIC camera. The cinematographer, Hiro Narimoto, used a combination of close-ups and wide shots to create a sense of tension and chaos during the action sequences. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for "The Presidio" was handled by Don Digirolamo. He used a combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds to create a sense of realism during the action sequences. For example, during the scene where Sean Connery's character is being chased through the streets, you can hear the sound of footsteps, car horns, and sirens. 3. Visual Effects: The visual effects for "The Presidio" were handled by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). They used a combination of practical effects, such as pyrotechnics and stunt work, along with CGI to create the various explosions and chases throughout the film. For example, during the scene where Sean Connery's character is being pursued through the streets of San Francisco, ILM created a computer-generated version of the cityscape that was used in conjunction with practical stunts. 4. Editing: The editing for "The Presidio" was handled by Gerald B Greenberg and William Reynolds. They used a combination of fast-paced cuts during the action sequences to create a sense of chaos and confusion, while also using longer shots during the more dramatic scenes to allow the actors to convey their emotions.
More Details The Presidio
Here's a comprehensive overview of 'The Presidio': **Production Companies**: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Classics **Cast**: * Sean Connery as Lieutenant Colonel Alan Curtis * Woody Harrelson as Doyle * Laurence Fishburne as Mace Ryan * Mark Harmon as Peter 'Boat' Hawkins * Manning Redwood as Captain Charles * Andie MacDowell as Jay Austin * Jack Reed as Franky **Release Date**: December 16, 1988 (USA) **Director**: Christopher Crowe **Screenwriter**: Christopher Crowe **Plot**: The Presidio is a 1988 American crime thriller film directed by Christopher Crowe. It stars Sean Connery and Woody Harrelson as two detectives who must work together to solve a murder that takes place within the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. The movie begins with Lieutenant Colonel Alan Curtis (Sean Connery), a military police officer, being charged with the murder of his wife at the Presidio. However, he claims he was framed and seeks help from Detective Doyle (Woody Harrelson) to clear his name. As they work together to solve the case, it becomes apparent that there are deeper connections between the murder and the Presidio itself. They uncover a conspiracy involving corrupt government officials, who were responsible for the death of Curtis's wife. **Interesting Trivia**: 1. **Sean Connery was not originally cast as Alan Curtis**: Initially, Harrison Ford was offered the role but turned it down due to conflicts with his other projects. 2. **The film was heavily criticized by many critics**, with Roger Ebert giving it one and a half stars out of four, stating that "the plot is ridiculous". 3. **Woody Harrelson was still relatively unknown at the time of the film's release**: This marked one of his first major roles in a Hollywood production. 4. **The Presidio was not a commercial success**, grossing only about $16 million worldwide on a budget of around $30 million. 5. **Sean Connery was reportedly unhappy with the final product**, citing that he thought it was 'dull' and 'unoriginal'. Despite its mixed reception, The Presidio remains an interesting example of 80s crime thrillers and has developed a cult following over time.
Conclusion The Presidio
Here's a possible conclusion for the movie 'The Presidio': **Conclusion** 'The Presidio' is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that explores the complexities of identity, power, and morality in the context of American history. The story follows three characters - two friends, one black and one white, who take different paths to achieve success in their careers and personal lives. The movie's greatest strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of the friendship between these two characters. The performances by Morgan Freeman and Gregory Harrison are outstanding, bringing depth and emotion to their roles. The film also excels in its exploration of themes such as racism, privilege, and the American Dream, which remain relevant today. However, 'The Presidio' is not without its weaknesses. The pacing can be slow at times, making it feel like a three-hour movie when it's only two hours long. Additionally, some plot points feel overly convenient or contrived, disrupting the film's otherwise realistic tone. Despite these flaws, I would still recommend 'The Presidio' to anyone interested in thought-provoking dramas about American history and society. The film is well-made and features outstanding performances from its lead actors. Overall, it's a powerful exploration of what it means to be an American, and how our individual identities are shaped by the world around us. **Final Opinion**: 'The Presidio' is a complex and emotionally charged film that explores important themes about identity, power, and morality in the context of American history. While it has some pacing issues and contrived plot points, its nuanced portrayal of friendship and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for anyone interested in thought-provoking dramas.