re:mote voices

Title: Sahara
Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Penélope Cruz, Steve Zahn, Lambert Wilson, Glynn Turman, Delroy Lindo, William H. Macy, Jude Akuwidike
Director: Breck Eisner

Sahara is based on a novel by Clive Cussler, featuring his recurring character Dirk Pitt. Something that suggests that if this film is a success then it will the first in a new franchise.

I have to admit, when I first saw the posters for this film I thought it looked awful. But when I saw the trailers I started to think that it could actually be fun. On seeing it, I can say that it is fun - a big, brash action film. But in some ways it is also more intelligent than I had expected.

In particular the title sequence is a smart piece of work, as it introduces the key characters from the franchise, without having to resort to clumsy filler sequences. Dirk Pitt (McConaughey) and Al Giordino (Zahn) are ex-Navy Seals, who have joined a N.U.M.A. team lead by Admiral Jim Sandecker (Macy), all of which we learn from newspaper cuttings and photographs that are panned over during the title sequence. This sets the characters up nicely as highly trained adventurers, who are particularly qualified for the events make up the film.

The film starts with the idea that during the American Civil war a boat disappeared, through the title sequence we learn that Pitt is particularly interested in this boat, and legends that suggest it ended up in Africa. From there we are introduced to Eva Rojas (Cruz) - a doctor from W.H.O., who makes dangerous enemies as she explores the spread of a new virus. This brings her into contact with Pitt, and before they know it their fates are tied together. Pitt's search for the missing ship goes off the rails as they get into dangerous territory.

One thing that is possibly worthy of note is that the soundtrack is by Clint Mansell. Mansell being an ex-member of Pop Will Eat Itself, as well as having done memorable soundtrack work for Pi and Requiem For A Dream. This is not one of his best soundtracks, but it is curious. Contrasting the interpretations of big action film standards mixed with African themed incidental pieces to go with the mood and location of the film.

McConaughey provides the lead action man hero, with Zahn providing humour as his laconic side-kick, and Cruz the inevitable love interest. Neither the best or worst example of the genre but at least it has some potential.