Quest for Fire

Amazon.com

Quest for Fire is so detailed in its depiction of prehistoric man that it might have been made by time-traveling filmmakers. Instead it's a bold and timeless experiment by visionary director Jean-Jacques Annaud (The Bear), inviting scientific debate while presenting a fascinating, imaginary glimpse of humankind some 80,000 years ago. Using diverse locations in Kenya, Scotland, and Canada, Annaud tells the purely visual story of five tribes (some more advanced than others) who depend on fire for survival. They "steal" fire from nature, but the actual creation of fire remains elusive, lending profound mystery and majesty to the film's climactic, real-time display of fire-making ingenuity. Employing primitive language created by novelist Anthony Burgess and body language choreographed by anthropologist Desmond Morris, a unique ensemble of actors push the envelope of their profession, succeeding where they easily could've failed. They're carnal, violent, funny, curious, and intelligent; through them, and through the eons, we can recognize ourselves. --Jeff Shannon

Description

A colossal adventure odyssey that turns back the hands of time to the very beginning of man's existence. 80,000 years ago, when man roamed the earth, he was exposed to the many harsh elements of nature. Against the perilous atmosphere of rugged terrain, rival tribes and savage beasts, Quest for Fire examines a peaceful tribe's search for that all important element fire, and the knowledge to create it. Focusing on human dream as well as realistic insights into pre-historic man, the constant struggle for survival is vividly recreated in this sensational production.

Customer Reviews:

Quest for fire DVD.......2007-09-15

Not only do I really like this movie, I was also impressed in the way I received it. Arrived within 3-4 days after ordering it, and was in "brand new" condition!

Intriguing and disturbing fact : the dawn of fire!.......2007-09-04

Quest for fire represnts possibly the best achievement in the cinema story in what concerns to the nothing easy treatment around this passionate and engaging issue.

The fire was a symbol of mysterious, defense against the weather and wild animals, but above all, its possession conferred power.

A peaceful tribe who lives in a cavern, is suddenly attacked by wolves, and in the middle of this struggling and bloody contend, the fire extinguishes. So four men deide to seek it again. But along this journey many unexpected events will happen to them.

The film is formidably made, with tender moments, humor, exploring unsaid insights of the human nature by then, the discover of its creation, combats against humans and beasts wil conform an alluring masterwork that counted with the advise of Desmond Morris in the body language and Anthony Burguess.

Jean Jacques Anaud proved to be one of the most prolific French filmmakers of his generation in this unforgettable epic that was filmed in Canada, Scotland Kenya and Iceland.

This work is included among my top two hundred cult movies ever made.

Silence is Golden!.......2007-09-02

Modern day silent film that shows/proves at times dialogue is unnecessary. Hypnotic at times!

Quest For Fire.......2007-08-06

I've always loved this movie, is more than "Fire" seeking that this movie is about. Is about seeking and finding "Knowledge, Wisdom, Mastery, Proficiency, Awareness, Experience". I could go on and on. The Fire represents evolution of many things. The acting is awesome and so unique. Anyone in the world can watch this movie and 'understand it', because it does not need translation. What was the best thing was that I bought it 'used' and it was brand new!! Great deal, it arrived quickly. Loved it!:)

Quest for Fire.......2007-07-09

Adapted from a novel by J.H. Rosny Sr., "Quest" is a credible and riveting what-if look at the life ways of early humans. Intent on verisimilitude, the producers enlisted novelist Anthony Burgess to create a primitive language spoken by the actors, while zoologist Desmond Morris (author of "The Naked Ape") was asked to choreograph their body movements. Depicted by Annaud as aggressive and carnal, the Ulams also come across with a certain poignancy, as curious creatures amazed and delighted by the appearance of a flame. Shot at remote locations in Scotland, Kenya, Iceland, and Canada, "Quest" is not a glorified National Geographic re-enactment--it's a compelling drama about fear and survival at the dawn of man.

Average customer rating:

unique combination

Planet of the Apes / Quest for Fire
Starring: Everett McGill , Ron Perlman , Nicholas Kadi , Rae Dawn Chong , and Gary Schwartz
Director: Jean-Jacques Annaud , and Tim Burton
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000KGGIXM
Release Date: 2006-12-05

Amazon.com

Planet of the Apes: Billed as a "reimagining" of the original 1968 film, Tim Burton's extraordinary Planet of the Apes constantly borders on greatness, adhering to the spirit of Pierre Boulle's original novel while exploring fresh and inventive ideas and paying honorable tribute to the '68 sci-fi classic. Burton's gifts for eccentric inspiration and visual ingenuity make this a movie that's as entertaining as it is provocative, beginning with Rick Baker's best-ever ape makeup (hand that man an Oscar®!), and continuing through the surprisingly nuanced performances and breathtaking production design. Add to all this an intelligent screenplay that turns Boulle's speculative reversal--the dominance of apes over humans--into a provocative study of civil rights and civil war. The film finally goes too far with a woefully misguided ending that pays weak homage to the original, but everything preceding that misfire is astonishingly right.

While attempting the space-pod retrieval of a chimpanzee test pilot, Major Leo Davidson (Mark Wahlberg) enters a magnetic storm that propels him into the distant future, where he crash-lands on the ape-ruled planet. Among the primitively civilized apes, treatment of enslaved humans is a divisive issue: senator's daughter Ari (Helena Bonham Carter) advocates equality while the ruthless General Thade (Tim Roth) promotes extermination. While Davidson ignites a human rebellion, this conflict is explored with admirable depth and emotion, and sharp dialogue allows Burton's exceptional cast to bring remarkable expressiveness to their embattled ape characters, most notably in the comic relief of orangutan slave trader Limbo (played to perfection by Paul Giamatti). Classic lines from the original film are cleverly reversed (including an unbilled cameo for Charlton Heston, in ape regalia as Thade's dying father), and while this tale of interspecies warfare leads to an ironic conclusion that's not altogether satisfying, it still bears the ripe fruit of a timeless what-if idea. --Jeff Shannon

Quest for Fire: Quest for Fire is so detailed in its depiction of prehistoric man that it might have been made by time-traveling filmmakers. Instead it's a bold and timeless experiment by visionary director Jean-Jacques Annaud (The Bear), inviting scientific debate while presenting a fascinating, imaginary glimpse of humankind some 80,000 years ago. Using diverse locations in Kenya, Scotland, and Canada, Annaud tells the purely visual story of five tribes (some more advanced than others) who depend on fire for survival. They "steal" fire from nature, but the actual creation of fire remains elusive, lending profound mystery and majesty to the film's climactic, real-time display of fire-making ingenuity. Employing primitive language created by novelist Anthony Burgess and body language choreographed by anthropologist Desmond Morris, a unique ensemble of actors push the envelope of their profession, succeeding where they easily could've failed. They're carnal, violent, funny, curious, and intelligent; through them, and through the eons, we can recognize ourselves. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

unique combination.......2007-02-09

how they came up with a Planet of the Apes/Quest for Fire combo is is unknown to me but it sure works. Quest for Fire is my favorite movie of all time. the movie is older, 1981, and contains no words or dialogue in any modern language. this is not a hindrance to the film but just the opposite. the use of facial and body expressions are acting gold in this film. the story centers around a group of pre-historic cave men trying to find fire to replace the one extinguished during an attack on their tribe. this is a spell binding movie that i am sure you will watch over and over again. as soon as i saw this movie back in 82 i was hooked. trust me buy the DVD you will love it.
Planet of the Apes is a updated version of the hit 70's movies and series. i remember one of my younger brothers actually having a planet of the apes "fan club" in our neighborhood. of course with modern technology the apes are very realistic and all of the special effects are outstanding. the acting is very good and casting is bang on. this is another one of my favorite pics. definitely one to add to your DVD library

Average customer rating:

Actually three and a half stars
Conservation first
firewater
Outstanding Performances

Tulsa
Starring: Susan Hayward , Robert Preston , Pedro Armendáriz , Lloyd Gough , and Chill Wills
Director: Stuart Heisler
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000098ZT8
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Customer Reviews:

Actually three and a half stars.......2004-05-13

This review refers to the Alpha Video (Gotham) DVD.

Overall Quality of DVD: **1/2 /**** Sound: ** /**** Plot: **1/2 /**** Acting: ***/**** Cinematography: ***/**** Direction: **1/2 /****

The story is surprising in the fact that it deals with concern for conservation , the environment and treatment of native indians.

Of course, the oil companies paid no attention then nor now.

All the actors do very well - nothing great but very solid. Director Stuart Heisler is a good "B" director but I disagree with the reviewer that stated he "MADE" Susan Hayword a star. If anything Susan Hayword made him look decent just as Humphrey Bogart does with "Tokyo Joe".

The rear-projection scenes of the oil fields on fire are nearly flawless - I mean, I could not note the telltale signs of rear-projection (things appearing out of proportion or hazy etc.).

In my opinion, it's worth the asking price.

Conservation first.......2002-05-04

One will say one more film about oil in Oklahoma. But this film is different. It brings together several questions that are extremely important. First the alliance between the white entrepreneurs and the Indians. The Indians are divided on the question of the conservation of their land as grazing land, as cattle-raising land due to the easy money oil brings in. We will note that justice does not hear conservationist arguments. Second the position of women in this adventure and women are shown as entrepreneurial just like men, equal to men, though they can use their charms to convince people of the value of their decisions, not force but soft conviction. Third the problem of conservation : how can the land not be ruined and wasted by oil exploitation ? The answer is to do it in a non-intensive way because this intensive method gets a lot of oil in a short period of time, but it also ruins the land through pollution. The answer is in an exploitation that leaves the land clean and usable all the time for cattle or other activities. Then the money brought in is less massive in a short period of time but regular for a long period of time. Such a way is defended by scientists and engineers but opposed by entrepreneurs. It is an accident that will determine the state and various congressional representations to regulate oil exploitation in such a way that nature is not spoiled. Fourth oil culture is not just the exploitation of crude oil, but it creates a whole network of services and roads for the cars that use that oil to run and refill when necessary. It is a structurizing activity whose social consequences are extremely far-reaching. A very well done film on very modern issues. Conservation must be a major objective of man on earth : think of the long-run future instead of the short-term profit.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

firewater.......2001-11-11

Director Stuart Heisler must have liked Susan Hayward because he cast her in 3 films - Among the Living, Smash up - The Story of a Woman, and this one, so in a way he is responsible for elevating her to A level productions. This one hovers in between a B and an A, independently produced, and using a lot of rear projection. The material is interesting in it's view of the American Indian, here presented as land owners and cattle ranchers, with Heisler beginning with a montage of the different kinds of Indians, and Hayward being 3/4 Cherokee. Presumably this is want accounts for her "wildcat" quality.
The screenplay by Frank Nugent and Curtis Kenyon, suggested by a story by Richard Wormser, is a cautionary tale of the emergence of oil drillers in Oklahoma and the effect they had on the environment of the cattle ranchers. We begin with the accidental death of Hayward's father, as the opportunity to hear the anti-oil lobby. However Hayward's form of revenge seems a direct violation of the conservation stance of her descendants, as she enters the oil business to be more successful than her main competitor, the man she blames for her father's death! Robert Preston appears as a "rockhound" engineer who helps Hayward strike oil, and matters reach a climax when she must decide whether to drill the property of her father's Indian friend, Pedro Armendariz.
The notion of Armendariz as a "crazy Indian" is introduced when he refuses to have his land drilled, he is threatened with being declared "mentally incompetent", and Heisler provides an extended and laboured use of montage to suggest his mental breakdown as he drives through fields of oil drilling towers and starts a fire laughing maniacally. Armendariz' view however is seen as a minority as other Indians seem happy to sell as much oil from their property and overlook the "smaller short term profit".
Of course, it is this very issue that produces conflict between Hayward and Preston, with Hayward's ambition seen to be clouding her true nature.
Preston's romantic interest in Hayward is somewhat a surprise considering the way she humiliates him at their first meeting, though I suppose men had to be tougher than usual in the period, but what is more humiliating is the way Preston out-acts her. Here Hayward relies upon big smiles and profile turns for charm, though her yelling at Preston at one point is unexpectedly loud.
Heisler uses horizontal slides, mini-montages, the unbearably bucolic singing of Chill Wills, Freudian symbolism in Hayward drinking from a large glass of brandy in front of Preston, and African-American servants for when Hayward hosts a society party, where Armendariz is a guest in tuxedo. We never actually see a servant serve him, since perhaps the irony would be too much.

Outstanding Performances.......2000-04-21

This little gem, starring Susan Hayward & Robert Preston is a real bargain at this price! I've seen it a few times & still find Ms. Hayward's performance mesmerizing. Robert Preston, who is usually known for his musical roles(especially The Music Man)is superb as the oilman she becomes involved with. Very highly recommended, especially for Hayward fans.

Average customer rating:

Actually three and a half stars
Conservation first
firewater
Outstanding Performances

Tulsa
Starring: Susan Hayward , Robert Preston , Pedro Armendáriz , Lloyd Gough , and Chill Wills
Director: Stuart Heisler
Manufacturer: Miracle Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Classics | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00023BM0C
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Customer Reviews:

Actually three and a half stars.......2004-05-13

This review refers to the Alpha Video (Gotham) DVD.

Overall Quality of DVD: **1/2 /**** Sound: ** /**** Plot: **1/2 /**** Acting: ***/**** Cinematography: ***/**** Direction: **1/2 /****

The story is surprising in the fact that it deals with concern for conservation , the environment and treatment of native indians.

Of course, the oil companies paid no attention then nor now.

The rear-projection scenes of the oil fields on fire are nearly flawless - I mean, I could not note the telltale signs of rear-projection (things appearing out of proportion or hazy etc.).

In my opinion, it's worth the asking price.

Conservation first.......2002-05-04

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

firewater.......2001-11-11

Outstanding Performances.......2000-04-21

DVD:

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