An In-Depth Review of the Hurricane Movie: "Hurricane" (1974)

Introduction

The disaster movie genre has become increasingly popular over the years. Within this category, hurricanes have emerged as one of the most captivating forces that can be depicted on the big screen. The 1974 movie "Hurricane" beautifully captures the raw power of these natural disasters and their implications. This article will provide an in-depth review of "Hurricane" (1974) and analyze its portrayal of hurricanes.

Movie Details

• Movie Title: Hurricane
• Director: Jan Troell
• Producer: Bo Jonsson
• Main Actors:
  • Jason Robards as Father Malone
  • Mia Farrow as Maggie
  • Max von Sydow as W.R. O'Brien
• Release Year: 1974
• Additional Interesting Facts: Hurricane was based on a book by James S. Hirsch, titled "Hurricane: The Miraculous Journey of Rubin Carter". It tells the true story of boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison before being exonerated.

How "Hurricane" (1974) Portrays Hurricanes

The Role of Hurricanes in the Plot

In "Hurricane" (1974), hurricanes play more of a supporting role than a central one. The movie's focus is on the story of Rubin Carter and his fight for justice. However, hurricanes play an essential part in setting the tone for the movie's initial act. The first scene depicts a young Carter experiencing Hurricane Hazel in his hometown in New Jersey. The scene sets up the storm as a metaphor for the challenges that Rubin will face later in life.

Potential Scenarios Where Hurricanes are Depicted

Aside from the opening sequence, there aren't any other scenes in the movie that depict hurricanes explicitly. However, the movie's portrayal of racial tensions and systemic prejudice within the justice system can be seen as an allegory for the overwhelming force of a hurricane.

Key Aspects of "Hurricane" (1974)

Storyline and Characters

The storyline of "Hurricane" (1974) centers around Rubin Carter's wrongful conviction for the murder of three people in a bar. The movie follows his incarceration, his fight for exoneration, and eventual release. The portrayal of Carter himself is powerful, with Jason Robards giving a commanding performance that captures Carter's strength and determination.

Cinematic Techniques and Special Effects

The opening sequence that depicts Hurricane Hazel is beautifully shot and edited, with special effects that were impressive for their time. However, there aren't many other special effects or visual flourishes used to depict hurricanes in the movie.

Realism and Accuracy

"Hurricane" (1974) portrays hurricanes accurately and realistically, at least in its depiction of Hurricane Hazel. The movie took pains to recreate the storm's effects on the New Jersey coast, and the result is a striking and memorable opening sequence.

Comparing "Hurricane" (1974) to Other Hurricane Movies

The Perfect Storm (2000)

"The Perfect Storm" is a disaster movie that centers around the impact of a massive nor'easter on the crew of the Andrea Gail fishing boat in 1991. While "Hurricane" (1974) focuses on a wrongful conviction and social issues, "The Perfect Storm" is more about the forces of nature and their impact on human life. The two movies differ in their portrayal of hurricanes since "The Perfect Storm" shows the storm's effects more directly on screen while "Hurricane" (1974) only shows its impact metaphorically.

Twister (1996)

"Twister" focuses on the story of storm chasers trying to create a new warning system for tornadoes. The movie's focus is less on the destructive power of hurricanes and more about the science behind these natural disasters. The two movies differ significantly in tone and focus, with "Twister" providing a much more action-packed narrative than "Hurricane" (1974).

Popular Opinion and Reception of "Hurricane" (1974)

Despite being well-received by critics, "Hurricane" (1974) didn't perform well at the box office. The lack of interest can be attributed to the movie's focus on social issues and the true story of Rubin Carter, which may not have appealed to mainstream audiences at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is "Hurricane" (1974) based on a true story?

  Yes, the movie is based on the true story of Rubin Carter, who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent nearly 20 years in prison before being exonerated.

• Does the movie focus on hurricanes or wrongful convictions?

  The focus of the movie is on Rubin Carter's wrongful conviction and imprisonment. However, hurricanes are used as a metaphor throughout the movie to represent the challenges that he faces.

• How accurate is the movie's depiction of Hurricane Hazel?

  The portrayal of Hurricane Hazel in the movie is accurate and realistic, with the movie's creators going to great pains to depict the storm's effects correctly.

• What sets "Hurricane" (1974) apart from other disaster movies?

  "Hurricane" (1974) focuses less on the disaster itself and more on the social issues that surround it. The movie delves into themes of prejudice, inequality, and injustice in a way that many other disaster movies do not.

• Is "Hurricane" (1974) worth watching?

  Absolutely. Despite its age, the movie still holds up as a powerful and relevant portrayal of social issues and the fight for justice. While there may be fewer hurricane scenes than one might expect from a disaster movie, the movie's use of the storm as a metaphor is incredibly effective.

Conclusion

"Hurricane" (1974) is a unique and compelling look at one man's struggle against systemic injustice and the devastating impact of natural disasters. While it may not be the most action-packed portrayal of hurricanes in cinema, the movie's use of hurricanes as a metaphor for life's challenges is incredibly powerful. Overall, "Hurricane" (1974) is a movie that is well worth watching for anyone interested in disaster movies or social issues.

Thank you for reading. If you have any thoughts or questions on "Hurricane" (1974) or want to share your opinion on other hurricane movies, please leave a comment below.

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"Riders On The Storm: Adventures In The Eye Of A Hurricane" (2010)

"Isaac's Storm" (2004, TV Movie)

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