Chariots of Fire - 3rd May 2011

And so to tonights' film presentation, it's the multi Oscar award winning film, from 1981;

Chariots of Fire.

Unfortunately, I don't think it set anything alight in our household. OK, it is 30 years old and it is based on the real life story of Harold Abraham and Eric Liddell, who were aspiring athletes, so the storyline was never going to be electric.
However, what the film lacked in spark, it gained in the cinematography and production. The film makers pulled out all the stops to make this an authentic period piece.

The story follows two British track athletes, one a determined Jew (Harold Abraham), and the other a devout Christian (Eric Liddell) who compete in the 1924 Olympics.

Certainly the portrayal of Abraham and Liddell, by Ben Cross and Ian Charleson respectively, were most enthralling and engaging. Especially Charleson, who managed to get the balance just right with his character, being a devout Christian who refused to run on the Sabbath day.

Although, it was Ian Holm who picked up an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, as Sam Mussabini, the down-to-earth coach toHarold Abraham.

The film picked up four Oscars in all that year. Best Costume Design went to Milena Canonero.
David Putnam picked up the Best Picture Oscar.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen went to Colin Welland, yes, him from Z Cars.
And also an Oscar for Vangelis for Best Music, Original Score. Now, we all know the haunting theme music to Chariots of Fire, but having now seen the film, I am not so sure that the Vangelis style of synthetic electro-classico-pop music, is suitable or fitting for a 1920's period drama. In fact, the theme music aside, some of the incidental music was particularly bad. Maybe 30 years ago, it would have been seen as a remarkable piece of work, but to my ears, it hasn't stood the test of time.

Neither has the film. It is rather disjointed, albeit beautifully shot. It clearly lost some credibility in the edit. Plus the music was dire.

Now, if there were to be a modern day remake.........