Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)

Directed by Hugh Hudson. Starring Christopher Lambert, Ian Holm, Ralph Richardson, Andie MacDowell, James Fox, John Wells, Paul Geoffrey, Cheryl Campbell, Ian Charleson, Nigel Davenport. [PG]

Quality production of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ famed character (called Tarzan on the page but never in this film), marooned as an infant and raised by apes in the African jungle; more reverential to the source material than previous versions, but not without its liberties and inconsistencies. A rare case where Lambert is actually well-suited for a role (his physical performance is laudable, and his emotional/dialogue shortcomings are acceptable since he’s new to the civilized world and its language), plus fine supporting turns from Holm and Richardson, but it’s John Alcott’s vibrant photography, John Scott’s music, and impressive makeup and prosthetics (from Rick Baker’s team) that stand out. A more mature take on the jungle adventure aspects, but the scenes back in England reverse course and trend toward melodrama and outright silliness. Script co-written by Robert Towne under the pseudonym of P.H. Vazak (his dog’s name); MacDowell’s poorly-obscured southern twang was erased in post-production by having Glenn Close overdub all her lines. Final film for Richardson, who passed away shortly after filming wrapped.

64/100