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Every now and then, Hollywood produces a low budget movie that they do not really expect much out of that goes on to become not only a big hit, but manages to work it's way into pop culture with catch phrases, fashion influences, etc. Terminator would be the perfect example. However, Highlander is another movie that wasn't expected to do much, but it remains a part of our culture 13 years after the original. The TV series inspired by the movie is still immortal thanks to syndicated re-runs, and yet another sequel is scheduled for a 2000 release. Highlander is the movie that started it all. It is the tale of Connor Macleod of the Clan Macleod. Connor is killed in a 15th century battle, however he does not die. His clansmen figure he has the devil inside of him and banish him. Enter Ramirez, played expertly by Sean Connery. Ramirez explains that they are both immortals and teachs Connor the rules of immortal life. An immortal life isn't simple because you see in the end there can be only one. These immortals will fight each other until only one remains, and that one receives "the prize". The weapon of choice for immortal battles is a sword because the only way to kill an immortal is by cutting his head off. Guns and such tend to just piss them off. Some immortals such as Connor and Ramirez are swell guys, others are nasty evil men such as the Kurgan, who is played wonderfully by Clancy Brown. Although this movie is low budget, it does not detract from it at all. The movies' director, Russell Mulcahy, had a background in music videos, and it shows. This is one of the first action movies I can remember to use a rocking soundtrack, explosions and the quick cut editting of music videos to stimulate the audience. This is a practice that is now commonplace in action movies with many of today's big action directors listing this movie as one of their early influences. The Queen soundtrack to this movie is near perfect as they can rock for action scenes or bring it down to slow beautiful soft vocals for the romantic scenes and pull both off with ease. The cast does an excellent job with both the fight sequences and the dialog. You would expect this from Connery, being the old pro that he is. But Christopher Lambert took this role very seriously as well and in addition to becoming a decent swordsman for the part, he also worked with a speech coach to develop an accent of a man who was from "lots of different places". And Clancy Brown as the evil Kurgan is positively a riot. You'll rarely find a more entertaining villain. This movie was much more successful than it's box office numbers indicate. It's true level of success is measured in how people continue to have an insatiable appetite for stories about these immortals despite the first sequel being one of the largest wastes of celluloid ever produced. In addition to the abortion known as Highlander II, as of this writing there has been one more theatrical release with another scheduled for 2000. Outside of theatres there have been two live action series in syndication and one animated series based upon Highlander. If you've never seen the movie that started it all, this is highly recommended viewing. Although it is filled with testosterone pleasing action and fight sequences, the movie also sneaks in a romantic story underneath all of the swordplay, so this is one you can watch with your significant other with a reasonable expectation of getting some afterward as well. This rare combination is something we always smile upon! - Billy Bob |
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