John Huston - 1951
This is a well-directed film. By 'well-directed' I mean simple, clear. Usually we isolate the two leads, but Huston has no problem getting them a bit closer, or using a bit of depth. Every few shots or so we go off the boat and have a little look around. Jack Cardiff heavily saturates his palate, the skin tones have an especially satisfying brown palette.
This is really an excellent adventure kids film. Fun, quick, without Huston's repetition or explanations so much.
What this film made me consider is whether this kind of film is really O.K.; it does, after all, lie. It lies about human relationships, about struggles, it is racist and sexist. There are perhaps two or three true moments; the bit with the leeches, a couple of exchanges (in a nice script, Huston and James Agee).
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