THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE(1993)
PG-13
115 min
Director: Mel Gibson
Writers: Isabelle Holland (novel), Malcolm MacRury (screenplay)
Mel Gibson, Nick Stahl, Margaret Whitton
Staples of the 90s
Mother's gone too far -- she's put cardboard over her half of the television. We rented THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE -- I didn't even know we had a problem!
-Principal Skinner, THE SIMPSONS, 4F18
Cast
Chuck Norstadt-Nick Stahl
Ted Danson Faceless Man-Mel Gibson
Catherine Palin (Mother)- Margaret Whitton
In the movie world, 1993 was a year of animals, featuring Dinosaurs, a lovable orca whale, and Adolph Hitler. People tend to forget about the less successful, and often less critically acclaimed films. Like DENNIS THE MENACE, and the movie I'm reviewing here.
There is that period between LETHAL WEAPON IIand PAYBACK; where Mel Gibson directed a few movies. As a passionate cinéaste, he wanted to be taken seriously, not just as a mere, distinguished thespian, but as a handsome director.
Before he went craz...ier, he made BRAVEHEART and THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE.
And to answer your question, no this isn't a prequel to FACEOFF(1995).
The Summer After the 'Summer of Love'
Chuck wants to get into a military academy. This is in stark contrast to the social, and intellectual views of his genius family. He failed the admissions test, but he is determined to give it another go. He's hanging out in Maine, with the family at the summer home.
Chuck's father died in a mental institution, but his mom lies to him; saying he died in military combat. The boy needed a strong father figure in his life, and he found one. A former teacher that lives in a large estate on the edge of town: Jack McLeod.
There are differences between the movie and the book it’s based on. In the novel, the teacher may have been a pedophile. Whereas, in the movie he is merely a creepy, disfigured recluse; who meets with a 12-year old every day.
People are going to find out I don't know what I'm doing. I have to direct this film...what am going to do?
-Mel Gibson 2004 DVD Featurette
There are literal, as well as symbolic references to Shakespeare's MERCHANT OF VENICE (1598). Which I find interesting, in light of his more recent anti-Semitic rantings and movies. Contrary to his public behavior, he is not a moron. Surprisingly, he possesses a more nuanced understanding of the themes in Shakespeare's play; I must commend him for that, if nothing else.
Once you get past how ugly Mel Gibson's character is, there is a story, but it’s not very interesting. I mean it, no exaggeration, you can take my words at face value.
Final Verdict: 58 out of 100
Sidenote: reviewing The Avengers next.