Today’s quick review: The Count of Monte Cristo. Edmond Dantes (Jim Caviezel) has it all: a promising career, a loving fiance (Dagmara Dominczyk), and a lifelong friend in Fernand Montego (Guy Pearce). But all of that is taken from him when Fernand, jealous of his success, frames him for treason. Over the course of years in prison, Edmond plots his escape and his revenge with the help of Abbe Faria (Richard Harris), a priest and fellow prisoner.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a dramatic adventure based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The story follows Edmond Dantes as he is betrayed, imprisoned, and forced to endure years of hardship as he plans his revenge. The Count of Monte Cristo benefits from compelling source material, a skilled cast, and fine craftsmanship all the way around. High stakes, a sweeping plot, and a dash of action all contribute to a well-rounded pick.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic tale of revenge. Edmond’s time in prison transforms him from a kind, guileless man into a cunning, merciless adversary determined to ruin the lives of the men who stole his. The mechanics of his revenge are fascinating to watch play out, while the risk of losing himself to his hatred gives the story a potent source of tension. The plot also goes through several distinct stages that lend it some variety.
In terms of craft, The Count of Monte Cristo has everything it needs. The acting is credible throughout, with a handful of brilliant moments and very few weak ones. The exact impact of each performance will come down to taste, but all of them serve the needs of the story well. Sticklers for realism will notice one or two convenient coincidences, but they detract little from the story and contribute to its sense of scope.
The Count of Monte Cristo is a solid choice for those interested in a darker and more personal tale of adventure. The breadth of its story, the quality of its execution, and the variety of scheming, action, and character drama it brings to the table all contribute to a very satisfying watch. Skip it if you’re looking for an all-out action movie, a perfectly realistic drama, or one that’s entirely devoid of hope.
For a naval adventure set in the same era, try Master and Commander. For the superhero equivalent, try Batman Begins.
7.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for a compelling story and robust execution.