Crusoe (1989)

67% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(320 ratings)

Master cinematographer Caleb Deschanel is, not unexpectedly, stronger on visuals than substance in his direction of Crusoe (though the camerawork is officially credited to Tom Pinter). The protagonist, played by Aidan Quinn, is a shipwreck victim, just as novelist Daniel Defoe proscribed over two… More Master cinematographer Caleb Deschanel is, not unexpectedly, stronger on visuals than substance in his direction of Crusoe (though the camerawork is officially credited to Tom Pinter). The protagonist, played by Aidan Quinn, is a shipwreck victim, just as novelist Daniel Defoe proscribed over two hundred years ago. But this Robinson Crusoe is a child of the late 19th century; moreover, he is no ordinary sailor but an insensitive slave trader. The "Friday" character is divided up amongst several black natives of the island where Crusoe is stranded. Ultimately, Crusoe profits by their example, rather than the other way around. Director Deschanel busies himself with gorgeous scenery (mostly lensed in the Seychelles) and languid sunsets, permitting screenwriters Christopher Logue and Walson Green to pursue the politically correct message of Crusoe without interference. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 34 min.
Directed By: Caleb Deschanel, Daniel Defoe
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: Jun 1, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Dec 7, 1989
Studio: Virgin Vision

Critic Reviews

Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
An intriguing revisionist take on the DeFoe story from moonlighting cinematographer Caleb Deschanel.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Brilliant cinematographer Caleb Deschanel directs another adaptation of Defoe's classic tale.
David N. Butterworth, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Beautifully filmed, but suffers from deliberate pacing and a shallow, uninspired viewpoint.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

I watched this film on Netflix Instant Watch and the Film was of good video quality. The Audio is very low on my laptop so I have to wear earphones turned up 100 percent, if anyone knows how to correct this problem please contact me. The film itself spent little time with the native… More
I watched this film on Netflix Instant Watch and the Film was of good video quality. The Audio is very low on my laptop so I have to wear earphones turned up 100 percent, if anyone knows how to correct this problem please contact me. The film itself spent little time with the native Friday, more time was spent with Crusoe getting a out of season slave trade ship, the cruise, the shipwreck and after that little time was left for the Island Adventure and Friday. The story seems to have been modified, either that I don't the real story. I just don't remember the slitting of throats and the beheading of black natives for a native ritual sacrifice. I can only give this one 2 1/2 stars
Wahida K

This version of Robinson Crusoe was my very first and I enjoyed it very much. A tiny bit violence but just tiny bit.