Crusoe (1989)
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67% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
44% of users liked it
(333 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
- Directed By
- Caleb Deschanel, Daniel Defoe
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Jun 1, 1988 Wide
- On DVD
- Dec 7, 1989
- Studio
- Virgin Vision
Critic Reviews
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Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
An intriguing revisionist take on the DeFoe story from moonlighting cinematographer Caleb Deschanel.
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Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Brilliant cinematographer Caleb Deschanel directs another adaptation of Defoe's classic tale.
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David N. Butterworth, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Beautifully filmed, but suffers from deliberate pacing and a shallow, uninspired viewpoint.
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Cast
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Aidan Quinn
as Robinson Crusoe
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Ade Sapara
as Warrior
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Elvis Payne
as Runaway Slave
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Richard Sharp
as Colcol
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Colin Bruce
as Clerk
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William Hootkins
as Auctioneer
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Shane Rimmer
as Mr. Mather
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Warren Clarke
as Capt. Lee
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Hepburn Graham
as Lucky
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Michael Higgins
as Dr. Martin
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James Kennedy
as Capt. Harding
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Patrick Monkton
as Cook
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Jimmy Nail
as Tatik
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Chris Pitt
as Kitchen Lad
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Oliver Platt
as Mr. Newby
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Ricco Ross
as 2nd Victim
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Timothy Spall
as Rev. Milne
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Raymond Johnson
as 1st Victim
- Patrick Monckton
- Richard D. Sharp
- Philip Winchester
- Anna Walton
- Mark Dexter
