Eureka (1981)

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(1,117 ratings)

A reclusive, unhappy gold magnate finds his isolated tropical paradise threatened by the intrusion of organized criminals in director Nicolas Roeg's convoluted, arty drama. Gene Hackman stars as Jack McCann, a one-time gold prospector who his parlayed the discovery of a rich deposit in the Canadian… More A reclusive, unhappy gold magnate finds his isolated tropical paradise threatened by the intrusion of organized criminals in director Nicolas Roeg's convoluted, arty drama. Gene Hackman stars as Jack McCann, a one-time gold prospector who his parlayed the discovery of a rich deposit in the Canadian wilderness into an immense fortune. Instead of satisfaction, McCann's wealth leads to depression and paranoia, and he moves to a remote island and withdraws from the world. The bulk of the film centers on what has become of McCann some thirty years later, as he attempts to deal with a troubled daughter (Theresa Russell) and the attentions of the Mafia, who want to build a new casino on his tropical home. As the pressures increase, his efforts to protect his property and maintain his family become increasingly desperate, culminating in an extended public trial. Even stranger and more stylized than most of Roeg's work, the disjointed Eureka will seem incomprehensible and painfully pretentious to those with little patience for his indirect narratives and purposefully exaggerated approach. Devoted fans, however, will find further proof of the director's impressive visual sense, especially during the film's earlier sequences. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 10 min.
Directed By: Nicolas Roeg
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Oct 5, 1984 Wide
On DVD: Sep 16, 2003

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
In its own convoluted way, tells us that money can't buy us happiness.

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Walter M

[font=Century Gothic]In "Eureka" Jack McCann(Gene Hackman) is the ultimate self-made man, having discovered a mother lode of gold, about twenty years before. Now, he is one of the wealthiest men in the world, owning his very own island in the Caribbean. His personal life… More
[font=Century Gothic]In "Eureka" Jack McCann(Gene Hackman) is the ultimate self-made man, having discovered a mother lode of gold, about twenty years before. Now, he is one of the wealthiest men in the world, owning his very own island in the Caribbean. His personal life is not on the same exalted level, however. His wife, Helen(Jane Lapotaire), is an alcoholic. His daughter, Tracy(Theresa Russell), is married to a French emigre, Claude(Rutger Hauer), who Jack severely disapproves of. To add to his troubles, a group of mobsters from Miami are trying to muscle in to build a casino on his land...[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Even for director Nicolas Roeg, "Eureka" is an odd movie. The movie throws in too many ideas to properly consider and there is simply too much going on here for it to be considered anything of a success. To start, themes including greed, spirituality and family mix uneasily together while the mobsters sublot needlessly complicates matters. A much simpler approach might have worked as the setting and characters are not without interest. [/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]Adding to the strangeness, are Mickey Rourke and Joe Pesci giving the most restrained performances of their careers. Gene Hackman is fine as always.[/font]

Cast

            Gene Hackman as Jack McCann

            Theresa Russell as Tracy

            Rutger Hauer as Claude Maillot von Horn

            Jane Lapotaire as Helen McCann

            Ed Lauter as Perkins

            Mickey Rourke as Aurelio

            Joe Pesci as Mayakofsky

            Helena Kallianiotes as Frieda

            Corin Redgrave as Worsley

            James Faulkner as Roger

            Norman Beaton as Byron Johnson

            Lloyd Berry as Olaf

            Ellis Dale as Jury Foreman

            Thomas Heaton as Man Blowing off Head

            Cavan Kendall as Pierre de Valois

            Tommy Lane as Miami Chauffeur

            Frank Pesce as Stefano

            Emma Relph as Mary

            Timothy Scott as Webb

            Joe Spinell as Pete

            Ian Tracey as Joey

            Tim Van Rellim as Police Chief

            John Vine as Julian

            Ann Thornton as Jane

            Emrys James as Judge

            Raimund Stamm as Patron
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