Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel

Posted by Gayle on October 13, 1998 at 09:46:49:

In Reply to: Uncas versus Nathaniel posted by Rich on October 13, 1998 at 05:38:11:

: Seen it written in reviews of LOTM ... heard it said here and elsewhere ... that Eric Schweig (Uncas) stole the show right out from under Michael Mann's hero Nathaniel/Hawkeye/Le Longue Carabine (Daniel Day-Lewis).

: To me? No way! Eric Schweig was perfectly cast as Uncas, of that there is little doubt. His presence did capture the moment at times, he delivered his lines well enough, and certainly his struggle for life against Magua is a high point of the film, but ... Hawkeye is the MAN! Nearly all the heroism in the film centers around him. He is the vocal leader. In Massacre Valley HE sweeps Cora off her feet, Under The Falls HE keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground. There are SO many powerful moments involving Daniel Day-Lewis (who, as usual, delivers a flawless performance!) from standing up to the British authorities (several times), to nearly knocking Cora down at Cameron's Cabin ... the fact that the climax belonged to Uncas/Alice/Chingachgook does not detract from all the drama & romance that made the prayer on Table Rock SO meaningful!

: Well, what thinks YOU?!

Rich,

Seems to me that in both the book and the movie, each character was a focus in his or her own right, and each had a strong and distinct part. Although in the movie Hawkeye was unquestionnably the main character, I couldn't help but admire the significance each actor and actress gave to his/her part. Wes Studi, with his incredible silent language in that arrogant/obscene command with his hand just before Alice jumped off the cliff is a scene that positively preys on my imagination. Maddy's howl of horror and grief when she realized Alice was dead was a magnificent piece of emotional verity. Eric Schweig carried his PERSONA so nobly. Etc., etc. etc. But through it all, Hawkeye was the character that moved the story and controlled the action and the response of the audience - again, in the book as well as in the movie.

Gayle

Follow Ups:

• Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel Sarah 18:48:10 10/13/98 (3)
  • Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel Ayesha 20:56:33 10/13/98 (2)
    • Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel myte 22:22:56 10/13/98 (1)
      • Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel Ayesha 10:21:48 10/14/98 (0)
• Re: Uncas versus Nathaniel Pat 10:46:43 10/13/98 (1)
  • Re: The Talent of Wes Studi Gayle 11:37:47 10/13/98 (0)

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: : Seen it written in reviews of LOTM ... heard it said here and elsewhere ... that Eric Schweig (Uncas) stole the show right out from under Michael Mann's hero Nathaniel/Hawkeye/Le Longue Carabine (Daniel Day-Lewis).

: : To me? No way! Eric Schweig was perfectly cast as Uncas, of that there is little doubt. His presence did capture the moment at times, he delivered his lines well enough, and certainly his struggle for life against Magua is a high point of the film, but ... Hawkeye is the MAN! Nearly all the heroism in the film centers around him. He is the vocal leader. In Massacre Valley HE sweeps Cora off her feet, Under The Falls HE keeps her feet planted firmly on the ground. There are SO many powerful moments involving Daniel Day-Lewis (who, as usual, delivers a flawless performance!) from standing up to the British authorities (several times), to nearly knocking Cora down at Cameron's Cabin ... the fact that the climax belonged to Uncas/Alice/Chingachgook does not detract from all the drama & romance that made the prayer on Table Rock SO meaningful!

: : Well, what thinks YOU?!

: Rich,

: Seems to me that in both the book and the movie, each character was a focus in his or her own right, and each had a strong and distinct part.  Although in the movie Hawkeye was unquestionnably the main character, I couldn't help but admire the significance each actor and actress gave to his/her part. Wes Studi, with his incredible silent language in that arrogant/obscene command with his hand just before Alice jumped off the cliff is a scene that positively preys on my imagination.  Maddy's howl of horror and grief when she realized Alice was dead was a magnificent piece of emotional verity. Eric Schweig carried his PERSONA so nobly.  Etc., etc. etc.  But through it all, Hawkeye was the character that moved the story and controlled the action and the response of the audience - again, in the book as well as in the movie.

: Gayle


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