Director John Mctiernan's 1999 Film, the 13th Book Review

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Director John McTiernan's 1999 film, The 13th Warrior, is a competent movie, made entertaining by its tight storyline, moody tone, masterful cinematography, realistic and often graphic fight scenes, and the strength of its supporting cast. A great deal of the movie's success comes from the cinematography of Peter Menzies, who creates an almost supernatural mood through his shooting of well-choreographed battle scenes in a dark, silent mist. Overall, the movie could never be described as Oscar-worthy material, yet its many strengths make it a watchable and enjoyable film.

The movie's main storyline is tightly plotted and concise. This is not a movie with a preponderance of plot twists and turns, and the storyline is largely self-evident and linear. There are a couple of exceptions, as in a short love interest between Banderas' character and a Norse princess, but they are short and do not distract from the main plot. As a result of the linearity of the plot, it is easy to follow the action and events in the 13th Warrior. While some critics seem to take the view that plot intricacies and subplots make a movie more worthwhile viewing, this is not the case in The 13th Warrior. The movie is clearly a simplistic tale of the adventures of an Arab poet in the land of the Norse. In the 13th Warrior, the simplicity of the plot is perfectly suited for a straightforward medieval action movie that focuses closely on atmosphere, and swordsmanship. The end result is a strangely effective amalgamation of a swashbuckling adventure with deeply moody and almost supernatural undertones.

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Another of the movie's main attractions is the atmospheric, moody tone of the film. The Viking's foes are the disturbingly creepy Wendol, a creature that is half-man and half bear. We are introduced to the Wendol as "mist-monsters" and flesh eaters who appear only in the mist and carry off soldiers. Battle scenes occur in the dark and mist, and blood is spilt copiously and with great graphic detail, creating a deeply disturbing atmosphere of terror and evil that permeates the movie. A great deal of the film is shot in almost darkness, and the battle scenes are carried out in an atmosphere evocative of a suspenseful horror movie. Overall, the effect is spooky and engaging.

The cinematography of Peter Menzies, Jr. is one of the best features of the movie itself. The film is lavish and spectacular in its filming, and much of the film's enjoyment comes from simply enjoying the visual presentation. The cinematography is important in creating the gloomy, dark atmosphere of the movie, and Menzies is highly capable in his filming of the dark, gory battle scenes. Above and beyond the action, however, is the visual spectacle of the film itself. In the film, Menzies masterfully captures stunning scenery complete with dark and beautiful forests, brooding seascapes, and towing, profound mountains. As the 13 Warriors travel across the ocean, Menzies captures their foreboding and anticipation in the choppy, crashing waves of their ocean crossing. The musical score by Jerry….....

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