Professor Popinjay's Compendium of Perspicacity

A non-review by Prof. Popinjay

I used to be a fan of the 2002 version of “The Count of Monte Cristo” with Jim Caviezel. That is until I saw the 1974 version. The 2002 version had a Hollywood ending where all the good guys were happy and the bad guys were dead and the moral of the story was “revenge solves all your problems” and then the techno remix of the theme plays, roll credits! Like I said, it was 2002.

Those who have read the book by the brilliant Alexander Dumas know better.

The 1974 version is much truer to the book and a much better movie in my humble opinion. Yes Edmond Dontess gets a heaping helping of revenge but he also learns how destructive it is unto himself. The 2002 version was a spectacle to be sure but there was no lesson. No soul. For what it was it was well acted and the music was great. I think Edward Shearmur took ques from the musical themes from the 74 version for his score of the 2002 version. Don’t quote me on that. It just seemed similar in a good way.

Anyway, I recommend you see the 2002 version so you can then see the 1974 version and know how much better it is and then just do yourself a favor and read the book. The book is pure genius.