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Gere's Flawed Gem: The Honorary Consul Rediscovered
16 Oct
Summary
- The Honorary Consul, a Graham Greene adaptation, was poorly marketed.
- Richard Gere's casting and accent drew criticism from author and critics.
- A new Blu-ray set from Imprint offers a rediscovery of the film.
Richard Gere's 1983 film, "The Honorary Consul," originally titled "Beyond the Limit" in the U.S., is experiencing a rediscovery. The movie, an adaptation of Graham Greene's novel, was hampered by marketing that focused on Gere's sex appeal, misrepresenting its complex political intrigue.
Despite early successes with films like "An Officer and a Gentleman," Gere's subsequent "The Honorary Consul" failed at the box office. Critics and Greene himself panned Gere's performance and inconsistent accent, though the film is now seen as a compelling, albeit flawed, entry.
Director John Mackenzie's work, including "The Long Good Friday," is also featured in the Imprint Blu-ray collection. "The Honorary Consul" is highlighted as the set's most underrated gem, offering a chance to appreciate its nuanced drama.
The new Blu-ray release includes interviews and commentaries detailing the film's troubled production and earlier adaptation attempts, such as one by Orson Welles. Despite its initial poor reception and limited availability, the film is now accessible for reconsideration.
