The Keep

[aTOMiC]

While going through some boxes of old vhs tapes I ran across a copy of The Keep.
I of course had to watch it again.
I had read the book by F. Paul Wilson shortly before watching the film by Michael Mann back in 1983. The premise has always intrigued me ever since I read the summary on the dust jacket of the book. The story as written was entertaining, semi-historical and certainly atmospherically creepy.
When I learned of the film I was excited and though it wasn't exactly what I had hoped for I remember being fairly entertained. The cast was rock solid with the likes of Ian McKellen, Scott Glenn, Gabriel Byrne and the always entertaining Jürgen Prochnow. However my standards must have climbed dramatically since the early 80s. After this latest viewing I found that the film is a tale of two halves. The first half is sturdy, competent and thought provoking. The second half is a terrible mess of clumsy set pieces disjointed narrative and missed opportunities.
The Keep, if you don't already know, is basicly a story set in the Romanian mountains in 1941. The Nazis have setup shop in an uninhabited, acient castle and after settling in soldiers begin to die in gruesome ways. Before long the SS arrive to get to the bottom of things and ultimately discover, along with everyone else, that the Keep was made to keep something evil contained and it wants to be free.

I believe that this story, if remade properly would make a very enjoyable film. It is regrettable that the first movie attempt fell far short of it's intended goals.

FYI,

Tom

[dANdeLION]

"The film focuses on a deserted citadel (the "Keep" of the title) in WWII Romania"

Interesting. That must be where you got the idea for Southerland Castle. I don't remember seeing that movie, or hearing you talk about it. What else have you hid from me, I wonder?

[aTOMiC]

I'll be sure to let you borrow it. I'm surprised you haven't seen it. Or perhaps you just plum forgot.

[Montresor]

Agree with your assessment 100%. The Keep is a very dissappointing film for me. The opening half, and the deaths of Prochnow and Byrne are all fantastic . . . the rest is just a mess. I heard a rumour that there's a version out with commentary by the author and his agent, and they pretty much tear the film to pieces. My least favourite Mann film. Sad, because it's a great premise.

[aTOMiC]

I heard a rumour that there's a version out with commentary by the author and his agent, and they pretty much tear the film to pieces.

Now that I'd like to see. I have a feeling I'd agree with their views.

Good or bad I'm really surprised they haven't officially released the original film on dvd. The only thing I've found has been dvds transferred from the old laserdisc release.