The Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Kevin Reynolds, offers a finely crafted version of the Alexander Dumas adventure for a new generation. Mr Caviezel plays Edmond Dantès, one of French literature’s most transformed characters. Here as well, Mr Caviezel also proves he can open and carry a film.   Kevin Reynolds Telling perhaps one of his best stories here, Kevin Reynolds breathes an efficient pace into this truncated version of the Dumas classic. A Seattle Times interview offers background. Other diverse story genres told by Mr Reynolds are represented by “187”, “Rapa Nui” (also writing), and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”. His name has long been associated with Kevin Costner, but apparently no amount of liquid could settle the dust up between these two men kicked up during their last film together, “Waterworld”. (Note that during the summer of 2003, however, these two men both spoke publicly and respectfully of each other.) [ top ]   Character Edmond Dantès Some predicted that this script (by Jay Wolpert) would prove to be the downfall of this storytelling effort. Yet, Mr Caviezel’s collaboration with Kevin Reynolds produced a film that we predict will have long legs in multiple mediums, because of its accessibility. Audiences of all ages, including children of about age 12 and older, appreciate this story. One example is the range of authentic humanity Mr Caviezel uses to light Dantès’ journey, from illiterate idealist to wise philanthropist. Watch Mr Caviezel react to a canary’s song, as a single scene that conveys Edmond’s profound sadness at being imprisoned. Also recognize that Mr Caviezel is indeed ambidextrous as you note that he carves stone, sword fights and dances with equal ease from either side. [ top ]   Interviews We found many interviews for “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Zap2It.com (January 2002) CNN: includes subscription video (February 2002) USA Today.com—Talk Today (February 2002) Note  Tip from NN Apr 4 Independent.co.uk (March 2002) Reynolds, Caviezel and Dominczky interview on iofilm.co.uk (March 2002) Note  Tip from SB Apr 14 The Sunday Times (April 14, 2002) (registration required) Note  Tip from SB Apr 14 Scotland on Sunday (April 14, 2002) (registration required) Note  Tip from V Apr 17 Added April 28, 2002 EXtra TV article focuses on sword fighting Cast and director interview (March 2002) Cast interview (January 2002) Mr Caviezel interview in You A BBC video interview includes name shenanigans, story synopsis, and quips with cast and director Added June 9, 2002 A Red Carpet interview given in February 2002, where Mr Caviezel describes some of his thinking about being in character during filming, and the research he completed to play the lead role. [ top ]   Reviews We found these reviews for “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Guardian Unlimited (January 2002) note the first review Cinema Clock Trois-Rivières (Quebec) Use this translator as necessary. SPLICEDwire (undated) Clarin.com (April 18, 2002) (Argentina) Note  Tip from P&R Apr 23 Use this translator as necessary. Added September 16, 2004 The Telegraph from Calcutta, India, recommends a re-viewing of this movie, with some especially nice things to say about Mr C’s work.      Note  Scroll to ‘A Classic Tale Retold’ Also, check our In Print page for reviews. Please recommend another if you know of one. [ top ]   Tidbits Updated April 30, 2002, updated again May 25, 2003 In French, the Club-Internet: Monte Cristo site, now retired, documents Mr Caviezel’s ability to plumb his life for empathy to play his role: “Pour incarner ce personnage exceptionnel, j’ai essayé de puiser dans mes expériences personnelles. Je suis allé chercher au fond de moi des émotions comparables. Fort heureusement je n’ai jamais rien vécu de tel, mais d’une manière ou d’une autre, nous avons tous un jour ou l’autre partagé les sentiments d’Edmond Dantès.” Tip  Translator tool offered as an international site, should you require it. Added July 7, 2002 So far in the year 2002, ‘Count’ has retained is 24th position in the list of top 250 movies released this year. Domestic release earned about US$54 million, with total world cumulative receipts at nearly US$74 million to date. Added May 17, 2002 DVD Availability We understand that the ‘Monte Cristo’ deluxe DVD is currently planned for release in US during September—no date given—and will include fresh camera angles, commentaries, making of, and deleted scenes. Sounds rich and appropriate. We’ll post a date in September when we get one. Meanwhile ask your local store to add your name to a pre-order list. This can save you money and with a small deposit, usually guarantees you one of the first copies. Added June 24, 2002 You can pre-order the DVD on several Internet sites. We are also hearing rumours confirming September 3, 2002 as the release date. Updated July 19, 2002 Variety notes the release date for the DVD as September 10. They also note that the DVD contains commentaries, featurettes, deleted scenes and multiangle dailies. Opening in Japan Updated September 14, 2002, thanks to IK We understand that ‘Monte Cristo’ opens in Japan this fall. 2002 Ranking Posted February 6, 2003 Variety reports that ‘Count’ ranked 46th overall in domestic box office last year, earning more than US$54 million. It has earned nearly US$74 million to date worldwide. [ top ]   Extras Added April 20, 2002, updated August 10, 2005 Extra Hair Means Extra Sleep From Ananova, we can learn at least one storyteller’s trick. Update  We’ve lost this link which basically told the story of Mr Caviezel napping during the application of his hair extensions necessary to play this role. Added May 23, 2002 Production Notes We found production notes from the film, posted by its distributor. These make excellent reading between viewings. Added August 10, 2002 Sorry, we couldn’t resist adding yet another twist around the hair thing, this time from Kevin Reynolds. [ top ]   FAQ Question Where can I find the official site? Answer Added March 25, 2003, Thanks to Gx2 Here is the official site. As well, the link to the Internet Movie Database. Question How many films have been based on stories by Alexandre Dumas, who indeed served under Napoleon? Answer More than one hundred. [ top ]    Mr Caviezel as Count of Monte Cristo wearing a ring mounted with a scarab-carved ruby ringed with diamonds, also worn by Elizabeth Taylor in “Cleopatra”.