1 Wonderful Film, Loosely Based on Book
I say loosely because if you are a fan of the book, there are many striking differences. However, while Murray is a more playful version of Larry, most major elements of the book are served up in their original spirit. Many book to film transitions loose the soul of the original work. The Razor's Edge does not. While the timeline, various characters and elements are "adapted" to make the story work in film, the message of the film is the same as the book. For me, the Bill Murray version of the Razor's Edge is a different angle on perhaps my favorite book. If you know Bill Murray, you will recognize the humor he brings to an otherwise relatively serious role. To the film's credit, it is beautiful to look at, the music is epic and a timeless tale of longing for an understanding of spirituality, purpose and life. Buy it, watch it and read the book, over and over again!
2 A 'nam vet sees many parallels
Did a tour as a FAC with a TACRON (Navy) back in 70/71. I'm now an educational counselor (after a 30 yr Navy career)for the military and have contact with combat vets constantly. Got someone who's been in combat? WATCH THIS MOVIE! I relate to the character and numerous others I've loaned this movie to have come back in tears - but good tears. Bill Murray is the perfect Larry because of the fact that the humorous little boy continues to shine through, THAT'S WHO HE IS, in spite of what he's endured, the experience of watching friends die and knowing human nature in a manner of which only combat veterans and law enforcement people ever experience. Larry stays Larry, he just changes in a manner that only another PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) victim can relate to. It's my opinion that many people miss the depth of the character Larry and see only the exterior of the character. Do you have to act like Budda or Ghandi to seek the meaning of life, the reason for you existence? The whole point of the movie is that Larry is just an average person tossed into circumstances and situations that preclude him from returning to what his existence was "planned out" to be (work in an office/firm, get married, kids, summer home, etc, etc)- life's experiences and fate dictated his new journey - a journey he obviously was forced travel, with truth always just steps further away.
Hey, could go on forever about this movie. Just to say I understand my feelings and thoughts about Vietnam (and other experiences) in a completely different light after watching a man that reminds me of me going through the same emotions.
3 Razor's Edge
A must see for those seeking anlooking through spiritual eyes. Identify with your own life experiances as you view this movie.
As a Nam Vet. it helped me to see the alikenesses instead of differences.
4 Excellent thought stimulator
"I worked in a coal mine to come here (India)"
"A coal mine? What was the intention?"
"I told you, to earn the money to come here."
" No, that was the reason, but what was the intention? For work that has no intention is not work at all, it is simply and empty motion".
This movie will make you think and wonder about your own life and your own choices. Is what I am doing adding any value to human existence? Are my actions simply "reasons" or are there "intentions" driving them that bring about growth and forward motion of existence?
A very powerful movie indeed.
5 Murray's Best Movie Performance ?
This is a must see for Murray fans.
After viewing Lost in Translation I decided to view all of Bill's movies - essentially the few that I had missed - then set up a Listmania list and rate the movies. He stars in about 15 well known movies, plus plays smaller parts in others.
I had two surprises. The first was the very funny movie Where the Buffalo Roam in which he plays the 1970's era famous writer/reporter Hunter Thompson. The movie is set in California where Thompson is covering the Superbowl and continues later as he reports on the Nixon campaign traveling on a campaign plane. He even has an encounter with Nixon in a washroom. That is off the wall and very funny "classic" Bill Murray stuff. I liked the hospital scenes dancing with the half naked nurse, or Thompson driving a car while smoking and typing a story. The VHS version is the one to see with the original music.
The second was the present movie the Razor's Edge, based on a book by Somerset Maugham. This movie had a bit of bad luck in that it came out about the same time as Ghostbusters and with that other movie's wide appeal, the present movie was lost in the noise.
Surprisingly this is a classic tear jerker. There is an original version of the movie done approximately 58 years ago starring Tyrone Power. In this update Murray gives a wonderful performance here and perhaps his best ever. It is not the Murray that we normally expect. He is not that loud comedy actor as in Groundhog Day or similar. Here he is a subdued and thoughtful young man caught up in the post WWI times.
In any case this is a 5 star movie and really quite outstanding in many ways. It is a movie that one wants to watch more than once. It has solid acting by both the lead Murray and the entire supporting cast. The story is about a young man - Larry (Murray) - from a wealthy Chicago suburb who serves in WWI. In France he sees many people killed in the war, but he escapes with light wounds. With that experience he decides to put his life on hold and not become a stock broker in Chicago as he had planned. Next he delays a planned marriage to his fiancee, and not knowing exactly what he wants, he rejects materialism, moves to Paris, and then he becomes an avid reader about life and spiritualism. We see a liberated Murray wearing a beret, riding a motorcycle, and chatting in low budget French restaurants. Possibly he is more content than the friends left behind. One is generally sympathetic to the Murray character, a genuinely good guy, and we follow his journey as he tries to understand the meaning of his life. He tries to reconcile the brutal deaths in WWI with his materialistic Chicago background. In some ways this is a very sad movie, with moments of pure joy. As I said, a tear jerker and a great performance. Watch the movie to see how it develops and what happens to Larry, i.e.: Murray. The above is just the first 15 minutes or so.
Surprisingly good, and Murray's best. One gets that feeling that Murray should have done more dramatic movies, in addition to all those great comedies.
6 Loved it then...
Love it more now...
This has to be one of the most powerful movies I have seen in my life. The life of this one man makes such an astounding impact to so many around him, that you feel your life is changed as well...
I watched this movie again for the first time, since I was in my early 20's. I found I had forogtten alot of this movie, but upon watching it once more, it brought it all back to me and I found it even more touching now, then I did when I first saw it.
This is a must see for anyone who is striving to understand life, their purpose and the reason we live. This movie will simply amaze you at how deep the human mind can go.
7 In a way only Bill Murray could... this film changed my life
I saw this movie for the first time as an eigth grader. It made me go find and read Siddhartha followed by every other Hesse novel. I wanted to be a methodist preacher up until that moment. I did not become a minister.
8 bill murray should of at least been nominated fot the oscar
No one else could of played this role but murray such a fine actor.
such a fine fine film. This film leaves you with thoughs and knowling that you have just seen what should of gotten more press
than it has had.
9 Peter O'Toole, Lawrence Olivier, Bill Murray...
...Seems impossible? While Bill Murray might be best known for films like Ghostbusters, he deserves much greater recognition for his role in The Razor's Edge; as much for his acting ability as his ability to adapt the script to his unique stage presence. While it is a favorite of mine, it should be recognized as one of the best films ever made (am I oveselling it?).
For those who have read Maugham's novel, the stuffiness and pretense are replaced with life, vibrance, and cinematic scope. This is one of those movies that struts films occasional superiority to the written word. Grand vistas, poignant staging (the final staircase exit), and again Bill Murray.
The movie retains all that is essential from the novel. Yet somehow, by not taking itself too seriously, Larry Darrel (Murray) is a more effective protagonist and philosopher. At each viewing I'm tempted to flee my cubicle for good and go in search of the meaning of life. Now that's power!
Ultimately, it seems a shame that such worthwhile films as this gather dust while Ghostbusters airs weekly on TBS and the like. Buy the DVD now (even with its shortcomings). You will at least be entertained by Murray's wisecracks (and a funny if brief performance from his brother Doyle). More significantly, movies like this are able to transcend mere entertainment and teach us something about what it means to be human.
10 A Quest for Wisdom
There's no need to go into a long synopsis of this movie, or to analyze Bill Murray's performance. This is a movie about a regular guy that suddenly has his world shattered, and so he sets off on a quest for wisdom. As for Murray's portrayal of the central role, Larry Darell, I thought it was perfectly fitting that a man most of us see as a kind of big-hearted clown is here cast as a spiritual adventurer. After all, must these two types by very different from each other? The movie works very well if you don't try to typecast Murray or go into the story with preconceptions about what kind of character Larry Darell is supposed to be. In fact, a big message in the story is about not being trapped by preconceptions about the way things are "supposed to be".
Some of the images in this movie are stunning, and there are times when I get the feeling that I'm looking at one of those Asian landscape paintings in which the tiny figure of a man sits in silent meditation among great mountains, a broad sky, and placid valleys. Without beating you over the head with it, the camera work constantly reminds you that life is bigger than you and that the world is full of wonders. The story reminds us that such wonders can be either beautiful or ugly, with many of them being both at the same time.
The reason I don't give it 5 stars? It left a lot of character development unaddressed, and the viewer simply had to fill in the blanks for many of Larry's challenges and realizations. If you don't find it tugging at your heart, and if you don't find yourself solemnly nodding at some of its poignant observations about life, and then laughing at some folly we all share, then it's not due the movie's shortcomings.
11 Poor Acting, Poor Editing
First off, I like Bill Murray. Unfortunately he simply doesn't have the acting talent to play this role. He tries, but he does not have the dramatic or emotional depth required of the role. One would be better off reading the book.
12 Good film; terrible DVD
As a fan of the film, I was excited to learn that it had finally been released as a DVD that was "digitally mastered" and "remastered in high definition." As soon as I heard that it was available, I purchased it to replace the VHS version, which I have owned for years.
Unfortunately, the quality of the video on this DVD is just awful. The whole film appears to be hazy and grainy. Scenes with dark lighting are alive with distracting, grainy specks of white.
While I would continue to recommend the movie, I cannot say that it is worthwhile to buy the DVD if you already have it on tape.
13 Sleeper If Ever There Was One!
Bill Murray is brilliantly casted in the role of the main character; a man seeking the meaning of life on a spiritual quest that sacrifices everything and everyone in his world.
There are significant differences between this film and the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. The narrator is not a character in the film as in the book. Larry Darell does not visit the Dalai Lama in the book as he does in the film, but rather spends several years in India living with a Hindu holy man. Larry's philosophical and religious revelations in the book stem from Hinduism rather than Buddhism, as in the film. There are also other significant small details that are not as obvious in the film as in the novel; for example, the effect of the Great Depression on Gray's family fortune and why he & Isabel must move to Paris and live with Uncle Elliot.
It would be a mistake to think of this movie as a sort of spiritual parallel to "Seven Years in Tibet". It's actually got more in common with the Great Gatsby. This isn't a story about a Westerner becomming turned-on by Eastern religion as much as it's a story about aristocratic Americans from Chicago living as expatriats in Paris in the years 1918-to-1930-something, (as seen through European eyes).
There are some fabulous acting performances in this film, foremost of which is Denholm Elliot in the role of Elliot Templeton (perhaps the best of his career). Bill Murray should have received on Oscar for his performance. Word on the street today is that what an incredible film "Lost in Translation" is, and how it shows a side of Bill Murray we haven't seen before, but I disagree. Those critics need to go back and have a look at "The Razor's Edge" and they will see that "serious" side of Murray, but in a much better-written and more moving story.
This DVD is a nice presentation: a 16x9 widescreen picture that looks good and the sound is fine as well. You won't be sorry you purchased it.
14 The Razor's Edge: art made movie.
It is a treasure as far as movies and art is concern.
J.Botto Bellaire, TX
15 A Wonderful Movie= The Razor's Edge
Even though this movie is loosely based on the book.
It is a painfully, yet spirtiual adaptation.
Bill Murray gives a performance that is truely beautiful.
The actors in this movie should have received high praise for there performances.
Like when "Larry is on top of the mountain, and has to burn his books to stay warm, or when he tells his first love to always wear the ring he gave her so she will always know that someone out there loves her.
I really enjoyed this movie it was an attempt to truely make a movie that showed the meaning of unconditional love in that society.
16 Literature that sweats
Remember all of those tiresome books you were REQUIRED to read - and read in Cliff's Notes - if at all? The ones with characters that seemed so odd - not really real? Totally removed from anyone you personally knew? Bill Murray took a lot of heat for doing this movie (the backstory is wonderful), but I think it's his best work. His portrayal of Larry Darrell is filled with vitality and authenticity. Somerset Maugham may not have mentioned the fact that Larry was occasionally known to scratch in public; Murray plays Darrell in a way that convinces me that the man was fully human, itches and all. Bill entertained in other movies; in this one, he proved he was a good actor. Everyone shines in this movie, but Bill Murray is the surprize. Add in the story, and the occasional engaging character, and you have a worthy addition to your movie library. (OK, here's the backstory: apparently, Murray bought the rights to "The Razor's Edge" - and then couldn't get a studio to make it. Then a studio offers to make the movie, if he'll appear in one they want him for - a movie he turns down twice, but finally accepts - a little thing called "Ghostbusters".)
17 Well Done, Bill!
This is a film that was unfairly maligned by critics, but demonstrates Bill Murray's tremendous range as an actor and the skill of a director who accurately and lovingly depicts a specific period of time i.e America circa 1917 and 1929; Paris during the 1930's, etc. The music score is superb...far more polished than of many others produced in the last 20 years. I only wish more films were made like this.....Buy the DVD and enjoy!
18 One of the All Time Worst!
What a disappointment after reading so many GOOD reviews of this film....and even more so after LOVING the Maugham novel on which it is woefully adapted. Poor Bill Murray: he obviously (as a co-writer and star of the film) loved the book, too, but ended up in one of the biggest turkeys of all time. It is especially hard to try and get past his comic persona and any fan of the novel will be left scratching his head wondering how this particular version ever came to be. The supporting cast is weak, with the exception of Theresa Russell who does a great job with her limited role and a terrible wig. I haven't seen the Tyrone Power version yet, but something tells me I should just stick with the book.
19 Highest Quality Remake of a Timeless Classic
Having seen the original Tyrone Powers version of this movie from the 30's I approached this movie with some trepidation. For some reason I could not visualize Bill Murray fitting into Powers' shoes, and yet Murray has filled his character with even more sensitivity and power. I must now say that this is a VERY WORTHY remake of the film. Murray's performance is impeccable, sensitive and truly belies heartfelt emotion. The cinematography is of the highest caliber - it is lush, sensual and with impeccable detail. I also must commend the soundtrack as it is wonderful with some excellent period renditions of popular 30's era French songs. There have been very few films of this caliber to ever come along; clearly that it is not a mass market favorite is understandable; The film it is dealing with matters related to the soul and the awakening of a profound awareness in man; there are many hidden truths that are alluded to in this film which a student of esotericism or platonic philosophy would find much to chew over here. It is a warm, leave the movie and feel good film. It actually lacks some of the hard edge that the original has, and leaves the viewer with a warmer and more more optimistic outlook than the original 1930's version did. Exquisite viewing and a fine conversation starter afterwards! I must say that this Murray's strong desire to make this film, and Murray's others work, Ground Hog Day are packed with esoteric issues, which lead me to conclude that Bill might be a man of profound philosophy.
20 Razor's Edge
This is in my top 3 all-time favorite movies. Murray does a great job in a dramatic role and his comedic wit makes the character relative to present day. If you have ever wondered "what is it all about" or "why are we here," this movie may put things into persprective. This is a major sleeper that you can watch every month or so and still enjoy.
21 One of the best forgotten films
Based on Somerset Maughan's classic novel about innocence, war and the long journey to find self-meaning, this 1984 movie was panned at the time of its release but in retrospect is a great, if flawed, work. The script was developed by Bill Murray along with John Byrum, and Murray practically blackmailed the studio to let him make the movie (holding Ghostbusters up). The performances are all wonderful, especially by the now deceased Denholm Elliot and Theresa Russel as the frustratingly sad character Sophie. One other note - this film has ONE OF THE FINEST MUSICAL SCORES OF ALL TIME. If you love James Horber and John Barry, you will LOVE Jack Nitsche's incredibly moving film music. Warning: you may cry during this movie. It is worth the DVD purchase.
22 A movie to expand and enlighten the mind
If you're looking for a movie that will make you think about life and your place in it's scheme then this is gem worth viewing many times. The odessey the main character Larry (Bill Murray) embarks upon is one of self discovery that takes him to Paris and India where he searchs for a spiritual understanding of his place in the universe. Along the way he finds what I like to think all people look for, the depth and breadth of their character and peace with the turbulence and joys of life.
23 The Razor's Edge
A lost wonder.
A Great Movie!
Watch the movie, and then read the book.
W. Somerset Maugham may not be Homer, or even Hemingway, but he is a very interesting author.
I do believe that this movie/book is auto-biographical.
24 great flick
this movie is one of my all time favorites! bill murray does an outstanding job. i have just ordered the dvd and cannot comment on its quality yet but the movie is awsome.
25 An inspiring motion picture
Like most moviegoers, when I heard Bill Murray was taking on the serious role of Larry Darrell in "The Razor's Edge," I was skeptical. I was a Bill Murray fan, but I couldn't imagine how the same goofy actor from "Saturday Night Live" and "Caddyshack" was going to portray a young man transformed by war to become a globetrotting seeker on a quest for a way of life that would satisfy both his heart and his head. The novel by W. Somerset Maugham had been filmed before, in 1946, with Tyrone Power as Darrell, and it was considered a pretty good film capitalizing on the Eastern-spirituality craze that swept Hollywood in the `40s. Why do it again?, I thought. But the more pre-film publicity I read about this 1984 version, the more I became interested in what the "SNL" alumnus would bring to the role. It was obvious that Bill Murray--who signed on to do "Ghostbusters" only after Columbia Pictures agreed to let him do "The Razor's Edge"--was committed to this story of spiritual transformation. While most film critics don't like Murray's performance, seeing him as a comic actor out of place in a drama, I see his Larry Darrell as a serious man with a sense of humor. Even before he witnesses the horrors of World War I, we see his lose-limbed, happy-go-lucky persona (which is true to the character Maugham created). Upon returning home to America, Darrell is a changed man, but one who has not lost his sense of humor; indeed, it is all the more important to him, as he uses it to deal with his post-war life. Sure, there is some anachronistic dialogue. Yes, the script differs from the novel. But the key elements are there: loyalty, forgiveness and most importantly, one man's search for himself.
This new DVD, which is short on extras, allows us to see the film in its original widescreen format, and that's bonus enough for me. It's certainly a big improvement over the pan-and-scan VHS cassette we've had to endure. Jack Nitzsche's sweeping score both captures the period and adds to the drama, and it sounds great here. The movie--much of which takes place in Paris and India--makes excellent use of location shots (conspicuously absent in the 1946 version), and with the DVD we get some spectacular views of Kashmir, India, an area now entrenched in terrorism. Interestingly, this version has Larry Darrell converting to Buddhism, giving audiences a chance to see the mountainous region of eastern Kashmir called Ladakh. (Sometimes called "Little Tibet," Ladakh is a lot like Tibet was before the Communist Chinese invasion, and "The Razor's Edge" gives us some inspiring views of this remote land.)
On the down side, though, the DVD transfer does not look as sharp as it could have. There are many specs of dirt visible, and the film looks grainy at times. This is disappointing, but not surprising for a film that made a mere $6 million at the box office back in 1984. Perhaps Columbia/Tristar felt this movie was a flop, so why bother giving audiences the best DVD they could. Still, this is an inspiring movie, and it's great to finally have it available on DVD.
26 Labor of Love
I absolutely loved this film when I saw it in the autumn of 1984. The theatre was mostly empty because it wasn't GHOSTBUSTERS (from what I've read, Murray only agreed to do GHOSTBUSTERS if Columbia would finance RAZOR'S EDGE--so no one really lost on that deal!). I remember both Roger Ebert & Gene Siskel raved about it, so not every critic was unkind.
Everyone just had a difficult time seeing Bill Murray in a dramatic role and never gave it a chance, which was their loss: I was completely absorbed by its classic story, its authentic locations, its beautiful score. To see Murray in this role added another layer to the character and only made him more unique and interesting. The cast couldn't have been better.
I'm so glad to see it hit DVD but I'd really hoped to hear a commentary from Murray and director/co-screenwriter John Byrum. This is obviously a labor of love and it would've been very illuminating to hear from them. Regardless, this is a wonderful film and I look forward to taking the journey again on DVD.
27 Missing something
A good film version of the Maugham classic with gorgeous cinematography ,excellent casting and acting, this Razor's Edge is very entertaining and thought provoking. Bill Murray seems a strange choice to play Larry but ultimately plays him to perfection . The other actors all do quite well in their character portrayals. This is an admirable effort to transfer a complex and unusually structured work of fiction to the screen that succeeds to an extraordinary extent.However I felt that the ommission of the author's veiwpoint and narration as written in the novel distorted the story to a degree.
28 A wonderful movie about Life
A wonderful movie about Life, with a big 'L' - i.e., how people do or do not cope with everyday existence & search or not search for the meaning of it/way to achieve balance in it. I liked Bill Murray's portrayal - he had the right amount of levity at the right time imho. Going through life in a perpetual dour mood is assuredly not fun to watch nor fun to be around. Movies like this, and books on similar topics, are far more likely to help break the ennui of existence than yet another trip to Disney or yet another action flick.
29 OK adaptation
This movie was poorly reviewed by critics when it came out in 1984, and I had little interest to see it until I recently read the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Bill Murray plays Larry, a young man who fights in WWI and comes back a changed man. Following the war, he begins a spiritual quest for the meaning of life, which leads him to Eurpoe and Asia. He later meets up again with some of his American friends in Paris, where the film's denouement takes place.
It's always a pretty interesting movie; however, Murray is severely miscast. In the book, Larry is a very genial and sincere guy, but Murray plays him as a bit of a clown. His performance makes the film too erratic in tone. Fans of the novel will also likely be disappointed by several changes - the author is not present in the film and Elliot's role is greatly diminished. Overall, fans of Murray and the novel are likely to be let down.
30 Great way to start your search
I recently had the pleasure of seeing this film on one of those pay channels that was having a free viewings for a couple of days. I knew nothing about it and it was one a.m. so I stuck a tape in the VCR and called it a night. How fortunate for me. It was delightfull and I watched it more than once. ...While their were signifigent differences between the book and the film the things the film included added were well thought out and touching... [And] the tranference of the narative from the author and some of his sceans ( the book was largly a first person narritive of the author with various long monologs by other characters) worked very well. Oddly enough (considering the years each came out) the film lacked some degree of the sexuality of the book but over all it was a true rendition. ...The rest of the acting was fair. Theresa Russell was as good as she usually is ( but not up to her role in Insignifigence) and Cathrine Hicks was as bad as she usuallyis....
I recommend this movie whole heartedly. Other than Hicks the only real weakness was that it was rather unclear if Murry followed the Buddah or Hinduism, but as both embrace the transmigration of souls, temples, yoga, etc, from the film stand point it really didn't matter. One thing this film did for me was creat an interest in exploring eastern philosophies. ...
31 The Razors Edge
A medium paced movie about the meaning of life;or the lack there of. All in all I walked away with a pluthra of ideas about different streams of consciousness.
32 Another sleeper, apparently NOT undiscovered...
GREAT movie! Has kept me thinking about it since it was released in video MANY years ago. This is the movie that entrapped Bill Murray into all those other "comedy" flicks the studio wanted him to do... as he REALLY wanted to make this film above all others. I only wish it was in DVD.
33 Murray fan seriously disappointed
This is one of the most wonderful stories, and the original movie with Tyronne Power was excellent. I was excited to see this remake because I'm a Murray fan. However, Murray comes off as a smirking smart mouth instead of the sensitive man the role requires. I gave it two stars because the story is so good, and there are some scenes with provocative interpretations somewhat different from the original.
34 The Razors Edge/Bill Murray/Drama
if you are a romantic, love classic novels, and can forget
how blind and short-sighted most professional critics are,
you will love this movie..bill murray proves beyond any doubt
that he can do serious drama..catherine hicks is talented above
and beyond seventh heaven, although i adore her in this recurring
WB network role, and theresa russell is unsurpassed in her portrayal of sophie..read the novel, by somerset maughm, then watch the 40's version with gene theirney, very good but too
hollywood and misses some of the depth of the novels characters, then see this version and i think you will agree that it is a winner...it tugs at your heart in a special way..bill murray is wonderful, deep, sensitive, absoulutely convincing as larry darrell...i want to own it if santa is listening!!!
35 THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN MOVIE HISTORY
THIS IS A MOVIE THAT IS GUARANTEED TO BE A GREAT DISCOVERY. I HAVE WATCHED THE RAZOR,S EDGE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR FOR THE LAST TEN YEARS. IT NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE ME. EACH TIME VIEWED I DISCOVER SOMETHING NEWER AND DEEPER. I BEG EVERYONE WHO INTRESTED IN THIS MOVIE , LETS WRITE ,CALL ,COMPLAIN, WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO GET THIS FILM OUT ON DVD. THANKS TO ALL
36 An Underrated Movie
First off I think Murray was excellent, I believe he intended to keep his portrayal of Larry Darrell a bit aloof or understated. I think one of the most interesting scenes of the movie is when Darrell is holding his friend and mentor (can't remember his name) who is dying in the foxhole after having just saved Larry's life. I have always liked to believe a rumor that Murray used the death of John Belushi for inspiration during that scene. Anyways I read the book years ago and love to watch this movie over and over again. I pray it comes out on DVD soon.
37 A truly exceptional movie--an all time favorite--must see!
If you are an intelligent viewer who is looking for a significant and possibly mind expanding movie event then "The Razor's Edge" is for you. It has remained one of my favorite films for fifteen years, and I have owned it and replayed it many times. If you look at the viewer feedback for this film you will find that the vast majority of people rate is as "Excellent" (76% of imdb raters give it a 10/10 rating) those who fail to see it's qualities can be divided fairly equally into the "don't get it" camp (Unlike the typical Hollywood lowest denominator flick, the minimum IQ for viewing is Razor's Edge is probably 100, and that leaves ? the population out) and the "disappointed" crowd, who have so typecast the star (Bill Murray) that they wanted "Caddyshack" and just can't allow him to be a serious actor. You must set aside you prejudices and give the man a chance-Bill Murray is a Harvard grad, he co-wrote the screen play-this was a labor of love for him. Just because he has a sense of humor does NOT make him a lightweight, as this film demonstrates for anyone with the eyes to see it. Based upon the 1942 W. Somerset Maugham novel, it follows the evolution of a spoiled upper class boy from Illinois (Larry, Bill Murray), who volunteers to be an ambulance driver in WW I for a little "fun and adventure" and instead gets a dose of PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). His world was forever changed by the events he experienced. He literally could not go home again after the war. He tried, and found the lives of those around him to be shallow and meaningless, and their pursuits and interests just trivial. There had to be a reason why he was here, and this sets the stage for the real point of the movie, which is an exploration of the meaning of life. (I told you it wasn't Caddyshack!) Obsessed with these existential issues, and finding that alcohol did not make the need go away, Larry travels to Paris, and starts to read, serious books on philosophy and religion, supporting himself as a laborer. He does not care much for his surroundings-his lack of materialism is in marked contrast to his peers and friends from before, whose dreams are to grow wealthy in the stock market. An early Bohemian. I found this particularly poignant: to watch this movie that foreshadowed the tech boom and bust, and realize a whole new crass materialistic generation's world was just as rocked by a stock market crash AFTER this movie was made! His fiancˇe could not deal with this, and left him, to marry someone she did not love but who had money. Another contrast to the shallow and materialistic, which is a recurring theme throughout the film-what brings happiness to a man? Larry's journey took him to India, and Hindu religion, and then on to Tibet to discover Buddha-the scenes filmed there are absolutely breathtaking, so I hope you can find a letterbox laserdisc or they finally bring this out on DVD-it is worth it to see the whole screen. There is romance, and love, and loss. I won't reveal the ending, which is truly bittersweet, and a bit nihilistic. This is truly the best thing this fine actor ever accomplished, and I rate it a strong "10". This should have won many awards, and should also be considered a true classic; I am disappointed in my fellow man that they so typecast the star that they could not see what a great contribution he made with this effort here. Not light fare, and a long film, but one worth seeing.
38 Ricky's thoughts on The Razor's Edge
The Razor's Edge in my opinion is a movie that focus' on a life(Larry), in a time of change and confusion. It is an execellent depiction of how a life can change through tragedy. Larry has been put in an aweful situation, but miraculously, changes his life for the better, becoming a well rounded man. It is an excellent movie. Larry has found a new person within himself that he never knew existed, and now is helping others to do the same. He wants others to experience what he has, and if looking for a movie to lift your spirits, this is an excellent film that I recommend
39 A unique version
"The Razors Edge" is a story by W. Somerset Maugham. Naturally to get the fullness of the story you will have to read the book. A closer to the book movie version (1946) was made with Tyrone Power and Gene Tierney (see my review). This version although closer to the book, however has Tyrone Power usurping some of the deeds the Summerset did in the book.
This version went one step further to place Bill Murray in the center stage and cut out a lot of the mystery. At first you will say this is not like the book (and it is not); but the modification emphasized the meaning of the book and by changing Larry from a flyer to an ambulance driver emphasized the question of why him and not me? So you can get a feel for the question Larry asks and not just be an observer. Larry's evolvement with Sophie MacDonald once again takes you out of the realm of an observer. Possibly to save time and enforce the "you are there" feel, W. Somerset Maugham was completely removed from the story. I really like Anne Baxter (1946) but I have to say that Theresa Russell (1984) made an excellent Sophie MacDonald.
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Larry Darrell has the ideal life he grew up with the cultured class and has a beautiful girl that was once skinny now filled out. Her father as a perfect job waiting for him and all is right with the world. That is until the war and new Larry must find meaning in life and why one person lives and another doesn't. He may never find the answer but he must try. In the mean time life goes on around him.
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Bottom line if you have nothing to compare the movie with it is watchable and insightful. However it is missing the Razor's Edge.
40 As silly & pretentious & empty as a movie can get...
I loved the book when I was 14. It was my first taste of eastern mysticism and the power of the mind over the body. I particularly fell for the coin trick & practiced it endlessly. At 16 I saw the first movie version & fell under the spell of Tyrone Powers dark dreamy eyes. Well into adulthood I saw this silly thing & was deeply embarrassed. For myself, for its audience, especially for anyone associated with its production. Bill Murray is Bill Murray. He stands there & does his deadpan thing. No Larry Darrell he.
41 Wonderful Version...Characters that you will remember
My two cents is that this is an outstanding film! The soundtrack is marvelous and moving, the cinematography is great, and the "supporting cast" performances of Denholm Elliott, Peter Vaughan, and Saeed Jaffrey are outstanding. Murray wasn't great but if you like him at all then you'll probably like the film. Casting Bill Murray as the lead was smart because Somerset Maughm's character rejects a mainstream life for a life less traveled, and Murray's smart alecky devil may care humor allows the character to reject a materialist style of life without being elitist and rejecting the people who have chosen that lifestyle. Anyway the film is not for everyone, but if you love Bill Murray obviously pick it up and if you have any counter-cultural leanings I strongly recommend picking it up and while you are here pick up Somerset Maughm's book!
42 An amazing movie
The amazing part of the movie is its messages that for some reason, you just "get," and you understand completely. There were at least three times during the movie where I broke out into a giggle, because I understood the message, and when I tried to explain it to those watching it with me, I just got odd looks.
It's a profound movie on a number of levels, but if you're looking for a "message" movie like Denzel Washington's "The Siege," or a Bill Murray movie like "Ghostbusters," you're looking in the wrong place. It's a very introspective movie, and if you're not into those, You won't enjoy "The Razor's Edge."
43 Slow but oddly moving
I'd like to see Isabel slaughtered. Never in my life have I ever hated a fictional character like I do her.
While you don't get much insight into what spiritual awakenings Bill Murray's character is going through the impression of these episodes works fairly well for me.
For those who'd rather shirk the good job to escape the superficial clowns that infest the working world this movies is a must.
44 AWESOME!
If you enjoy true drama,very light comedy(Not the usuall Bill Murray variety at all) and do not mind a slightly tragic end this film is definately for you. That was all of the bad stuff. The good stuff is Bill Murray in a serious role that he pulls off without a hitch. The movie gives you pause to reflect upon yourself and almost compells you to examine your everyday actions-days after you have finished the movie. It is a movie about a person in search of himself and his attonement, and it's effect on others around him. The ending as forementioned is a little tragic, but as life generally is, it is quite beliveable.After you watch this movie you will definately want to share it with a friend.
45 Don't bother!
Do yourself a favor and see the 1946 adaptation with Tyrone Power. This version is just dreadful. The casting makes no sense and the characters are butchered. I like Katherine Hicks but she just doesn't make a convincing Isabelle. Theresa Russell as Sophie is the only cast member that could have pulled off her character but with this script and ensemble she is wasting her effort. Bill Murray as Larry Darrell is the worst idea anyone has had in a long time? What a mess this is! I could hardly sit through it. W Sommerset Maugham wrote an amazing story. The 1946 movie does it justice but this one doesn't even come close.
46 Quite awful
I like Bill Murray a lot, wish him well, and hope he can eventually transition to serious acting roles. But in this ludicrous adaptation of a substantive novel, he simply cannot pull it off. That famous smirk is always there, right below the surface. I expected him to break into an SNL skit at any moment, destroying any pretense of real drama. Go see Groundhog Day instead.
47 My all-time favorite movie!
In my opinion, this is the most beautiful movie ever made. The mixture of humor and drama truly make it relative to real life. To watch Larry, a man on a journey to discover, not only himself, but also the meaning of Life, is what makes this movie special. What is remarkable is that the tragedy that Larry must face at the end is what actually leads to his final understanding of what the gift of life really is. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who appreciates the beauty that can be found in life, even during dark times.
48 The most inspiring movie made!
I 1st saw this movie in 1984 in the movies. At the time i was only 13yrs old and i did'nt understand it. As time had went on as i've gotten older i had begun to figure out the meaning of the movie and what its meaning was. I think this movie is very inspiring and does not leave you thinking what it needed or lacked. Razor's edge has been my inspiration to do many things in my life differently. Bill Murray should've gotten a major award for this role. In my opinion this movie has more meaning than Titanic.
49 Quite simply, this is just a bad film.
I just finished reading this book, was intrigued and affected by its message (upon which I am still working to understand), and so decided to rent this film version to see whether it might further shed some light. I will look at the 1946 effort as soon as I can find it in a video store.
Checking out the ratings awarded by the previous 16 reviewers of this film, I was shocked by the numbers of 4 and 5 stars I found.
The actors are all miscast (Nepotism plays a role here too), the little motivation they do manage to display is misdirected, the characterizations are not true to Maugham's vision, the performances are shallow and at times laughable (Elliot's death scene is ridiculous, and Sophie licking her lips while looking at a bottle of liquor is not what I call acting), the "meaning" behind story is blatantly overstated, its telling is without continuity, and bottom line, there is not one character in the movie we can care about. This is not a good film.
It is mind boggling that this movie was ever made, and even more so that anyone could feel good about it once it was complete. Sadly, as the screenwriters and the men ultimately responsible for the end result, Byrum and Murray were the ones who "just didn't get it".
For those who are willing to do the work required to examine the themes explored in this story, stick with Maugham's novel. It is a thousand times richer, more complex, complete, and more satisfying than this movie. It successfully exposes elements of the human condition. It is art.
50 Great Inspiration
A great epic about one mans search for the meaning of life. I found this movie to be such an inspiration that I actually went to the Himalayas to see everything for myself. Bill Murray is incredible.
51 Bill Murray's Best Roll
For anyone who only knows Bill Murray only from his SNL days, or countless stupid comedys he's been a part of, you will wonder after seeing this performance why he wastes his talent on such drivel. This movie demonstrates he's Robin Williams only rival in both genre.
52 You'll never look at Bill Murray the same after this.
This is Murray's best work and guess what it's not a comedy. Surprisingly, this role really fits him very well. This film contains a great cast and breathtaking cinematography. I bought a copy because I still keep renting it since I first saw it in 89. James Wilkerson, VA
53 It changed my life.
In perhaps his most serious role, Bill Murray beautifully illustrates the difference between a worldly life led attached to people and things, and a life of a wandering ascetic in early 1900's Europe and U.S.
54 A wonderful movie.
This movie along with Cinema Paradiso, Sheltering Skys, Fandango, Highway 61, and Breaking away are among my favorites. I Could use Bill Murray for a similar role in my new screenplay.
55 I Recommend This Movie To Everyone I Know!
I first saw this movie in the theater when it came out in 1984. There are very few films that I can truthfully say had a profound impact of me, but this is definitely one of them. Larry Darrell is such a fascinatingly rare character for Western culture because he has learned that he exists beyond the wants and demands of his ego. His character rejects all traditional forms of identity and status, deciding to focus his ambtion inwardly. He is a welcome anti-hero defying the out of control American materialistic mentality.
56 One of the best!
There are two movies that I insist about viewing to everyone that I know. The first is 'Fiddler on the Roof' and the second is this film. The impact this movie had upon me cannot be described, and I consider it a shame that so few people know about it. Murray does an excellent job capturing the quiet, reflective, almost moody character of Larry Darrell. Read over these other reviews, they say it all.
57 A once in a lifetime performance by Bill Murray.
A Majestic soundtrack and stunning cimematogrophy give Bill Murray all he needs to turn in one of the greatest performances of his career. The Razor's Edge is the story of one man's life and his search for the true meaning of being alive. Sacrifice and shameless integrity are among the lessons that Larry Darrell learns along the road as he follows the common man's path to to self actualization. If there were more stars available I would gladly award them to this little known film.
58 Murray transcends the tranditional leading role
I have watched this movie alone on countless evenings, when I needed to think about my place in the world. This is a strange movie. Sometimes Bill Murray's dry delivery of the dialogue makes him appear strangely alien in the extreme and harsh world Maughan paints around him. Still, Murray is very aware of what the movie requires from his performance. It's rare to see a movie where the lead character trancends even the desire for acceptance or revenge. I think that's the beauty of this movie. Larry Darrell does find his answers and by those answers he is transformed. He leaves America in a fit of angry rejection and returns to heal his friends. Rarely in our era of movies does a character grow beyond he problems he's faced with. Typically a modern character is presented with something that he gains the ability to physically crush or destroy by the end of the movie. Argue all you like; that's my opinion of American cinema. You will be unable to argue that Murray's character is the same character in the beginning of the movie that he is by it's resolution. The movie stays true to itself and that's why i love it. The movie also featured a dangerous departure from the Maughan novel with the introduction of Sophie, aka Theresa Russell, as a love interest. This departure eventually becomes one the movies strongest points. Had Murray's character not conquered the loss of Sophie the way Sophie failed to conquer the loss of her husband, then the movie would not have been so powerful to me. As it is, the movie shows that deep self-knowledge can allow for forgiveness and understanding in any circumstance.
59 Fabulous!
I've seen several thousand movies in my 57 years, this one remains my favorite.
60 Bill Murry can act and a class act it is, Well Done!!
Bill Murry, usally noted for his jokes and cut up hummor, shows off some of the true actors craft in this modern rendition of Sumerset Maughms classic. The main chacter stuggles with life, love money and a bit of reality. The search for the true meaning of life shows Murrys talent as he becomes "every man" in the search.Set in Paris, India,and WWI France. A well done film that was over shadowed by others in its time (Out of Africa, A Passage to India) If you liked them, you'll like this.
61 See it once and love it for a lifetime
The Razor's Edge is a movie adaptation of the book by W Sommerset Maugham. At first I was very skeptical about the making a movie from one of my all time favorite authors. After all, attempts at making a movie from another of his works Of Human Bondage couldnt compare with the emotional impact the book has. This portrayal though was not only well done, but it also conveyed the life changes that the hero Larry Darryl underwent as he took advantage of his "Second chance in life". I do in fact think that the authors message of how hard it is to find happiness is well represented in this adaptation. Bill Murray does walk the razor's edge and in doing so takes us with him and we have a glimpse of his inner peace he ultimately obtains. I would recommend watching this movie and see if you can develop your own inner truths.
62 Who are we? Why are we here??
I am of Irish-German heritage, raised Catholic, now studying Hinduism. I can say this movie has profoundly impacted my life and recommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining and serious adventure that embraces the search for self-realization.
This has to be my favorite movie of all time. I've seen this movie, repeatedly, beginning in 1986 at the age of fifteen. I didn't know what its messages were back then but I continued to rent it off-and-on as I grew older in hopes I could realize more of the movie's riddles that caught my attention from the start. Especially, when Murray's talking with the Dhalai Lama and asks, "Is it true? That it's easier to be a monk on the top of a mountain?" And the Dalai Lama responds, "It is true that living a spiritual life is like walking on a razor's edge."
Bill Murray's dramatic performance was compelling for me because he took a risk stepping outside of his comedic role-playing (his career stereo-type) to portray a character searching for the meaning of life--Siskel & Ebert identified this as the reason the movie didn't score well at the box office in 1984.
I've seen Seven Years in Tibet with Brad Pitt, and I have to say that my opinion of the movie was biased because I found myself returning to The Razor's Edge as a gauge for comparison--even though both movies were based on non-fictional characters.
Although the content of The Razor's Edge may be heavy, you won't walk away disappointed. In fact, I'm buying a copy from Amazon.com for my own library so I don't have to try and find it at the video store next month :)
63 Inspired me to travel the world!
Bill is brilliant and plays the role of Larry Darrel as Maugham intended in his original screenplay.
64 Bill Murray pulls off a non-comedic role with style
One of my favorite movies by Bill Murray. It's not a comedy, but he is able to bring some of his comedic talents to the role in more subtle ways. An excellent movie for those grappling with the meaning of life themselves and their place in the world. Murray, in his world-wide quest, finds happiness in the most unlikely of places and realizes that he has found peace whereas his old friends have found only misery and disappointment by pinning all their hopes and dreams on wealth.
65 One of my favorites. Murray and Russell lived their roles.
One of my all time favorite films. Better than the book, better than the original movie. Bill Murray lived his role as did Teresa Russell. Watch his face and body movements when he says: "You just don't get it - it doesn't matter." Wonderful, wonderful message with a superb delivery.
