Different film adaptations serve as a lens through which we can observe the evolving interpretations of a single literary source over time. A prime example of this phenomenon is A. E. W. Mason's 1902 war adventure novel, The Four Feathers,"and its 2002 screen adaptation, which diverged significantly from its predecessors.
The plot is set in mid 1880s during the Mahdist War. Protagonist, played by Heath Ledger, is Harry Faversham, young British Army officer from the family with long and proud military tradition. Future seems bright, because he has just finished training and became engaged to lovely Ethne Eustace (played by Kate Hudson). When the word comes that his unit will be shipped to Sudan to take part in campaign to relieve besieged General Gordon in Khartoum, Harry not only expresses doubt about the whole affair but actually resigns his commission. This move is seen as scandalous, leading to his father, General Faversham (played by Tim Piggot-Smith), disowning him, and three of his best friends send him white feather as symbol of cowardice, while Ethne sends fourth and breaks engagement. Driven by remorse and guilt, Harry decides to help his friends in a different way and goes to Egypt as civilian. From there he would try to pass for an Arab and get behind Mahdist lines to gather intelligence. Along the way receives help from Abou Fathma (played by Djimon Honsou), native mercenary warrior who serves as his guide and mentor.
Produced by Miramax, the film boasted a prestigious production with a substantial budget and aspirations for Oscar recognition. Director Shekhar Kapur, known for his expertise in period epics demonstrated in Elizabeth, helmed the project, aiming to bring a grand scale to the screen. Despite its promising pedigree, The Four Feathers failed to garner enthusiasm among critics and struggled at the box office. One of the primary criticisms centered on Kapur's handling of action sequences, which paled in comparison to his adeptness with court intrigues in Elizabeth. The film's excessive length, sparse action, heavy dialogue, and melodrama left many viewers cold, with Kapur's direction failing to capitalize on the picturesque Moroccan desert locations which had served previous film makers like David Lean so well.
While the music score by James Horner received little acclaim, the cast delivered solid performances. American actors like Kate Hudson and Wes Bentley portrayed British characters convincingly, with Djimon Honsou shining as Abou Fathma, a native warrior and mentor to the protagonist. Honsou's portrayal, brought 21st Century "political correctness" to the film.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the film becomes obvious when it is compared to 1939 adaptation of the novel, directed by Zoltan Korda. Both films were released shortly before start of major conflict (WW2 in 1939, Iraq War in 2003), both their approach to literary source was quite different. While Korda celebrated patriotism, sense of duty and self-sacrifice, Kapur through protagonist and other characters challenges notions of British imperialism, jingoism, militarism, and intervention in foreign lands. Some critics found obvious parallels with the contemporary policies of United States and interpreted film as a critique of the impending invasion of Iraq. This stance, rather bold in months following 9/11 when most of the traumatised public supported the war, might have hurt The Four Feathers at the box office.
The Four Feathers is watchable, but offers nothing other than thought-provoking perspective on evolving political ideologies regarding British imperialism. It falls short in engaging the audience compared to the revered 1939 version.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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