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Mates,
I saw "Quest for Fire" last evening for second time since it was a new film (1981) and I was reminded how compelling this movie is.
If you don't know this one, it is the story of a group of people about 80,000 years ago living in a more or less swamp situation whose fire goes out. As they do not know the method of making fire, must go off in search of a ready-made flame to bring back. It is then the story of the life-threatnening difficulties in retrieving a flame!
Powerful moments:
The group realizes that the flame is out and this is possibly the difference between life and death.
Ron Perlman sees the gourd used as a container for the first time, it was as striking as someone seeing some kind of advanced aliens.
The 'discovery' of laughter- the hilarious rocks dropped on the head routine turns out to be 80,000 years old!- and
The missionary position as the 'new'way individual bonds are formed and strengthened.
When Ron Perlman sees his first grass hut and thinks it is a giant sleeping animal, throwing a spear at it. the idea of a man-made shelter ocurrs because of the advanced tribe's proximity to grass.
RP bows in front of a wolly mammoth with an offering of grass and the mammoths stampeded the advancing, threatening group- a kind of strange instant alliance between a person and animals.
One striking image is that of the man who, after the incredible odyssey of the group finding fire, douses it in the river in his excitement. This is of course, exokes the original fundamental fear of the loss of fire. One striking aspect is that the man is bald- I just never think of early men being bald- it just struck me. I notice that character was not seen in the group later!
When the girl from the advanced tribe makes fire and the look of enlightenment on RPs face was one of transformation. After seing this movie the first time, I went out and tried making fire in the same way- without success. No Scout badge for me!
Given that there is no discernible dialog other than the Anthony Burgess created ones, the depiction of these complex themes of early human struggling to improve their situation is fabulous. Overall, the themes of social and technical advancements in relation to environment tells a strong story of adaptation and cooperation.
The detailed,physicality of the acting is made very natural and the interaction between the groups at various stages of progress is subtely wonderful. This strikes me as one of the most intelligent movies I've seen in a long while- I couldn't look away.
Anyone else like - or hate- this one?
Cheers,
Bambi B

Films/DVD Asylum

A new appreciation for "Quest for Fire"