Anyone remember the Patrick Bergin one?
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Archived from the IMDb Discussion Forums — Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
HarveyManfredSinJohn — 11 years ago(July 05, 2014 11:28 PM)
In the UK, the press hyped up the 1991 release of Kevin Costner's 'Prince of Thieves' and another 'Robin Hood' film, starring Patrick Bergin (where is he now?) in the title role as a big rivalry. One paper even published a picture, most likely a mock-up, of Bergin and Costner together, dressed in their respective Robin Hood gear, and depicted as getting ready for some sort of duel. At the time I didn't realise that the Bergin version was in fact a TV movie and wasn't getting a theatrical release outside of the UK.
However, many audience members, myself included, foolishly rushed out to see the Patrick Bergin film, which was released in the UK a few months before the Costner version, thinking it would be a credible rival in terms of budget and ambition.
Does anyone else remember the great 'Robin Hood' movie rivalry of 1991? -
Fluke_Skywalker — 11 years ago(July 06, 2014 12:43 AM)
I experienced it from a slightly different perspective here in the States. Here it aired on network TV (Fox, I believe) a few weeks ahead of the Costner version.
I was just starting to get into the behind the scenes aspect of movies, and I remember the talk mostly being about the Bergin version trying to capitalize on the hype for
Prince of Thieves
and trying to steal its thunder.
I re-watched it a few years ago, and for a made for TV movie it's not too bad (especially for the time). Bergin doesn't make for the most charming of leads, but his dour demeanor does fit the glum tone of the film. And I thought Uma Thurman was a better Maid Marion than Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.A journey into the realm of the obscure:
http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/ -
HarveyManfredSinJohn — 11 years ago(July 06, 2014 05:13 AM)
Thanks for the quick, and very interesting response.
In the UK I get the impression that the producers were trying to capitalise on the upcoming and inevitably-blockbusting Costner version by releasing the Bergin one out in cinemas a few months earlierand I was one of the saps who fell for the ploy.
I remember being rather underwhelmed at the time, mainly because it was not the Costner version (as a kid I think I must have been rather confused and believed that this
was
going to be the big-budget Costner version). But on retrospect I think you're right. It's not that bad. It certainly has more of an 'authentic' tone than the Costner version, and it's refreshing to see a primarily British, or at least European, cast take on the parts for once (I hope that doesn't sound like an insult - I also prefer to see US characters played by American actors, as good as Christian Bale's Batman and Andrew Garfield's 'Spider-Man' are).
Although Mastrantonio looks more like I picture 'Maid Marian', with the long flowing dark hair, I do agree that Uma Thurman was superior simply because she injected a bit of personality into the part.
It's also interesting to note the other now-familiar faces in the cast, apart from Thurman, such as David Morrissey as 'Little John' and "Game of Thrones" Owen Teale as 'Will Scarlet' (a complete contrast from his dour and mean-spirited 'Alister Thorne' on "GOT").
One bit that does particularly stick in the memory, and not in a good way, is the way, the admittedly-less-than-charming Bergin 'Robin Hood' treats the 'vertically-challenged' Merry Man whose archery skills he bests. He seems to take great delight in humiliating him, and the way that character is later found squeezed into a small wooden bird-cage struck me as a rather mean 'heightist' development. It's been a long since I've seen the film so perhaps you could advise me whether I'm remembering things correctly. -
Fluke_Skywalker — 11 years ago(July 06, 2014 07:00 AM)
You're welcome. Thanks for the interesting topic! I tend to check this board once a week or so. It was one of the last real Summer "event" films of my youth (I was 17), and I still have a great affinity for it.
I remember a lot of the discussion at the time centered on the contrasting tones. It's easy to understand why you were underwhelmed by the Bergin version. It's definitely not a kid's film. It's not that it's particularly violent or anything, but it's just so stark, and not very fun.
No offense taken re: the nationality thing. I think if the actor can pull it off, that's one thing. Bale, Garfield and Henry Cavill all do/did a great job with their accents. But Costner doesn't pull it off. Doesn't even
try
to pull it off, actually. Other than adopting a certain formality, he speaks with his normal accent. Probably a wise choice, as I don't think he has the chops to do it, but I can see why it left some people a bit chapped.
If I recall, Mastrantonio got the gig pretty late due to another actress having to drop out at the last minute (can't remember who at the moment). She's certainly not bad, but it just never felt like she had a handle on the character. I think she would've been better with more prep time.
Re: Bergin's Robin Hood and his treatment of the Merry Man, I wish I could help, but it's been a year (maybe even two) since I watched it, and it just doesn't ring a bell.A journey into the realm of the obscure:
http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/ -
HarveyManfredSinJohn — 11 years ago(July 06, 2014 09:42 AM)
You're welcome. Thanks for the interesting topic! I tend to check this board once a week or so. It was one of the last real Summer "event" films of my youth (I was 17), and I still have a great affinity for it.
I'm glad you appreciate the topic! I hope other posters will join in our discussion and raise points that you and I might find interesting.
If I recall, Mastrantonio got the gig pretty late due to another actress having to drop out at the last minute (can't remember who at the moment). She's certainly not bad, but it just never felt like she had a handle on the character. I think she would've been better with more prep time.
Robin Wright was the actress who was originally cast as 'Maid Marion' before becoming pregnant and having to drop out shortly before production began (I wonder if this film was originally intended to be a 'Princess Bride' reunion since Cary Elwes is said to have been one of the first choices for 'Robin Hood'). I think Wright would have been wonderful in a more colourful, purposefully-artificial looking 'Robin Hood', akin to a modern version of the 1938 Errol Flynn version because of her ethereal beauty. But as I've perhaps already hinted, my issue with these 'Robin Hood' films are less attributable to the casting than their rather drab, muddy look and tone. Kevin Reynolds, the director of this film, is no stylist and the Sherwood Forest scenes are particularly unappealing from a visual perspective. -
Fluke_Skywalker — 11 years ago(July 07, 2014 05:36 AM)
I'm glad you appreciate the topic! I hope other posters will join in our discussion and raise points that you and I might find interesting.
I'm sure they will. It's actually a pretty active board for a nearly 25 year old film.
Robin Wright was the actress who was originally cast as 'Maid Marion' before becoming pregnant and having to drop out shortly before production began (I wonder if this film was originally intended to be a 'Princess Bride' reunion since Cary Elwes is said to have been one of the first choices for 'Robin Hood').
Oh, wow. That pairing might've actually taken me right out of the movie. I don't think I can see them together and not think Westley and Buttercup.
But as I've perhaps already hinted, my issue with these 'Robin Hood' films are less attributable to the casting than their rather drab, muddy look and tone. Kevin Reynolds, the director of this film, is no stylist and the Sherwood Forest scenes are particularly unappealing from a visual perspective.
Yeah, it's not as oppressively drab as the Bergin version, but they were clearly trying to go for an earthy look. I think the weather and the environment are almost like characters themselves here. I've always like it, but I've seen many comments to the contrary, both here and in reviews.A journey into the realm of the obscure:
http://saturdayshowcase.blogspot.com/ -
spookyrat1 — 10 years ago(April 27, 2015 08:52 AM)
I think it may have even got a brief theatrical release in Australia riding on the coat tails of RHPOT. I saw it on video. Much more low key and less hyped, but still worth a look. I liked and still like POT better.
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!!!deleted!!! (40461903) — 10 years ago(September 29, 2015 06:56 AM)
Very interesting.
I was twelve at the time (1991), and my friends and I had largely grown up with children's storybooks about Robin Hood, and the very enjoyable Disney cartoon Robin Hood movie (1973). So, seeing all these familiar characters on screen in a big budget Hollywood movie looked fantastic (judging by the trailers we saw).
However, when we heard that "Robin Hood" had been released in cinemas, we immediately bought tickets, only to find out (when sitting in the cinema) that it was ANOTHER Robin Hood movie that we've never heard of starring some guy called Patrick Bergin. It was a reasonably good movie, I guessbut kind of unmemorable. I certainly don't recall having watched it much since seeing it in the cinemas. Perhaps twice as most since then?
We had to wait about another MONTH or so to see "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves". But oh yes, it was worth the wait! Alan Rickman as the Sherrifthe amazingly beautiful Mary Elizabeth Mastrantoniothe setsthe costumesthe SOUNDTRACK!!! Love it all! Definitely my favourite movie of 1991.
But yeah, that Patrick Bergin version sure popped out of nowhere down here (in Australia)
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Blue Wave — 3 years ago(May 22, 2022 07:10 AM)
I remember seeing it on video if memory serves right. I quite enjoyed for Patrick Bergins' performance. "Bloody Normans!" "His granddad was a pirate!" It wasn't as big as Kevin Costners' film. However it made a good impression on me.