@@edwardwright2989 Lol. I think people tend to do that for a few reasons. It was the beginning of Freidkin's commercial decline. He's also been somewhat forgotten over the years. Had this movie had anywhere near the success of the Exorcist or the French connection this probably wouldn't have happened. A lot of his films have been underated since then. Definitely a good underated movie, but masterpiece? That's a stretch. I don't think there's a great performance by anyone
This movie is truly one of the most underrated and overlooked films of all time. Even after almost 50 years and people rediscovering what a hidden gem it is, it still remains in obscurity and is very rarely talked about. I would say this was Friedkin's best film, even better than The Exorcist, The French Connection, and To Live and Die in LA.
I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out and thought it was absolutely stunning. Paid to watch it many more times before it left the theaters and got it on VHS and DVD ASAP. Amazing, underrated film. Holds up all these years later.
I discovered this film being shown one Friday night in the basement auditorium lecture hall of my college in the mid '90s. I honestly just stepped in to kill time before going to a keg party, but I ditched the party and sat mesmerized and stunned by the story I was watching. I started going to more offbeat "arthouse" films after this.
Sounds like you helped it make most of its box office. I caught this in the 80s on that new thing, pay cable movie channels. Got HBO and Showtime and spent hours watching movies I'd never seen or heard of, they actually had rather sophisticated adult programming in those early years. I was young, my tastes were mature, I was happy. When this one came on I sat in mesmerized silence for its entirety and then always remembered it as a shockingly good and affecting film, that no one except film studies people know about.
It's such an underrated masterpiece. The studio had no idea how to market it. I was lucky to see this in the theater when it came out and was amazed. This sequence alone is riveting and suspenseful.
He's right there with Coppola, 3 sensational, classic 70s flicks for Bill, 4 for Coppola. Just saw an interview with him where he was talking about how it sucks getting old. He had a hard time even standing this year. He came up with 2 great ones the last few years, Bug, which is hilarious, and Killer Joe. Siskel complains about the characters being unlikeable. That's one of the things I dig about it, the cynical characters. In Killer Joe, every friggin character is an asshole. He will be missed.
Watching the film I kept saying 'how'd they shoot the bridge scene without killing anyone' and kept thinking there's way that a model. But it was. Simply amazing.
I remember being totally blown away when I saw this film in the theatre. A terribly dark and depressing movie but a tour de force of directing and acting beyond anything I've seen before or since. Thanks for reminding me of a great movie.
Same. I bought this soundtrack on 8-Track in a dollar bin a year or so after it came out. At 13 it was my first introduction into synthesizer music. I had no idea what I was getting into.
Same. I first heard the record album, not knowing anything about the film or Tangerine Dream. I was greatly impressed by both. In fact, I attended a Tangerine Dream concert last night in Atlanta- first time I heard them in person (I know, not the original performers) and they played the "Betrayal" track from the film live and in person!
The characters are going to be cold though. To varying degrees, they're all psychopaths. And yet, paradoxically, I found myself rooting for them on a human level. They're pitted against nature at its worst. What can go wrong does go wrong at every turn. Gripping.
Hmm, all psychopaths? They were all definitely criminals. Scanlon and Manzon were sociopaths. Perhaps Nilo and Kassem could possibly be in the extreme personality category.
With the title Sorceror in front of a demonic statue at the movie's opening, it had the viewers thinking it would be another exorcist/devil movie. It should have been called something else to avoid the confusion. Turned out it was the name of one of the trucks these criminals from all parts of the world were driving through the South American jungles. The music soundtrack and atmosphere did have the images of a horror movie as one viewer said. I watched it a few times on video/RU-vid. Director William Friedkin loves having characters that are troubled/screwed up with their lives in his films (The Exorcist, To Live And Die In LA). One of the most underrated action films from the 1970s. It felt like Friedkin's Apocalypse Now I witnessed.
I kind of like that it's the name of one of the trucks. Like they could've gone the obvious route and named it something having to do with some dangerous truck journey, but something is very thought provoking of this whole story about why it's called Sorcerer.
This probably would have done better if it had retained the title of it's source material. "The Wages of Fear" was a taut, adventure thriller, a little known novel that was adapted into a little known, but well made movie in the 1950's. While not a huge hit, the film was so suspenseful and compelling that over time it began to build a following, making it onto many critic's top ten lists. I think that in 1970's there were still many film enthusiasts who would have recognized the title and there would have been a lot more interest generated via word of mouth.
You are so correct. The title and the ad campaign made it seem like it was a supernatural thriller! I kept waiting for demons to show up. Gene was spot on
@@hetmanjz More people (mainly Americans) need to know classic French films. They were so much better at showing real human nature. Hollywood almost always made things a little too sappy.
Saw this film when it first came out in theaters. Was a great movie, vastly underrated. One of the first films I recall using hand held cameras in some action scenes to give the impression of a news reel footage. Some very tense sequences in this film. The only draw back to this film I found, was the beginning sequences introducing the main characters didn’t really flow well with the rest of the movie. It almost seemed like two separate films stuck together. It is still a very good action drama.
One of the best films of the 70's. Most theater-goers were intellectually out of their depth to appreciate the many subtleties within the film. Quite possibly the most depressing & hopeless film I've ever seen. Absolutely loved it.
Agreed. There is a site on youtbe that breaks down the philosophical components to this movie and I found myself nodding at every point. It probably needs to be seen a number of times to appreciate it. The title suggests the allusion that they were all predestined for that trip to Hell for their past behaviours.
A couple of things here... notice the "howling, grunting and subtle frequency tone, along with the wood creaking sound effects. Pure brilliance. I'm not even mentioning Tangerine Dream's Synth compostions that just add such a rich layer of intensity to this classic cinema masterpiece. This is true filming within the highest degree of art form. Bravo... these types of scenes now have CG Graphics and computers taking over...
I saw this in the theater when it was released and re-watch it regularly. It remains one of my three all-time , co-favorite films. It is just supremely great -- to me. I recognize that it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is definitely mine. Finally, I agree with some of what Friedkin, himself, had to say about the film, but disagree with other things. It should absolutely be better known and watched and appreciated.
Director William Friedkin, this film is tough, gritty. Friedkin knew what to do. He once said 'I know how to give audiences 1 and half hours packed with a real thrill'. He certainly achieved this in The French Connection, Exorcist. Using Francisco Rabal whom he wanted in The French Connection to play 'Charnier' made this film great. It just came in the time of Star Wars. I strongly believe this film was an epic. even though it wasn't best at the box office.
Some of the more famous soundtracks have been Sorcerer, Thief, Legend, Risky Business, The Keep, Firestarter, Flashpoint, Heartbreakers, Shy People and Near Dark. TG composed soundtracks for more than 20 movies. There was no mention of why the movie was not released on video tape for more than 25 years. After a lengthy lawsuit filed against Universal Studios and Paramount, Friedkin supervised a digital restoration of Sorcerer, with the new print premiering at the 70th Venice International Film Festival on August 29, 2013 and Warner released a Blu-ray version in 2014. I saw this movie in Canada during its original run. I was already a fan of Tangerine Dream. When I rewatch Sorcerer nowadays, I usually watch La Salaire de la Peur (The Wages of Sin) first, then Sorcerer. Both are amazing films in their own right.
I agree with them about the name. I'd actually never heard of this film till earlier today after reading it in another videos comments. My first thought was, "wow I never knew Roy Scheider did a fantasy film. I need to look this up."
One of Quentin Tarantino's favorite films. I saw this with my father in 1977 when I was 12 at the theater. Seen it a few times since & it always captivates my attention.
I love the title. Went to see it bc Roy Schieder was in it. Understand title drawbacks, as explained by Siskel. Still think it should have become a cult classic.
Ebert got it. This was a masterpiece of suspense and had me on the edge of my seat. I have the dvd and watch it here on the tube regularly about once a month at least. Siskel couldn't understand a great movie if it fell on him. Sure the title is a bit misleading, but watch the movie for what it is and you will understand. The scene near the end when he is carrying the nitro and just BARELY able to keep from falling! Roy Schieder was one of those actors that could pull off a scene without saying a word. Just look at those eyes when he looks at the old woman at the end he wants to dance with. And before that when he gets the check and stares off into the camera. Then there is the part in the beginning where Schieder says "Where am I going?" and the guy says "I swear to Christ I don't know." Then shows up at the end with that tall guy with the bad haircut. Epic picture!!!
I've seen explosions, death defying action sequences, documentary style film making... nothing like this The version I saw had *no sub titles* for the first 15 min (is that how it was in theaters?) and I immediately was hooked. My only problem was the ending. But I concede that 1 minute of directorial choice to someone who just gave me 2 hours of film making perfection. In short: incredible
Unforgettable movie. I can see why the title might have misled prospective moviegoers, with little advertising for the subject matter. Although the title is probably taken, I can't think of a better movie to call "White Knuckled"
One of my all time favorite films. The biggest mistake Friedkin made that led to poor box office sales was the title. It confused everyone. The original title was much better.
@@ajmmoviestv1669 Yes - then I bought the blu-ray. These days, with streaming services censoring things, original cut dvds are more important than ever.
3:56 about the title of *Sorcerer.* I agree to an extent with Gene, but if you watch the film and pay attention, the title does make sense. At first, it is simply the name of the red truck with the "yellow teeth". Roy Schieder's truck has "Lazaro" on the hood (like Lazarus), and the red truck has "Sorcerer" titled right below the driver seat on the side of the truck.. you can see the name when the red truck is maneuvering around the 90 degree left turn on the rickety wooden bridge early in their journey. But... there is more than that. At the 41 minute mark, there is a quick shot on the very front of the Sorcerer truck showing a cameo of Pazuzu (or at least a demon scribbled in chalk). I thought at first it was just a nice little nod from Friedkin, until I saw the *Wages of Fear* edit and Roy Schieder uses chalk to write "218" above his speedometer after setting it to "0" so he knows how many miles to the Oil Field. The Frenchman (Serrano) comes up to Roy and says "Good luck, Dominguez (Roy's alias)". Roy says "Go to hell, Serrano" and tosses him the chalk. It recently occured to me that Dominguez (Roy) unwittingly casted a spell on Serrano and the Middle Eastern guy, essentially cursing them.. they were doomed from the beginning. Most black magic promises wealth and power at the expense of your soul... the assassin dies because he broke his oath, as in the *Wages of Fear* edit he tells Dominguez he flipped a coin as to who he would kill.. he got Dominguez, but decided to kill the other guy because "he is partial to Americans". Everyone dies, Dominguez gets all the money but his soul is cursed to have the shadow of what happened follow him for the rest of his life. The title of the movie doesn't refer to the truck... it refers to Roy Schieder's character.
I saw this in the theater, but we went having no idea what it was. We, of course, thought it would be about an actual sorcerer! As I recall, the movie is rather dark (cinematography and plot!) and it was hard to figure out what was going on. "Star Wars" killed this film. But I'll have to rewatch it again soon at some point.
You know what you do? Watch this incredible movie....and then watch "Star Wars" AS SOON as it's done! It's the most amazing double feature! It's what I did when I first saw it, and it works so amazing. Sorcerer is gut-wrenching suspense and action, dark 1970s action......and then "Star Wars" comes along and it's this fast, breezy, movie that's also an action/adventure....but totally different. You can literally see it as a goodbye to the 70s "realism" American cinema....and what would become the 1980s-present: the blockbuster years, lol. Anyways, try it, you'll like it! An amazing double feature!
The reason this tanked at the box office was everyone was expecting a horror movie! The title, Friedkin's direction plus Tangerine Dream's sinister music in TV spots was trying to lure fans of The Exorcist and the Omen. (The Tangerine Dream music would not be out-of-place in an early 80s zombie movie by Lucio Fulci...)
I went to see this movie because of Friedkin and Scheider’s involvement, and thought it was great back in 1977, but my own opinion of the failure I think is because everyone was Star Wars crazy at the time, and this movie died a quick death in the theaters
It's out on Blu-Ray. I own a copy and love the movie. I actually saw it when it came out originally, I even bought the soundtrack I enjoyed that as well. I'm happy to see it's finally getting it's due credit.
1977; the year cinemagoers eschewed the brilliant, revolutionary adult filmmaking of the 1970's in favour of laser swords, princesses and little furry bears.
Simply one of the best films of all time William friedkin outdid himself a true Masterpiece for all generations❤💯👹 also somebody posted a German recut of sorcerer on RU-vid if you're a fan go check it out it's worth your time the working title is wages of fear has some new scenes not in the original Sorcerer . Enjoy !!!🤟👹👍
i was around then and dont remember it. i also assumed it was a different type of movie. it was great camera work. for the first minute I thought they were 100's of feet in the air. they got me.
Outstanding film but a bad title. The was overlooked and is very much underrated. One of the ten Best films of 1977. It's eye opening and breathtaking to watch. I agree with Gene the ads for this movie made it look like a horror movie. Not adventure story with trucks though the jungle. Masterpiece of filmmaking.
I totally agree, William Friedkin is probably one of my favourite American directors of all time, but there are a few of his movies that didnt get the best titles. As a huge fan of Sorcerer, ive come to love the title but it definitely doesnt connect with the movie, as Friedkin said himself the title 'sorcerer' came to him while listening to a Miles Davis' record, aptly named Sorcerer. So really, it holds no true meaning to the film.
I’d say about zero people back in the day thought this was an exorcist sequel. Roger and Gene were two of the best critics of all time but you can always count on them to say something that doesn’t make any sense in every clip.
Interesting. Did you see it back then? I keep hearing that the title did hurt its chances very badly. Though New Hollywood Wave was on its way out for sure.
Another instance of where I completely agree with Ebert and have no idea what the hell Siskel is bitching about. The film didn't have a happy ending and I think it was hurt by that. But the characters all seemed desperate and real. That river scene is so compelling since they had such a hard time getting the scene done period. This is the kind of film they should be showing in film school not this girl boss bullshit superhero films they keep pumping out. The idea that your death could be any moment one wrong move and Ka-boom. I think the marketing and title did hurt the film because Sorcerer makes it sound like a fantasy film which it wasn't Wages of Fear sounds much better. Just the idea of 1 truck making it across that bridge and knowing that the other team and truck have to do the same thing just nuts. I always thought of the most dangerous road on the planet in Argentina while watching this movie. Thanks Jason for posting the video.
This is mental. This video went up around the same time I started watching Sorcerer tonight (having recorded it 3 months ago but wanting to see it for the last few years with Mark Kermode always talking about it in his radio show). And I always look up Siskel & Ebert reviews of old movies I watch. Cosmic.
In some ways I think Sorcerer was to Billy Friedkin what Heaven's Gate was to Michael Cimino. Their careers never fully recovered from the failures of these two films.
When William Friedkin was running his own studio label in the 1970s and had the power to greenlight movies as a producer, he rejected George Lucas' pitch for Star Wars. In 1977, Sorcerer came out just weeks after Star Wars, in the midst of the Star Wars phenomenon, and was crushed by it. This is what karma looks like.
A weird title and going up against Star Wars didn’t help. And maybe fans of serious cinema thought remaking a classic was a bad idea. But the film is great and deserved more attention at the time. Here in Britain it was renamed The Wages of Fear and, like the rest of Europe, re-edited and reduced in length by the distributors. All the vignettes at the start were turned into flashbacks and peppered throughout the film and other bits were dropped. Thankfully, the version we have now is the director’s cut and titled Sorcerer.
Disagree about character problems. The movie follows the thread of each of these desperate guys, how they ended up in a jungle hellhole and their motivation to volunteer for the suicide mission. It ain't warm & fuzzy, it's very dark but so beautifully done.
I saw this movie when it came out, and the very title of this movie doomed it to failure: "Sorcerer". The ad campaign for this movie was so vague that most people thought it was a supernatural picture-----myself included! Did it ever occur to the people that made this movie that they had a misleading title attached to it?
It very well could've been an intentionally misleading advertising campaign because, like the boys said here, the studio had no faith in the film. That used to be a lot more common years ago, cutting one trailer that makes a movie look like a comedy and another that makes it look serious, and so forth.
It's a really depressing film. Action pictures are supposed to be exciting. They don't have to have a happy ending (take Runaway Train, for example), but they are not supposed to so depressing.
Friedkin had originally cast the great Steve McQueen in Scheider's role. After Friedkin's hubris caused McQueen to drop out because he wouldn't acquiesce to McQueen's demands, several of the other major actors dropped out too. This would have been McQueen's last great picture had it been made and probably would have won at the box office too. Still turned out great but you have to wonder how incredible it would have been seeing the inimitable Steve McQueen driving that truck
McQueen made demands/requests that would have fundamentally changed the resulting film more than just upgrading the star power, but weakening the film in other areas. It could have been a box office success but not as strong a film as was made.
Friedkin's hubris had nothing to do with it. McQueen wanted Ali McGraw written into the script, which would have changed the movie because there was no significant female part in the original script. McQueen then asked that the movie be made in the U.S., there were no locations in this country that could substitute for a tropical jungle and the realism of the Dominican locations. McQueen then asked that McGraw be given the position of associate producer, which would have allowed her to question some of Friedkin's decisions. He was not going to give her any power over how the movie was made. Each of McQueen's demands were unreasonable.
I mean, do you really believe that even someone of the caliber of McQueen would've made a difference for the film vs Star Wars? Nothing was gonna survive against that juggernaut. To be fair, no one expected anything of SW.
@@IndyCrewInNYC star wars is also a moot point. this film was never going to be a hit. but it's found it's audience, like most great films do sooner or later.
