Rent The Honorary Consul (1983)

A good film, faithful to the novel by G Greene - The Honorary Consul review by Philip in Paradiso

Set in Argentina, in the province of Corrientes bordering Paraguay, the story follows the half-English doctor, Eduardo Plarr (Richard Gere), who meets a range of people, including the British Honorary Consul, Charley Fortnum (Michael Caine), who is a colourful character and an alcoholic. Dr Plarr finds himself caught up in local politics and tangled up in a love affair that puts him in a difficult position in more ways than one.

The plot is very good, as it is basically G Greene's novel, adapted for the big screen. The acting is excellent insofar as M Caine (the consul) and Bob Hoskins (the chief of police) are concerned. However, I feel the movie is let down quite a bit by the wooden acting of R Gere, who is inexpressive and somewhat dull. At times, this means that the dramatic tension fails to flare up as and when it should, given the situations depicted, which means it is a good film, but not a great film.

Having said that, I recommend it, and not only if you are a fan of G Greene's novels or Michael Caine's acting.

Hostage Situation. - The Honorary Consul review by Steve

Graham Greene was particularly scathing of this adaptation of his own favourite among his many novels. And it was a huge flop at the box office. But it's interesting for all the reasons his writing normally is. He creates human stories which seem to get to the heart of a political scenario while exploring the fascinating moral consequences.

In this case, it's the long military junta in control of Argentina. There is the author's familiar cast of archetypes, with a minor government official, a doctor, a local cop and a lapsed priest. In this instance the alcoholic is the Honorary Consul who is mistakenly kidnapped by rebels and treated by the medic in an affair with his wife.

Other than the subterfuge, the main attraction is the standout performance of Michael Caine's career as the drunken functionary who foolishly marries a young sex worker (Elpidia Carrillo). Richard Gere is actually fine as the mercenary MD; however the main weakness is a few awkward attempts to play up to his '80s pinup status.

This is more of psychological drama than pure thriller, though director John MacKenzie gives the hooky plot some momentum. There is plenty of ambient pessimism; plus the intrigue of Greene's usual emotional cycle of indifference, betrayal, guilt and redemption. There are few poor films made from his novels, and this isn't one.