Director John Mctiernan\'s 1999 Film, the 13th

Director John McTiernan's 1999 film, The 13th Warrior, is a competent movie, made entertaining by its tight storyline, moody tone, masterful cinematography, realistic and often graphic fight scenes, and the strength of its supporting cast. A great deal of the movie's success comes from the cinematography of Peter Menzies, who creates an almost supernatural mood through his shooting of well-choreographed battle scenes in a dark, silent mist. Overall, the movie could never be described as Oscar-worthy material, yet its many strengths make it a watchable and enjoyable film.

The movie's main storyline is tightly plotted and concise. This is not a movie with a preponderance of plot twists and turns, and the storyline is largely self-evident and linear. There are a couple of exceptions, as in a short love interest between Banderas' character and a Norse princess, but they are short and do not distract from the main plot. As a result of the linearity of the plot, it is easy to follow the action and events in the 13th Warrior. While some critics seem to take the view that plot intricacies and subplots make a movie more worthwhile viewing, this is not the case in The 13th Warrior. The movie is clearly a simplistic tale of the adventures of an Arab poet in the land of the Norse. In the 13th Warrior, the simplicity of the plot is perfectly suited for a straightforward medieval action movie that focuses closely on atmosphere, and swordsmanship. The end result is a strangely effective amalgamation of a swashbuckling adventure with deeply moody and almost supernatural undertones.

Another of the movie's main attractions is the atmospheric, moody tone of the film. The Viking's foes are the disturbingly creepy Wendol, a creature that is half-man and half bear. We are introduced to the Wendol as "mist-monsters" and flesh eaters who appear only in the mist and carry off soldiers. Battle scenes occur in the dark and mist, and blood is spilt copiously and with great graphic detail, creating a deeply disturbing atmosphere of terror and evil that permeates the movie. A great deal of the film is shot in almost darkness, and the battle scenes are carried out in an atmosphere evocative of a suspenseful horror movie. Overall, the effect is spooky and engaging.

The cinematography of Peter Menzies, Jr. is one of the best features of the movie itself. The film is lavish and spectacular in its filming, and much of the film's enjoyment comes from simply enjoying the visual presentation. The cinematography is important in creating the gloomy, dark atmosphere of the movie, and Menzies is highly capable in his filming of the dark, gory battle scenes. Above and beyond the action, however, is the visual spectacle of the film itself. In the film, Menzies masterfully captures stunning scenery complete with dark and beautiful forests, brooding seascapes, and towing, profound mountains. As the 13 Warriors travel across the ocean, Menzies captures their foreboding and anticipation in the choppy, crashing waves of their ocean crossing. The musical score by Jerry Goldsmith adds a nice touch to the cinematography, with his Orchestra and classical arrangements adding to the suspenseful and dark mood.

On top of the fantastic cinematography and moody tone, the 13th Warrior owes a great deal of its success to the many realistic and often graphic fight scenes. These fight scenes are not for everyone, they graphically depict acts like decapitation, and may be too violent for some. That said, those who are not squeamish about violence in their films will find McTiernan's depiction of swordplay and pitched battles against the ghoulish foes captivating and well executed. The sword fights and fighting scenes are gritty and bloody, and leave little to the imagination.

Another draw of The 13th Warrior is the strength of its supporting cast. The film's star, Antonio Banderas, as 10th century Arab ambassador Ahmed Ibn Fadlan, is capable and likeable in this role, but his strengths are often overshadowed by the supporting cast. The 13th Warrior takes a real chance in allowing Banderas, the lead character, to take a secondary and observing role in the battle scenes, but it ultimately works well and showcases some of the strengths of the other characters. Overall, there is some surprising depth of characterization in the supporting cast, which is largely composed of a number of unknown actors. Sennis Storhoi stars as Herger, a coarse Norseman with a warm heart who steals the show with his jokes, and shows the outsider Fadlan some affection. Vladimir Kulich is cast as the Viking leader, a towering and imposing figure with a freezing glower and a flowing mane of tousled blonde hair. Omar Sharif is one of the few other recognizable names that appear in the movie, with an engaging cameo role as Fadlan's capable translator and guide.