Brave attempt to capture the essence of a Joseph Conrad novel

Posted by Kenneth Orme on Jun 4th 2015

Carol Reed's film version of OUTCAST OF THE ISLANDS captures the lethargic atmosphere of its setting and possessive egotism of Joseph Conrad's anti-hero protagonist very effectively. Cinematography by John Wilcox and Edward Scaife feature optimal clarity and definition. Sound recording, screenplay and sets are splendidly realized. But Brian Easdale's music is leading and overexaggerated. Ralph Richardson's overly permissive Captain Lingard, Wendy Hiller's repressed Mrs. Almayer, Wilfrid Hyde-White's arrogantly snide Vinck, and Kerima's voluptuous, amoral Aissa are acting standouts, offsetting Robert Morley's hammy Almayer. As Willems, inveterate opportunist and egotistical manipulator, Trevor Howard is thoroughly detestable. One of the better Conrad film adaptations to date.