The Old Man (Spencer Tracy) is a struggling Cuban fisherman. He lives alone and misses his departed beloved wife. The other men laugh about his lack of luck. His only supporter is the Young Boy. He rows out further than everyone and faces a battle with a huge marlin.
Based on Ernest Hemingway's iconic story, this requires two essential elements; the old man and the sea. The legendary Spencer Tracy has his hair whitened and brings his gravitas. The Young Boy could be more compelling but it's probably asking too much. The Cuban village has its scenic moments. Then there is the sea. It is mostly Tracy in a tank with rear projection and a mechanical fish. It is mixed with long range shoots in the real sea. It doesn't have the intensity or the epic adventure. The constant narration is distracting although I understand the literary motif. Tracy puts in a valiant effort and it's barely enough.
Based on Ernest Hemingway's iconic story, this requires two essential elements; the old man and the sea. The legendary Spencer Tracy has his hair whitened and brings his gravitas. The Young Boy could be more compelling but it's probably asking too much. The Cuban village has its scenic moments. Then there is the sea. It is mostly Tracy in a tank with rear projection and a mechanical fish. It is mixed with long range shoots in the real sea. It doesn't have the intensity or the epic adventure. The constant narration is distracting although I understand the literary motif. Tracy puts in a valiant effort and it's barely enough.