This fascinating and illuminating four part documentary thoroughly covers every aspect of the making of the 1972 landmark picture "Deliverance." Director John Boorman discusses how both the novel's themes concerning survival and mankind's attempt to conquer nature drew him to the project. James Dickey's son Christopher points out that the characters were based on his father and his closet friends. Ronny Cox reveals that not only was "Deliverance" his film debut, but also that he was the first person cast for the picture. Jon Voight admits that he was initially reluctant to be in the movie, but decided to do it because of the sequence where he has to scale a cliff. Burt Reynolds was eager to be in the film because he knew it could launch his acting career, plus doing the Southern accent wasn't hard for him because he grew up in the South. The documentary's best anecdotes center on Dickey's powerful and intimidating personality; Dickey told everyone that the book was based on true events and called all the actors by their characters' names. Essential viewing for fans of the film.
2 Reviews
Deliverance: The Beginning
Michael_Elliott2 May 2015
Deliverance: The Beginning (2007)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
The first of a four part series taking a look at the classic film DELIVERANCE. This first part takes a look at the original novels, its author James Dickey and how the cast was hired for their roles. Dickey's son is joined by John Boorman, Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox as they discuss their characters, the story and Dickey himself. There are some pretty interesting stories told here and especially dealing with who Dickey was on the set. Apparently he liked the call the actors by their characters names, which didn't sit too well and it's also clear that the author was extremely protective of his material. The film also takes a look at how Dickey claimed everything he had written was true and his son also talks about the inspiration of the characters. Overall this is a fine featurette that fans of the film will enjoy. It's certainly entertaining and it's always great when all the key players can be interviewed.
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
The first of a four part series taking a look at the classic film DELIVERANCE. This first part takes a look at the original novels, its author James Dickey and how the cast was hired for their roles. Dickey's son is joined by John Boorman, Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox as they discuss their characters, the story and Dickey himself. There are some pretty interesting stories told here and especially dealing with who Dickey was on the set. Apparently he liked the call the actors by their characters names, which didn't sit too well and it's also clear that the author was extremely protective of his material. The film also takes a look at how Dickey claimed everything he had written was true and his son also talks about the inspiration of the characters. Overall this is a fine featurette that fans of the film will enjoy. It's certainly entertaining and it's always great when all the key players can be interviewed.
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