I watched this film expecting to see a Classic adventure. Having seen it I am not sure whether to classify it a comedy, a satire or an adventure. I find it difficult to understand what Peter O' Toole, such a formidable actor, is doing being involved with such nonsense. Mr. O' Toole as Crusoe often overacts against the whimsical antics of Mr. Roundtree as Man Friday. Quite frequently their acting remind one of the cavorting of a double act from Sunday night on the London Palladium. If you can excuse the actors, after all they tried to do the best with the material they had, what can one say with the production values. Here we have attempts to Hippyise the movie that fail simply because they are out of place and out of time. We have a failed attempt at controversy with Man Friday offering Crusoe homosexual services, this came out of the blue and implied that it was common practice at his tribe. 70's free love, all the rage in 1975 when the film was made, with Friday admitting that he may be a father but did not know to whom or how many. Half way through the film we have the laughable attempts of the pair to fly away from the island. Must have been inspired by the opening sequence of 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines'. It's really a blessing that Robinson Crusoe did not think of windsurfing away. The island looked so accommodating anyway that one wanders why they would ever want to leave it. Crusoe's house had so many conveniences that even today it would prove to be a very desirable residence. I have expected to catch a glimpse of his swimming pool. Peter O' Toole and Richard Roundtree do not convince in either their quiet moments or in the so called profound moments where they are discussing Religion, Civilisation and Life. Peter O' Toole often overacts and reminds one of Rod Steiger at his most extreme. Richard Roundree can not or does not make any attempts to drop his American accent, so Man Friday with an American accent?. There again, the ending leaves more questions about the plot unanswered....But I leave you to decide about this.
Review of Man Friday
