The Edge (1997)

About The Edge

A survivalist drama, directed by Lee Tamahori, "The Edge" is centered around wealthy intellectual billionaire Charles Morse (Anthony Hopkins). On a trip to Alaska for a fashion photo shoot, Morse, along with fashion photographer Robert Green (Alec Baldwin) and their team, are stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. The gripping plot unfolds with the duo trying to survive against the harsh wilderness and a stalking Kodiak bear.

Making / Production

The screenplay of the film was written by David Mamet. A good portion of the film was shot on location in Alberta, Canada. Keeping the thrilling moments alive, intense screens like recreating the plane crash and the face-offs with a real Kodiak bear was both challenging and exciting during the production.

Actors

• Anthony Hopkins as Charles Morse: A billionaire who uses learned survival skills to keep himself and Robert alive. The character showcases impeccable survival skills despite his aged and intellectual outward persona.
• Alec Baldwin as Robert Green: A suave, rather-conflicted fashion photographer who finds it tough to match up to Morse's survival skills, portraying the fallibility of youth and arrogance.
• Elle Macpherson as Mickey Morse: Charles' beautiful young wife, giving a dimension to the underlining plot of suspected infidelity.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Kodiak bear named Bart who was used in the film weighed 1,500 pounds and stood over 9 feet tall!
• Much of the bear’s scenes were filmed with actor Anthony Hopkins genuinely interacting with him. Special safety measures were employed to protect the actors.

Awards

The film received a nomination for Best Sound at the 70th Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "What one man can do another can do." - Charles Morse
• "We're all put to the test... but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer, does it?" - Charles Morse

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's musical score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who masterfully blended adventurous and suspenseful tunes to complement the movie's ambiance.
• Using haunting choir and an array of percussive sounds, the soundtrack offers a true sense of wilderness and survival.