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The movie Crack in the World is structured like a classic sci-fi film, and for some, it can be quite simple and boring. Characters point fingers at graphs and scream at the top of their lungs, showing their anger, which to many depicts how science works. This is true, and it shows the ranges in print technology. A lot of the action takes place off-screen and in the later sections of the movie, and I believe the love triangle means that all three of the characters revolve around each other, and none of them treats one another positively. Not a single character appeals to my sense of reality and shifts the film into a lesser version of a love-hate relationship between children. The lack of volcanoes and mountains, as well as daring deeds, is concerning, but thank God for the second half of the movie. The sheer number of powerful things stems from the sheer ambition of the franchise. Forget the affairs, their film is entertaining as long as something starts.
Models are popular in the movie and they are effective. I love how the volcano and train sequences are done. Set design because of the period has that particular hint everything has “we’re doing sci-fi so everything has to be metallic silver.” But, the set destruction is first-rate, to say the least. Things are crashing down, walls are falling apart, and fire is nearby. One other thing I like very much is the way the perspective was altered by the effects team. The world splits in half, so in the shots where you can see the crack coming, it’s perfectly placed in false perspective behind the actors or model sets.
Nowadays, with inexpensive television disaster films, the crisis is always averted, but that is not the case here. The movie begins with a crack and the only remedy is damage control. While the script is somewhat wooden, the acting is well done. I wished there was more in-depth time with some of the side characters to add more depth to this movie beyond the main trio. This meant other people’s sacrifice and hard work did not have as much of an impact. From a character perspective, my own small issue aside from the latter quarter of the film, is how each of the main trio of characters are each offensive in their own unique manner. Stephen is emotionally unavailable, Ted is rage-quitting every chance he gets and Maggie just wants to jump from the last person she had an argument with. They all needed a good shake. It’s a very compelling thought too, the way we treat our planet for profit, for our lifestyle, and for how well we have future generations and that is an even more important issue to discuss now.
The model effects are still spectacular to watch in motion and are leaps ahead of the shoddy CGI we have today.
Weirdest Moment I have no clue what Stephen’s illness was, or what his doctor’s procedures were doing that would prolong his life for a few more days. It’s a quite significant plot point, but it makes very little sense when viewed on the screen. It’s uncommon, but I don’t have one such moment for this film. Steele appeared to be a charming gentleman from the limited screen time he had.
The movie is set in Tanganyika, which existed from 1961-1962, later became the Republic of Tanganyika from 1962-1964, and finally renamed to the United Republic of Tanzania after merging with Zanzibar. I wonder if anyone thought it was fictional or if people do what they do in the Olympic Games opening ceremony and discover new countries they didn’t even know existed. When this film was released in 1965, the country’s name had already changed.
Conclusion
Circle of The World is a fascinating work of 1960s films framed with a tiresome love triangle that we could have done without.
But those who are able to bear the hollow affection will appreciate the weird science, exceptional music scores, and even the magnificent practical effects of the time.
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