Book Review
Reference

This is the first Cussler novel, to have been made into a film. As a reviewer I should be dispassionate, but unfortunately the film is so appalling that I can't be anything but negative.

The video jacket that I have proudly proclaims "The Disaster of the Century", I couldn't describe this film better myself. After reading the novel I was expecting great things however, the film is dismal. The lead character Dirk Pitt played by Richard Jordan has as much character as a corpse in a morgue. I think that this is part of the reason why the film fails. Dirk Pitt in the books is quite a charismatic man, with an eye for the ladies, whereas in the film he comes across as a self centred ass. Pitt in the film doesn't even get his hands dirty, he is just basically a bureaucrat, and doesn't get into anything heavier than giving Dana Seagram some lofty advice.

The story in reality is quite straightforward, the salvage of a ship, with an attempted hi-jack by the Soviets. However even this simple premise is squandered, and all of the intrigue, and mystery goes out the window. For example the subsequent capture of the Titanic by the Russians, is turned into a simple invite for Prevlov, to come aboard. Prevlov then politely asks the Americans to hand over the ship. When they refuse he mutters darkly then flies off. All the drama of baking a cake! (which is probably more exciting!!)

The model work and underwater sequences are actually quite good upon further review, but unfortunately it is not enough to save the film from the dire acting and dialog, along with the appalling anti climatic ending. Having spent the millions of dollars Seagram and Pitt, leave the Byzanium in the grave, all because of a vague notion that someone will turn it into a bomb.
Quite what this film is meant to be (apart from a huge turkey) is difficult to say. This is definitely one to miss, unless you want to see how not to make a film version of a novel.

The film critics at the time didn't like the film particularly either. Although they criticized the inclusion of the Russian element. This is in part due to the fact that the film butchers this element of the story and makes it totally nonsensical.

The dismal showing of this film is one of the reasons why Cussler has not allowed further films to be made, until recently, when Sahara made it to the big screen.

• Post notes
• This film is regarded as one of Hollywoods biggest loss making turkeys!
• The book and film were both produced before the Titanic had been found, and her present sad condition discovered.
• A further film of one of Cusslers books is in the offing.