Under the Volcano

Although it's based on a novel, one can't help but think that Huston identified strongly with the drunken machismo of Firmin, played quite convincingly by Finney. The narrative meanders, which is rather fitting for a portrait of a drunk, and the derelict Mexican locations effectively mirror the character's emotional disintegration, but repetition sets in prematurely and Huston is unable to furnish his downward spiral with the subtlety or force necessary to make it truly impactful.

I mean Albert Finney is a powerhouse in this film but what a dingy way to end a film. Had the death been at one's own hand (like Lowry's himself) i would've liked it much more.

Gripping and hypnotic tale of self-destruction that remains compelling until the very last minute when it makes a highly questionable choice that loses it some points. Tremendous acting throughout, with Finney powerhousing and Bisset being as luminous as ever.

A solid attempt, but, seriously, just read the novel.

Intermittently interesting but too often tedious; in Finney's self aggrandizing drunkard, one feels that director Huston may be working through demons of his own, which gives the film a dreary, self-indulgent flavour, which becomes deadly when mixed with a virtual absence of plot. Finney's performance is terrific, but the supporting cast is given little to chew on outside of their linkages with the lead character; Bisset and Andrews especially feel as if they're tugging on a leash.

Like being run over with a steamroller. Very depressing and distressing. You can see the end coming -- why can't he? Also shows you more of Albert Finney than you ever wanted to see.

Who doesn't love a happy drunk?

Anytime the main character isn't drunk or at some carnival/party setting, this can actually impress me. The only problem is the scenes I mentioned take up more than half of this movie, leaving it uninspired and uninteresting.

Within two minutes, I knew I wasn't going to like this movie, but I stuck with it anyway. Even when drunk acting is done right, and Albert Finney does it pretty well, I just don't care for it. I don't care about alcoholics, and I especially don't care about alcoholics who drop clever little philosophical bon mots in between gulps. Having said that, it's hard to find anything wrong with this movie. A couple of scenes are even lyrical. But this just isn't my bag.

Heavy stuff, but then I like that kind of thing. Excellent performance from Finney as usual