The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen movie: a steampunk misadventure of epic proportions? (video)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, a film that attempted to blend a smorgasbord of literary characters into a cinematic smoothie but ended up more like a lumpy porridge. This 2003 steampunk/dieselpunk extravaganza, directed by Stephen Norrington and based on the comic series by Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill, was, well, extraordinary in its own unique way. And, as readers of SFcrowsnest would agree, sometimes extraordinary doesn’t necessarily mean good. Let’s dive in with our Damn Fine Stan Fine.
The film stars the legendary Sean Connery in what turned out to be his swan song from the silver screen. Let’s just say it wasn’t the grand finale that fans of the erstwhile James Bond might have hoped for. Connery plays Allan Quatermain, leading a band of Victorian-era superheroes, including Captain Nemo, Mina Harker, Dorian Gray, and an American Secret Service agent named Tom Sawyer (because why not throw in a dash of American spirit into this British brew?).
The plot, a whirling dervish of fantasy and adventure, sees our motley crew trying to thwart a world war orchestrated by the nefarious ‘Fantom’. Amidst zeppelin explosions and steam-powered mayhem, the film journeys through a dizzying array of set pieces that make you wonder if the filmmakers just couldn’t decide on a favorite Victorian novel.
The film’s attempt at a mashup of iconic literary figures is akin to throwing all your favorite superheroes into a blender and hoping the result is palatable. It’s like watching a high-stakes poker game where each player is from a different century. And let’s not forget the invisible man, Rodney Skinner, because every league needs its wildcard.
In a move that was supposed to appeal to American audiences, Tom Sawyer, played by Shane West, is thrown into the mix. This addition, initially dismissed by the producer as a “stupid studio note,” turned out to be, well, let’s just say not everyone was convinced.
Despite its ambition, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen struggled to resonate with critics and fans alike. The film’s execution was akin to a Victorian scientist’s experiment gone awry – fascinating in theory, but less so in practice. Critics were less than kind, with Roger Ebert giving it a dismal one star, and the general consensus seemed to be that while the premise was great, the execution was not.
The film was not without its production dramas, too. Connery reportedly clashed with director Norrington, leading to some extraordinary behind-the-scenes tension. Norrington’s absence from the film’s opening party and Connery’s quip about checking the local asylum speaks volumes about the film’s tumultuous journey.
Yet, in a curious twist of fate, the film did well financially, grossing over $179 million worldwide. It seems that even in the face of critical panning, the lure of Connery and a league of literary characters was enough to draw the crowds. In the end, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen stands as a curious footnote in the annals of comic book adaptations – a film that tried to blend the best of literature with the thrill of a superhero team-up but ended up as a cautionary tale about the perils of cinematic alchemy. For fans of the source material and Connery, it’s a bittersweet memory, a reminder that sometimes, even the most extraordinary ideas need a little bit more than just steam and punk.
