SOMEWHERE ON THIS PLANET IT MUST EXIST.
Young American Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), who’s backpacking in Thailand, finds a map that supposedly will take him to a paradise untouched by humans. John Hodge’s novel is a modern classic and many of its fans hated what the filmmakers did. How can Hollywood compete with the sense of adventure readers conjure in their minds? Still, this adaptation is well worth a look, its portrait of a “Shangri-La” appealing, even if the effect that place has on people turns predictable at times. DiCaprio is OK as the not too bright Richard who finds ”the beach” but loses himself in the jungle.
2000-U.S. 120 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Danny Boyle. Screenplay: John Hodge. Novel: Alex Garland. Song: ”Pure Shores” (performed by All Saints). Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (Richard), Tilda Swinton (Sal), Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise), Guillaume Canet, Paterson Joseph, Robert Carlyle.
Trivia: Ewan McGregor was first cast in the lead.