John Hurt's Pivotal Performance

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If you haven't seen "Cry of The Penguins", and you're a John Hurt fan, you're missing out on what I think is his first truly masterful performance. I can recall seeing it in black and white on TV as a kid. Even in B&W it floored me. Hurt plays a young biologist who is a bit of a lounge lizard and womanizer. He takes a research project to impress his girl, and discovers that he's not quite the ideal person for the trip. By then it's too late to turn back. Once he's enmeshed in the lives of his little tuxedo wearing friends, he slowly turns native, protecting his beloved birds from the ravages of hunting birds that threaten his new family. Now to most this plot might seen a little Disney at first, but believe me, Hurt turns it around in a few minutes, performing with the peak of his abilities. His voice is so unique in the acting world: the raspiness combined with low rumblings is haunting. By the time he's recalled back from his mission, the character is turned flip side out. He is not the "man" that he was. I have seen "A Man For All Seasons" which had a small part in it for Hurt, and in comparison, his role in "Cry of The Penguins" blows away anything I've ever seen him do, barring Caligula in "I, Claudius". Another great performance to see is "Crime and Punishment". I was lucky enough to find a two tape set in a local "Dollar Store". Marvelous again, but not quite what I'd seen in "Cry of The Penguins". For great biology humor and the loneliness of the Antarctic, plus a real feel for the penguins and a great portrayal by John Hurt, I absolutely recommend "Cry of The Penguins". See it soon. It's a winner.