Film Review: Taras Bulba (1962)

The region now known as Ukraine has a long and tumultuous history, marked by its rich soil that has been both a blessing and a curse, making it a target for invasions and plunder throughout the centuries. The narrative of Ukraine's struggles is vividly captured in Nikolai Gogol's 1842 novella Taras Bulba, which recounts the tale of the Cossacks, a group of fierce warriors who fought against oppression. This story has inspired numerous adaptations over the years, with the most prominent being the 1962 Hollywood film directed by J. Lee Thompson.

Set in the 16th century, Taras Bulba portrays Ukraine as a battleground caught between the expansive Ottoman Empire and Catholic Poland. The local Orthodox Christian population, primarily represented by the Cossacks, has developed a reputation for their fierce independence and warrior spirit through centuries of conflict. Central to this story is Taras Bulba, played by Yul Brynner, who initially fights alongside the Poles against the Ottomans. However, after a betrayal during a crucial battle where Polish forces turn their artillery on the Cossacks, Taras vows revenge. Years later sends his sons Andrei (played by Tony Curtis) and Ostap (played by Perry Lopez) to study in Polish-ruled Kiev, hoping they will learn about their enemies. In Kiev, Andrei falls in love with Natalia Dubrov (Christine Kaufmann), a Polish noblewoman, complicating his loyalty to his father and his people. As tensions rise, Taras rallies his fellow Cossacks to revolt against their Polish oppressors and seize the strategic fort of Dubno.

The production of Taras Bulba occurred during an era when Hollywood was captivated by grandiose historical epics. However, this film's journey was fraught with challenges. Initially intended to be directed by Robert Aldrich and filmed in Yugoslavia—hence some sources credit Belgrade-based Avala Film as one of production companies—the project ultimately fell into the hands of producer Harold Hecht. He appointed prolific British filmmaker J. Lee Thompson as director.

Interestingly, despite its intended location, Taras Bulba was primarily filmed in Argentina. This decision proved advantageous due to the availability of gauchos who could convincingly portray Cossacks and the vast landscapes suitable for epic cavalry battles. The choice of location contributed significantly to the film's visual appeal and authenticity in depicting large-scale warfare.

With a budget of $7 million—a substantial sum for its time—the film showcases impressive production values. The cavalry sequences are particularly noteworthy, featuring well-choreographed action that captures the chaos and intensity of battle. Additionally, 16th-century Kiev is recreated within Californian studios with commendable attention to detail.

However, one notable aspect of Taras Bulba is its screenplay, crafted by Waldo Salt and Ken Thurnberg. While it simplifies Gogol's intricate plot and alters several key details—including omitting Jewish characters and themes that could be interpreted as anti-Semitic—it aims to make the story more accessible for a mainstream audience.

Casting choices present another significant issue for Taras Bulba. Tony Curtis appears miscast as Andrei; at 37 years of age he seems too mature for the role of a youthful Cossack and fails to convey the character's internal conflict convincingly. In contrast, Yul Brynner delivers a robust performance as Taras Bulba; however, his screen time is limited compared to Curtis’s character arc. Christine Kaufmann’s portrayal of Natalia reduces her character to little more than eye candy, lacking any real chemistry with Curtis despite their subsequent marriage after filming.

Amidst these shortcomings, what truly elevates Taras Bulba is Franz Waxman's musical score. The main theme “Ride to Dubno” is often hailed as one of the finest compositions in history of film music, encapsulating the film's epic scope and emotional weight. However, some musical choices—particularly those incorporating traditional Russian songs with English lyrics—feel somewhat out of place.

In conclusion, while Thompson’s Taras Bulba may not achieve classic status within the genre of historical epics, it offers an entertaining blend of action, romance, and melodrama that can be appreciated by fans of vintage Hollywood cinema.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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