The lure of gold and the consequences of greed have been a mainstay in literature since THE CANTERBURY TALES and in feature films since the Rudolph Valentino vehicle THE CONQUERING POWER in 1921. Along the way such movies as GREED (1923),TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1947), LUST FOR GOLD (1949), and GOLD (1974) have dealt in a dramatic fashion with the mining of gold.
One of the very best films to deal with this subject and one of the least seen is the 1982 Charlton Heston adventure drama MOTHER LODE. Shot on location in Northern British Columbia, this film contains some of the most beautiful and striking cinematography that I have ever seen. From snow covered mountains to dark, menacing woods, to the grittiest, most claustrophobic mine interiors to ever grace the screen, MOTHER LODE’s visuals will remain with you long after the film is over.
The film is essentially a three character adventure drama centering on a young couple (Nick Mancuso, Kim Basinger) and their encounter with a Scottish miner (Charlton Heston) who is more like a force of nature than a man. The role of the miner was tailor made for Heston who is also the film’s director which may have had something to do with it although he gives Mancuso and Basinger ample screen time to develop their characters. In fact poor Mancuso’s character has his behind handed to him on more than one occasion as his various exploits usually end in disaster.
Basinger, in only her second screen role, is strong and capable and gives us hints of the Kim to come. But the film is really Heston’s show all the way and more for his directorial skills than for his acting which is larger than life but it fits the character. MOTHER LODE is not a great movie but if you’re in the mood for an adventure flick with some surprising twists than you can’t do better than this. The DVD transfer is gorgeous from the proper aspect radio to the vibrant visuals although the sound is a little soft on occasion. Highly recommended for action fans and fans of Charlton Heston although you don’t have to be one to enjoy it.
The Capsule Critic 