1492 Conquest of Paradise Movie Review History Analysis

A detailed Summary of 1492 Conquest of Paradise Movie Review History Analysis

The epic voyage of Columbus has been a conscientious topic in recent times. People debate whether Columbus was responsible for the devastating effect that came after his discovery of the new world. In my opinion, Columbus shouldn't be held accountable for the impact of western civilization to the new world. Director Ridley Scott recreates Columbus' voyage to the unknown in his movie 1492: Conquest of Paradise in celebration of his 500th anniversary in the discovery. I feel that the main theme in this movie is that war and destruction is in man's nature. Gerard Depardieu leads the film as the visionary Columbus. Also starring in the film are Sigourney Weaver (Queen Isabella), Armand Assante (the treasurer Sanchez), and Michael Wincott (the nobleman De Moxica). Although the movie seemed like it would take an eternity to finish, Scott leaves his trademark of stunning visual effects and an incredible musical score which help me see through the movie to the end.

1492 starts off with Columbus and his young son Diego resting in a beautiful rocky beach. Columbus is peeling an orange while instructing his son to watch a ship at the horizon slowly sinking away. He explains to his son why the ship slowly sinks and disappears int

Although Columbus led to the discovery of the New World, the Spanish conquistadors has nearly decimated the native population of the Americas but in which created a new hope for people who had been persecuted in Europe. With his courageous effort in proving that the world was round not flat, western civilization has spread further west.

Screenwriter Rosalyn Bosch conveys Columbus as an enlightened individual. It may be bias because the movie was made for the celebration of this great discovery. Though a bit bias, in my opinion, the movie did an excellent job in keeping the historical events. Columbus was represented as a kind, intelligent man who was very devoted to find a quicker route to Asia by going west. Depardieu was very much devoted to this film, I think that he played Columbus with passion that truly added to the character. Though Armand Assante could have played a more believable Columbus, Depardieu added a little humor to the film. Roger Ebert describes Gerard as a huge, shaggy, and dogged form, just like the kind of man who would get an idea in his head and refuse to surrender it.

The musical score also very much helped the movie carry on. With its right mixtures of angelic singing and new age jungle music and really helped set the mood for the movie. Vangelis is a noteworthy composer who's style of flamenco guitar and synthesized effects helped the film significantly.

No one is truly sure what Columbus' motives were, except that he was trying to find a route to Asia. As far as we know, he could've been an entrepreneur. Later as the movie progresses, Columbus is further portrayed as a "civilized commoner and anachronistically wise," as the critic Christofides puts it. For example, he treats the natives there with the same respect to his own men. Another example would be that when he found his men massacred he doesn't retaliate and seemed like he dismissed the whole notion all together. Furthermore, script writer Roselyne Bosch acknowledges that her take on Columbus may not be politically correct but is historically credible. Although specific

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Approximate Word count = 1411
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History