In the Beginning (2000)
Review by HTQ4
Film:
DVD:

Written by John Goldsmith
Directed by Kevin Conner
Starring Martin Landau, Jacqueline Bisset, Billy Campbell, Eddie Cibrian, Geraldine Chaplin, Christopher Lee

Features:

• "Making-of" Featurette
  

Anamorphic: N/A; appears in its original 1.33:1 format.

My Advice: Rent It

Beginning with Abraham (Landau) relating the story of creation, this film attempts to retell the Old Testament, with a focus on the Biblical Patriarchs. The tales included cover down through the Exodus from Egypt.

Mr. Conner has directed a stunningly beautiful and imaginatively-acted rendition of this story and has managed to do so despite a very weak adaptation of the text. Landau and the rest of the cast really bring the story across wonderfully, telling the human side of these characters who are each struggled with what God was placing before them.  The location shots are amazing and I really can't say enough goodness about the digital effects.  They are used sparingly (and/or tastefully) and exist only to help support the story being told--what a concept.  For example, the section covering the first seven days of the world is very grand in scale, but not to the point of being over the top.  The costumes are simple and elegant as well. 

The writing is the only weak part of this equation.  And, before I get struck down by lightening, let me stress that it's the adaptation of the source material that is weak, not the source material itself.  And, since we're talking disclaimers, I need to point out this one from the beginning of the film: "This film reflects the spirit and historical significance of the stories of the Bible, although some dramatic license has been taken."  I guess they were afraid of getting sued by someone.

The DVD itself sports only a "making-of" featurette which is good, but it just isn't enough to support such a huge story and the process of making such a work.  Very brief interviews with some of the actors and some shots of the director pointing at things off camera is about all you get.  Ironically enough, most of the time is spent with the production designer on the Egypt set talking about how he toned down the color, because he thought the Egyptians used too much of it. Maybe the ancient Egyptians should sue; I dunno.

Anyway, for the content itself the disc is worth renting, though I would advise only those biblical epic collectors to grab it for a permanent addition to the collection.