Herr der Fliegen (1963)

Herr der Fliegen: Directed by Peter Brook. With James Aubrey, Tom Chapin, Hugh Edwards, Roger Elwin. Schoolboys marooned on a Pacific island create their own savage civilization.

“Peter Brooku0026#39;s film adaptation of William Goldingu0026#39;s u0026quot;The Lord of the Fliesu0026quot; is still an interesting piece of cinema one doesnu0026#39;t get a chance to see too often. After more than forty years of its release, the film is still a good way to get to know Mr. Goldingu0026#39;s masterpiece, as Mr. Brook stayed truthful with the screen play he wrote.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe mere idea of children shipwrecked in an island to fend for themselves, as they make a world of their own, was quite revolutionary when Mr. Golding wrote the story. To witness what children are capable of doing in extreme circumstances is an eye opener. In fact, the children put into practice what they have seen of their society as they realize they are stuck in an island without any indication of anyone looking out for them.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAlthough some criticism has been expressed in this forum about the way the accident happens, and the way the boys come from all parts as they first gather in the beach, Mr. Brooku0026#39;s intentions seem to be more into the theatrical staging of this scene as the different groups come together. The best scene being the group lead by Jack as they march on the beach singing Kirie Eleison in their sweet and melodious voices.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eCruelty is the most notorious trait the boys display for one another. That, and the leadership that Jack wants to take away in forming his own tribe and the complete breakdown in the communication among the boys. Mr. Golding was telling us that given to certain circumstances, man, or children in this case, will revert into being savages and that perhaps societyu0026#39;s role is to keep people controlled into what is known as a civilized world.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePeter Brook made an excellent film, but perhaps his biggest achievement is the magnificent work he got out of the mostly unknown cast of young children. There are no false notes, especially in the principals. With the notable exception of James Aubrey, who plays Ralph, none of the other boys had a film career, although one sees the promise in some of them. Tom Chapin is good as Jack. Hugh Edwards gives a heart wrenching account of Piggy, the boy that is ridiculed by the rest and betrayed by Ralph in telling the new arrivals about his nickname. Tom Gaman as Simon also had some good moments.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis film shows Peter Brook at his best.”