Released at the near end of the Golden Age of Heston ("Planet of the Apes" being the final film of said age), this is possibly the most Heston of Heston films.
Heston is BRILLIANT as a tall version of General Gordon. Key points: Gordon makes it clear that he doesn't fear death; the quick scenes of him studying the Bible; his complete understanding of his duties while at war; his understanding of Arab culture (bring gifts to meetings, ritual politeness, etc.). Olivier is excellent as well - and sure does remind one of some dude named Osama. Preparation for a long siege and military engineering works are portrayed with a convincing, gritty precision.
Spoiler: the violence and gore is lacking. Leaving things just out of camera range, or shot from behind, etc., it comes off as too G-rated. "Khartoum" should have had the intensity level of, say, "Waterloo" (rated G, filmed four years later). Examples: if there's a head on a pole, show it: I was not convinced of the Mahdi's outrage/sadness.
Heston is BRILLIANT as a tall version of General Gordon. Key points: Gordon makes it clear that he doesn't fear death; the quick scenes of him studying the Bible; his complete understanding of his duties while at war; his understanding of Arab culture (bring gifts to meetings, ritual politeness, etc.). Olivier is excellent as well - and sure does remind one of some dude named Osama. Preparation for a long siege and military engineering works are portrayed with a convincing, gritty precision.
Spoiler: the violence and gore is lacking. Leaving things just out of camera range, or shot from behind, etc., it comes off as too G-rated. "Khartoum" should have had the intensity level of, say, "Waterloo" (rated G, filmed four years later). Examples: if there's a head on a pole, show it: I was not convinced of the Mahdi's outrage/sadness.
