Review of Mother Lode

Determined hothead airplane pilot Jean Dupre (a fine and credible performance by Nick Mancuso) and the sweet'n'spunky Andrea Spalding (a solid and appealing portrayal by the gorgeous Kim Basinger in an early starring role) find themselves trapped in the expansive Canadian wilderness after their plane crashes while searching for a missing colleague. The pair run afoul of hearty, yet insane, possessive, and reclusive Irish minor Silas McGee and his oddball twin brother Ian. Director Charlton Heston, working from a quirky and engrossing script by his son Fraser, relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, offers a flavorsome evocation of the vast, lush, and desolate sylvan setting, maintains a tough and serious tone throughout, conveys a potent feeling of real danger in the underground tunnel sequences, and delivers a few tense and exciting moments (the plane crash at the beginning in particular is quite startling). Moreover, Heston does first-rate work in a juicy dual role and essays the part of the no-count Silas with deliciously wicked and intense relish. Veteran character actor John Marley lends wonderfully engaging support as wise and crusty old-timer Elijha. The clammy and cramped caves add substantially to the claustrophobic suspense and authentically grimy atmosphere. In addition, there's even a strong central message about how greed and obsession can corrupt a man's soul. Richard Leiterman's sharp cinematography provides an appropriately gritty look, makes inspired use of dim natural light, and comes through with a wealth of striking images of the breathtaking British Columbia countryside. Kenneth Wannberg's moody score hits the brooding and stirring spot. Recommended viewing for those with a taste for something different.