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Moses the Lawgiver
R2 - United Kingdom - Network Review written by and copyright: Rob Hunt (28th February 2007). |
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The Show
 Having just recently reviewed The Ten Commandments (2006, Echo Bridge HE) the story of Moses and the famous 'receiving' of the Law was fresh in my mind. Despite this particular version being based predominantly around Moses, and "The Ten Commandments" based around the giving of the law, both films essentially cover the same ground, and it's very interesting to note the differences. As I gave a rough description of plot in the other review, I'll refrain from giving another here (instead, urging those who wish to know the story outline to read the other review, or to scroll down and read the brief episode outlines), and compare and contrast the two. The most obvious difference between the two is the age. Whilst "The Ten Commandments" was filmed a year or so before these reviews, this filmed version was made back in 1974. The advantages this has over the newer telling is the whole atmosphere of the story. Filmed in fullscreen, and on a far less 'epic' scale, this older TV miniseries manages to convey a far more personal and characterised study of the film, something that is aided by other factors too. Clocking in at around 300 mins - essentially 5 hours (six fifty-minute episodes) - this is twice the runtime of "The Ten Commandments", leaving more room for a slow interaction with events and people, building on the story as it goes. One key feature of this is the 'recaps' at the beginning of each episode - each one telling something similar, but not identical, to the others - giving a brief reminder of the first episode. This can also be contrasted with Anthony Burgess' script, which is full of gems in both the writing and dialogue, exploring subplots the original text doesn't have, whilst keeping close to the Biblical storyline. Characterisation and development is certainly something Burgess aims to get across, and as Lancaster mentions in the interview in the extras, the added focus on the Egyptians is because they get little attention (unsurprisingly) in the Biblical story - and so they were as a 'mystery' to him. The acting in this series is almost more solid than that of "The Ten Commandments" - even strong, I would say. To be fair, this is an unfair comparison, as Burt Lancaster (Moses) and Anthony Quayle (Aaron) (not to mention others in the cast) are names and faces (and talent) I am familiar with - and so I could better appreciate what they gave here. The longer running time also gave more opportunity to get to understand the characters better. "The Ten Commandments" didn't fall down greatly in this respect, but there was a lot more 'glamour' to the characters (perhaps because of it being a recent creation) and also the image of the film used. Here, in "Moses the Lawgiver", we have a rather earthy and murky palette used - the brightest things highlighted being green grass/hills, and the gleam of the Egyptian jewellery and imagery. This series is far more focused on the drama and the people and the 'feel', rather than the look and the scale. Another example of this is the Sea of Reeds scene in the fourth episode - much contrasted from the 'big-budget' image of that in the likes of "The Ten Commandments", this shows the Sea of Reeds as far more shallow (less than knee-height), although the photography used to show the thundering and crashing of the waves did seem to indicate otherwise; a minor discrepancy. Bearing this in mind, I can appreciate both filmed versions as intended for different audiences. Given the choice, I would prefer this one for the depth of the story, but I would say it is the less accessible of the two. By no means would I consider either a masterpiece, but both are worth a watch, if the subject or the story interests you. The episodes are broken down as follows (summations taken from Network press release): DISC ONE: Episode One It is the thirteenth century before Christ and the Tribes of Israel, driven from their own land by plague and famine, have settled in Egypt and become a mighty people. So might, in fact, that The Pharaoh, Ramses II, sees in them a threat to his own Empire and he orders the killing of all male babies. Among the Tribes is a family from the House of Levi who have two children, Miriam and Aaron. The mother is shortly to give birth to a third child and is determined that it shall not be slain in accordance with the Pharaoh's edict. When the baby boy is born, Miriam takes it, hides it in a basket and sets it adrift on The Nile... Episode Two Moses remains with the Midianites and marries Zipporah, who bears him a son. Among the enslaved Israelites the name of Moses has become a legend among the younger members of the Tribes, led by Aaron, but the elders scoff at the stories of his "return", believing him dead. The stories of Moses reach the ears of Mernefta - Ramses II's successor - who sends emissaries into the desert in an attempt to persuade him to return to Egypt. Episode Three The "signs which Moses threatened God would bring down upon Egypt begin - rivers turn to blood, the countryside is devastated by plague and pestilence attacks men and beasts alike. Mernefta summons his wise men and though they try to explain away the events, the intelligent Pharaoh is not comforted. Moses confronts him once more and asks again that his people be allowed to go. But Mernefta says that only the men may leave - the women and children must remain. DISC TWO Episode Four The Israelites arrive in disorder at the "Sea of Reeds", a wide expanse of water buffeted by wind and waves. As they stare at the uninviting prospect, the Egyptian horsemen, led by Mernefta, appear on the horizon. Even as they watch, the wind dies and the waters part allowing Moses to lead his people across and they reach the far bank just as the Egyptian horsemen enter the water, to be immediately drowned by monstrous waves. From the other side Mernefta watches and then turns sadly away. Episode Five The Israelites make camp in the foothills of Mount Horab where Moses is reunited with Zipporah and his son, but soon he is summoned to the foothills of the Mountain by the voice of God and told it is time to make the Law. But before he begins the long journey to the summit, Moses tells the Tribes not to make idols, and to keep the Sabbath. There is to be no killing and no stealing and Moses makes the leaders of the individual Tribes promise obedience. Episode Six Order is finally restored among the Tribes. Moses returns once more to the mountain and comes back with the Laws rewritten and which he says will only be given to the people when they have been purified. The Ark and the Tabernacle are constructed to keep the Laws safe and Moses appoints Aaron as High Priest. Miriam is nearing death but before she dies she tells Moses that her work is now done - he was her work - but that he will never see the Promised Land himself. Her vision before death is on the Israelites wandering for ever...
Video
The TV series is out of the '70s, and is altogether fairly good. There is some print damage, but I was perfectly satisfied with what was here. The series is not particularly colourful, so judging colours would be unfair, but the atmosphere and murky nature of the story suits the photography just fine. The flashbacks are also done well (although whether they work is down to personal preference).
Audio
This series is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono and it's pretty good. There was one instance I noticed of what sounded like an audio glitch (in the last 10mins of the final episode - but it was momentary), but for the most part the sound is clear and free of the worst glotches present in older productions. Not spectacular, but also nothing bad. On the downside is the lack of subtitles, something that is disappointingly "normal" for Network - a shame given the effort they put into the rest of their DVDs.
Extras
There are two extras on this set. One is an interview with Burt Lancaster (on the first disc) from the TV show "Russell Harty Plus" and runs 14 minutes and 22 seconds. It deals with Lancaster's role in the film he did about Kennedy as well as with Moses.. but I found the whole thing to be very interesting. Definitely quality over quantity here. Some of the presenter's style was a little irritating, but focusing on Burt gave a good insight into a bit of the series. If anything I would have liked more material of this calibre, but I'm not sure if any other behind the scenes material exists. The other extra is an Image Gallery on the second disc - running 4 minutes 36. This covers a good selection of photos, and the first shot of a poster playing on the classic 1956 "Ten Commandments" was of particular interest.
Overall
This is a strong and well-made, thoughtful realisation of the story of Moses. Combining a wide variety of talent and storywriting, this comes recommended to those interested. It's just a pity, as ever, that there are no subtitles.
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