Master of the World

Screenwriter Richard Matheson smartly adapts two Jules Verne novels: “Robur the Conqueror” (1886) and “Master of the World” (1904). The result is an interesting steampunk adventure that feels like a sort of aerial version of “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” (1870), with the Albatross taking the place of the Nautilus and Captain Robur replacing Captain Nemo.

In reality, a pronounced undercurrent of pessimism shines through this movie (mirroring the French novelist’s growing worries at the dawn of a century rife with glimpses of gloomy sociopolitical scenarios), with the themes of weapons and war constantly front and center in the storyline; further, the characters utter statements (such as “don’t speak to me about words of honor” or even “honor be damned!“) that demonstrate a loss of the faith in mankind which had been the hallmark of 19th century scientific and philosophical thought.

Despite the innocent tone created by painted backdrops and rampant naiveté, the back-and-forth between the characters is anything but banal, even embracing questions of morality (‘Do you consider a man who makes a weapon responsible for the action of the man who buys it?’ ‘Yes, I do, sir! All men are responsible to all other men!’).

As for the acting, the melodramatic Price is perfectly cast and overshadows the entire production (which includes a more-wooden-than-usual Charles Bronson).