I had never seen THE SAND PEBBLES until the other night but based on the era and the type of work Robert Wise has done over the years I had a good idea of what to expect. The movie is long and expertly filmed but Robert Wise will never be known as a director that inspires a cult-like fan base. THE SAND PEBBLES unfolds at a deceptively slow, even stately pace. It feels very professional in its execution. The balance between intimate character driven moments and large scale sociopolitical and battle moments give the film the feeling of many early wide screen epics. McQueen plays a troubled outsider who is both a loser and hero in sheep's clothing. The film ultimately gives you what you'd expect from McQueen but via the style of Wise. Nothing is over the top. It is all layed out for you in slow, clean, well measured strokes. It is rich and satisfying while lacking the emotional punch you might want from such a dark, politically charged epic.
This is not to belittle the film or Wise as a director but the thing I keep coming back to is that Wise, a terrific director, is not the kind of filmmaker that inspires passion. Despite the number of great movies he has directed I never come back to his work again and again on my own out of craving or sheer joy. However, when presented with a Wise film I enjoy them very much and tend to appreciate them from the standpoint of craft.
THE SAND PEBBLES is an excellent film but not one that resonates deeply a day or so later. I wonder if this is why it was nominated for so many Oscars that it did not win. It's a puzzling thing about the movies...sometimes a cheesy action movie or a low budget indie made in six days can resonate more than the most expertly crafted epic.