Far From Men * * * 1/2

Audiences often complain about the film adaptation of a book because so much has been left out.  The creators of Far From Men might have to listen to complaints about how much new stuff has been put in.

But I won’t complain.

Though I’m not sure how Camus would feel about his story The Guest, which is oppressively set in one location, being turned into a road movie - complete with typical Road Movie features such as getting someone laid for the first time. (Actually, it later occurred to me that in some ways it reminded me of a 70’s film “The Last Detail” where Jack Nicholson had to transport a prisoner and ended up with real feelings for him).

A teacher named Daru (Viggo Mortenson) runs an isolated school . He served honorably in the second world war and now he is happy doing this work, teaching children.  But it is 1954 and the Algerians unreasonably want their country back from the French - (Ouais, enfin…faut vivre avec!). Unrest is brewing.  

The French Gendarmes can conscript useful people for occasional tasks if need be. So they tell Daru to escort an Arab prisoner to the nearest town for trial. The prisoner has killed one of his own people. I don't think the French authorities care that much about the loss of life, however they have to look as though they are giving justice to all. Daru certainly does not want to escort this prisoner, but in contrast to the original Camus story, he takes on the task with commitment.

Thus commences the road section of the film and the deepening relationship between Daru and his prisoner Mohammed.  In Far From Men an uneventful two hour walk becomes a very eventful two or three day walk. 
Daru would happily let Mohammed run away if he wanted, but Mohammed actually wants to go to the town and face court. Mohammed feels that unless he is brought to justice the revenge fighting among his people will continue.  Better that he be tried and executed by the French and keep his people out of it.

They are on foot. The landscape is barren. Nothing but rocks and rubble. During the journey they encounter both the Algerian resistance and the French army.  They divert to another town so Mohammed might have a first time experience.  The situations make for a tense and adventuresome film with realistic scenes of threat and conflict. It's an insight into the tension in Algiers at that time.

Other than an unexpected gunfight, the beginning and end of this film is fairly close to The Guest. But to enjoy this you really must not demand an accurate telling of the original story.  
They have filled out a short story with a series of events and created a fine drama in its own right.   Without overly exaggerating the skirmishes the film shows nobility, bravery, compassion, the need for love and intimacy, and the will to live.  In keeping with it’s own spirit Far From Men has a mostly optimistic ending which works, even though it might be considered contrary to Camus existential text.
(Oh dear, did I just write that last sentence?  Either I'm going to have to stop that kind of talk or change the name of this blog.)