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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 13, 1988)
Reviews "Gorillas In the Mist" Starring Sigourney Weaver Directed by Michael Apted Rated PG-13 ★★★★ “Gorillas In the Mist,” a film of extraordinary power and emotion, is one of the year’s best. Subtitled “The Story of Dian Fossey,” the film tells the story of Fossey’s study of the mountain gorillas of central Africa and her determined fight to protect them from extinction. Sigourney Weaver is remarkable as Dian Fossey, giving a portrayal of a woman at first frustrated by failures and setbacks, but who later begins devoting her entire life to working with the gorillas. Scenes of Fossey among the gorillas are the film’s most fascinating. The closer she gets to them, imitating their sounds and actions, the more they accept her presence. We see the gorillas as peaceful creatures rather than as the fearsome, chest-beating brutes they are commonly believed to be. Fossey’s work with the gorillas pleases Dr. Louis Leakey, who gave her the research job, but raises the ire of poachers, who prey on the animals so that rich executives can have gorilla heads mounted on their walls or gorilla hand ashtrays. The conflict with the poachers gives the movie some highly emotional scenes. One of these moments comes when tribesmen kill Digit, a male gorilla and one of Fossey’s favorites. Fossey returns to the mountain after hearing the cries of the animals, only to find Digit dead. Another even more moving scene shows Fossey raising a baby gorilla after taking it from kidnappers. In exchange for rangers to guard against poachers, she agrees to let government officials place the gorilla in a zoo. The tearjerking moment comes when Fossey, in tears, must watch as the gorilla is taken away, its cries coming from inside its cage. As the film continues, Fossey becomes more and more unpleasant to the people around her, often flying into a raging fury. However, in view of the poachers’ sadistic acts toward the animals, her unrestrained anger seems understandable. The movie seems to hold the same view, putting her in a sympathetic light. The film ends with Fossey’s mysterious murder in 1985. A research assistant was convicted of her murder, but many believe that her true killer will never be found. The film leaves open the question of who really killed her. Filmed on location in the lush jungles of Africa, “Gorillas In the Mist” features stunning cinematography, as well as a wonderful story. This movie is highly recommended on the strength of Sigourney Weaver’s performance and the highly charged, emotional content of the script. Review by Shane Hall Rating Key ***** — A classic. Not to be missed. ****___ Excellent. ***_ Some flaws, but good overall. ** —Fair. * — El stinko. *7/ie JlcdL&i Gesde/i &J Auitin, 9*tc. “GaAitUf, jjOA. tfou' [ieaauie you. 'ne. ipecial! • Abortion Service • Nitrous Oxide Available • Free Pregnancy Testing • Confidential Counseling • OB-Gyn Physician • Non Profit S.H.C. Center • Pap Smears • V.D. Testing • Birth Control • Breast €xams 24 Hour Emergency Call Service Total Reproductive Health Care Center Austin (512) 459-3119 for Women of AH Ages 26th & Red River Dedicated to Right of Free Choice Anthropologist Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) finds herself mesmerized by the gorillas of Rwanda. Suite 13 Medical Arts Square Toll Free (800)999-3110 During her struggles, Dian Fossey (Sigourney Weaver) finds comfort from photographer Bob Campbell (BryanBrown). 7 Weekends October 1 - November 13 MSC Box Office Offers Limited Discount Tickets Our Ticket Price: $10.00 Regular Price: $12.00 For More Information, Contact the MSC Box Office at 845-1234 Thursday, Oct. 13,1988/At Ease/Page 5