Khartoum

Khartoum, a 1966 British epic war film, catapults its viewers into the heart of the late 19th Century Sudanese conflict. The production is a masterful historical depiction examining the personal, political, and military encounters surrounding the 1883 siege of Khartoum by Sudanese forces led by Muhammad Ahmad, who styles himself the 'Mahdi'. Hollywood heavyweights Charlton Heston (playing Major General Charles Gordon), Laurence Olivier (as the Mahdi), and Richard Johnson (as Colonel J.D.H. Stewart), expertly bring to life a power struggle rooted deeply in cultural differences, religious ambition, and clashing ideologies.

Khartoum is set against a backdrop bubbling with tension – Britain, hedging against Egyptian political instability and the possibility of losing control of the Suez Canal, dispatches Major General Charles Gordon to Khartoum. His mission is to evacuate loyal British and Egyptian forces, thereby avoiding a confrontation with the fatalistic, self-proclaimed Mahdi. Heston, one of the hallmarks of 1960s Hollywood, delivers a riveting performance as the dissenting and complex Gordon, epitomizing the quintessential conflicted hero.

Through its storied narrative, Khartoum meticulously navigates the geopolitics of the era. The stark contrast between the political elites in Britain and the fervent revolt spearheaded by the so-called Mahdi in Sudan are depicted believably, unveiling underlying themes of imperialism and the tragic implications of power politics. Laurence Olivier crafts an engrossing portrayal of the Mahdi, embodying a charismatic leader fueled by religious zealotry and a sense of divine destiny. His performance is an engaging study of the complicated web of religion, rebellion, and leadership.

Richard Johnson, in his role as Colonel Stewart, serves as an effective foil to Heston's Gordon. The two British officers, bound by duty but divided by their views on how to handle the uprising, provide a nuanced perspective on the personal dilemmas faced by those engaged in the war far from home. Johnson delivers a well-measured performance, navigating sensitive discussion on colonialism, honor, and military strategy.

The grandeur of the film's production complements the sweeping narrative. Shot predominantly in Ultra Panavision 70, it features stunning panoramic shots of the desert region, valuable for the profound sense of atmosphere they provide. The film's depiction of 19th-century Sudan is heightened further through its majestic sets, wide-ranging crowd scenes, and expansive battle sequences. Coupled with a score echoing of epic adventure and intense urgency, composed by the revered Frank Cordell, Khartoum is a stylistic accomplishment.

Yet, Khartoum is not merely a visual spectacle – it simmers with underlying commentary on martyrdom, religious extremism, and the cataclysmic effects of imperial expansion. Screenwriters Robert Ardrey and Julian Blaustein present a thoughtful exploration of these themes that resonate beyond the historical particularities of the Siege of Khartoum. The film’s pointed dialogues underscore its political dimension, sparking gritty confrontations between the key characters and driving the plot towards its inexorable climax.

However, the heart of Khartoum lies in the fascinating dynamic between the pious Mahdi and the pragmatic Gordon – the former believes he is waging a holy war while the latter sees his assignment as a matter of duty. Their face-off is portrayed through a series of intense, calculated encounters that form the crux of the narrative, a testament to the genuinely top-notch performances of Heston and Olivier.

Directed by Basil Dearden and Eliot Elisofon, Khartoum remains a testament to 60s epic filmmaking. With its compelling historical narrative, magnificent production scale, and stellar performances from its cast, Khartoum takes on a larger-than-life aura. It succeeds in portraying historical events with accuracy while weaving in a profound tale of heroism, faith, conflict, and the shifting sands of power. It is more than just a visual feast – Khartoum stands as an affecting exploration of political and personal dimensions of war that are ever-relevant in contemporary times.