By: debbie lynn elias
“National Treasure” was commissioned in honor of the United States’s Bicentennial of 1976 but, due to a governmental slip-up, is just getting to us now. Are we surprised by the delay?
A descendent from one of our nation’s founding fathers (can you guess who), Benjamin Franklin Gates comes from a long line of men who believe in the myth that a treasure exists long hidden by the Freemasons. Legend has it that a vast and valuable treasure was brought back from the Crusades by the Knights Templar and hidden by the Masons, who also just happen to be the founding fathers of this country. The Knights were Crusaders who excavated the Temple of Solomon, finding enormous riches which they used as their power base, transforming themselves into the Freemasons. As the Freemasons, they travelled to America with their fortune during the Revolutionary War, and together with our founding fathers, such as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, hid the fortune, but with cleverly developed clues planted in various places for those daring enough to seek it out. Ben’s father always dismissed the myth, but his grandfather, who believes in it wholeheartedly and would like nothing better than to prove naysayers wrong and find the treasure, gives Benjamin a clue handed down through the generations from Charles Carroll, the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence. Surprisingly, the clue was placed on the back of the Declaration. Thanks to his grandfather’s belief and passion, Ben has made it his life’s work to prove the existence of the treasure.
With a clue that revolves around the word “Charlotte,” Ben, together with his best friend Riley and financier partner Ian Howe, embark on an expedition north of the Arctic Circle in search of a 19th century sailing ship long embedded in the frozen ice, ;where they discover another clue – one that leads to an invisible map is hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Ah, but now Ben faces a challenge more difficult than finding a frozen ship in the Arctic Sea. How do you convince the National Archives and the US government to open their vaults and let you remove the Declaration of Independence from its vacuum-sealed vault?
As luck would have it, Ben finds a sympathetic ear in National Archivist Dr. Abigail Chase and she soon joins Ben in his quest to what has now become, steal the Declaration of Independence. Standing in the way, however, (besides the US government) is Ian Howe, former partner with Ben, who has turned the tables and wants the treasure for himself. A race against time begins as Ben attempts to out maneuver Ian and solve the myth and mystery first. And what a race this is as the quest takes our principles through some of the most historic sites in the United States – Independence Hall and the former Liberty Bell Tower, the Franklin Institute, the Library of Congress, Trinity Church, the Lincoln Memorial and countless cobblestoned alleyways, streets and darkened cemeteries in Historic Philadelphia. If nothing else, this film is a great travelog of our Founding Fathers and some of the 13 original colonies. (Trivia Note – It was Ben Franklin himself who designed the layout of the streets in Historic/Downtown Philadelphia, many of which are shown here.)
Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Gates is, as always, flawless in his performance. Although a weak script doesn’t fully develop the character, Cage’s inherent talent and passion takes over, bringing an unbridled enthusiasm to Ben that carries through the film. Diane Kruger steps in as Dr. Chase and unfortunately is less than appealing. But for needing the character as a means to access the Declaration of Independence, the role is pointless, under-developed and Kruger unconvincing. Adding insult to injury is the alleged “love interest” between Chase and Gates which not only fails on paper, but fails in its chemistry between Cage and Kruger. Harvey Keitel is true to form as FBI agent Sadusky and Jon Voight as Gates’ grandfather John Adams Gates is perfect and beyond reproach. Next to Cage’s enthusiasm, it is Voight’s sincere take on the character that is a joy to watch. Kudos must go to one of all times favorite bad guys, Sean Bean, who is impeccable as the underhanded two-timing Ian Howe.
Jon Turtelaub’s direction seems off-base and at times haphazard, perhaps due to the implausibility of the script. Despite this, however, the film is tightly and succinctly edited thanks to William Goldenberg. But the real beauty comes at the hands of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel who provides a richly textured, vividly shot film that does particularly well in showcasing the historical sites and scenes in the film.
While not the greatest film of the year, it is definitely one with a considerable amount of intrigue (although unbelievable – or is it??) and action, not to mention some actual history lessons, all of which combine to make for a fun-filled, exciting Saturday afternoon matinee guaranteed to add to Disney’s own treasure vault.
Benjamin Franklin Gates: Nicolas Cage Patrick Gates: Jon Voight Abigail Chase: Diane Kruger Agent Dasusky: Harvey Keitel Ian Howe: Sean Bean John Adams Gates: Christopher Plummer
Directed by Jon Turteltaub. Written by Jim Kouft, Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley. A Walt Disney Picture. Rated PG. (120 min)
As luck would have it, Ben finds a sympathetic ear in National Archivist Dr. Abigail Chase and she soon joins Ben in his quest to what has now become, steal the Declaration of Independence. Standing in the way, however, (besides the US government) is Ian Howe, former partner with Ben, who has turned the tables and wants the treasure for himself. A race against time begins as Ben attempts to out maneuver Ian and solve the myth and mystery first. And what a race this is as the quest takes our principles through some of the most historic sites in the United States – Independence Hall and the former Liberty Bell Tower, the Franklin Institute, the Library of Congress, Trinity Church, the Lincoln Memorial and countless cobblestoned alleyways, streets and darkened cemeteries in Historic Philadelphia. If nothing else, this film is a great travelog of our Founding Fathers and some of the 13 original colonies. (Trivia Note – It was Ben Franklin himself who designed the layout of the streets in Historic/Downtown Philadelphia, many of which are shown here.)With a clue that revolves around the word “Charlotte,” Ben, together with his best friend Riley and financier partner Ian Howe, embark on an expedition north of the Arctic Circle in search of a 19th century sailing ship long embedded in the frozen ice, ;where they discover another clue – one that leads to an invisible map is hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence. Ah, but now Ben faces a challenge more difficult than finding a frozen ship in the Arctic Sea. How do you convince the National Archives and the US government to open their vaults and let you remove the Declaration of Independence from its vacuum-sealed vault?
Nicolas Cage as Benjamin Gates is, as always, flawless in his performance. Although a weak script doesn’t fully develop the character, Cage’s inherent talent and passion takes over, bringing an unbridled enthusiasm to Ben that carries through the film. Diane Kruger steps in as Dr. Chase and unfortunately is less than appealing. But for needing the character as a means to access the Declaration of Independence, the role is pointless, under-developed and Kruger unconvincing. Adding insult to injury is the alleged “love interest” between Chase and Gates which not only fails on paper, but fails in its chemistry between Cage and Kruger. Harvey Keitel is true to form as FBI agent Sadusky and Jon Voight as Gates’ grandfather John Adams Gates is perfect and beyond reproach. Next to Cage’s enthusiasm, it is Voight’s sincere take on the character that is a joy to watch. Kudos must go to one of all times favorite bad guys, Sean Bean, who is impeccable as the underhanded two-timing Ian Howe.
Jon Turtelaub’s direction seems off-base and at times haphazard, perhaps due to the implausibility of the script. Despite this, however, the film is tightly and succinctly edited thanks to William Goldenberg. But the real beauty comes at the hands of cinematographer Caleb Deschanel who provides a richly textured, vividly shot film that does particularly well in showcasing the historical sites and scenes in the film.
While not the greatest film of the year, it is definitely one with a considerable amount of intrigue (although unbelievable – or is it??) and action, not to mention some actual history lessons, all of which combine to make for a fun-filled, exciting Saturday afternoon matinee guaranteed to add to Disney’s own treasure vault.
Benjamin Franklin Gates: Nicolas Cage Patrick Gates: Jon Voight Abigail Chase: Diane Kruger Agent Dasusky: Harvey Keitel Ian Howe: Sean Bean John Adams Gates: Christopher Plummer
Directed by Jon Turteltaub. Written by Jim Kouft, Cormac Wibberley and Marianne Wibberley. A Walt Disney Picture. Rated PG. (120 min)
