In the South American jungle, an American gangster, a French banker, and a Palestinian terrorist form an uneasy alliance to transport nitroglycerin and extinguish an oil field fire. Their perilous journey is complicated by the addition of hitman Francisco Rabal. Inspired by Henri-Georges Clouzot’s “The Wages of Fear,” William Friedkin’s “Sorcerer” faced numerous production challenges and received mixed reviews upon its release, yet has since been recognized as a cinematic masterpiece, culminating in a Director’s Cut in 2015.
The Unlikely Trio in Sorcerer
In the heart of the South American jungle, three men from varying backgrounds—an American gangster portrayed by Roy Scheider, a French banker played by Bruno Cremer, and a Palestinian terrorist, Amidou—find themselves in a perilous alliance. Each man is a fugitive, evading law enforcement in their respective countries, and they must join forces to transport a dangerous load of nitroglycerin. Their mission? To extinguish a raging fire at an oil field, a task that can only be accomplished by road and is fraught with life-threatening risks. Desperate for money to escape their grim reality, they set off on this treacherous journey, soon joined by a fourth fugitive, hitman Francisco Rabal, who adds to the tension of their already dangerous expedition.
The Legacy of a Cinematic Masterpiece
In 1953, Henri-Georges Clouzot masterfully crafted a poignant odyssey in “The Wages of Fear,” which inspired the late William Friedkin’s 1977 film “Sorcerer.” This cinematic gem has garnered acclaim from film enthusiasts, with many considering it an even more intense and visceral interpretation than its predecessor. Friedkin’s film navigates themes of disillusionment and the absence of redemption, amplifying the original’s emotional depth.
Friedkin himself viewed “Sorcerer” as his magnum opus, stating, “Every film I had made was preparation for this one.” Unfortunately, the production faced numerous challenges, including the construction of a crucial bridge that lacked water, illnesses like Friedkin’s bout with malaria, and significant creative tensions. The film’s budget ballooned due to co-productions with Universal and Paramount, and tragic accidents marred the ten-month shoot in the Dominican Republic.
Reflecting on the arduous experience, Roy Scheider remarked, “What I did in Sorcerer makes Jaws look like a picnic.” He described the filming conditions as harrowing, emphasizing the real risks taken during production. Yet, despite the difficulties, he recognized the value of the raw footage captured during this tumultuous journey.
Upon its release, “Sorcerer” faced a devastating box office fate, grossing just over $12 million—far below its production budget of over $22 million. The film also received harsh criticism, with notable reviewers expressing disappointment. Friedkin, who believed “Sorcerer” to be his best work, felt the sting of the film’s reception, particularly as it competed against the blockbuster “Star Wars,” which dominated theaters that year.
Today, “Sorcerer” is celebrated as a cinematic masterpiece, and a Director’s Cut was released on DVD and Blu-ray in 2015, inviting new audiences to experience this remarkable film.