The Edge, released in theaters on September 26, 1997, is a taut, visually stunning thriller that pits man against nature, and man against man, in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. Directed by Lee Tamahori and penned by acclaimed screenwriter David Mamet, the film succeeds as both a gripping survival story and a sharp psychological study of jealousy and intellect under extreme duress. It is a cinematic showcase for its two heavy-hitting leads, Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin.
The plot introduces the vastly different central characters: Charles Morse (Hopkins), a reserved, highly intelligent billionaire with a photographic memory and an exhaustive knowledge of survival; and Robert “Bob” Green (Baldwin), a charming, smooth-talking fashion photographer.
Charles is deeply suspicious that Bob is having an affair with his beautiful young wife, Mickey (Elle Macpherson), who is a model on the remote Alaska location shoot.
The underlying tension is immediately established, a psychological danger more insidious than the cold. When their small plane crashes deep in the wilderness while on a scouting trip—a sudden catastrophe that also involves the early loss of supporting characters like the photographer’s assistant (Harold Perrineau) and the pilot—Charles and Bob are forced into a reluctant partnership to survive.
Their survival is immediately complicated by a relentless, massive Kodiak bear stalking them. Charles must apply his book knowledge of the wild to outsmart the bear and navigate the terrain, all while facing the real threat of betrayal from his companion.
The Edge‘s most enduring strength lies in the dynamic between Hopkins and Baldwin. Hopkins’s portrayal of the cerebral, seemingly weaker man who rises to the occasion against Baldwin’s more traditionally rugged but panicked character serves as the film’s compelling core.
L.Q. Jones, Kathleen Wilhoite and Kelsa Kinsly round out the supporting cast.
The Edge held its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 1997.
Anthony Hopkins and Elle Macpherson in The Edge (Photo/20th Century Fox)
Reception for The Edge
The Edge grossed $7.7 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 4 at the box office.
The film would gross $27.9 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave The Edge three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
The Edge is remembered foremost for its incredible intensity and realism in portraying wilderness survival. A significant part of its legacy is the performance of Bart the Bear, the famed animal actor, whose menacing presence added genuine terror to the film.
Critically, the film is praised for its sharp, distinctive dialogue penned by Mamet, which elevates it beyond a standard action-thriller. It’s an effective meditation on the nature of civilization, intelligence, and what truly defines a ‘last man standing.’
