Don't Make a Scene: The Wind and the Lion

The Set-up: This is one of those scenes that always makes me laugh when I see it—and laugh inappropriately at theater-screenings. 

It is a consummate balloon-popping of a "David Lean moment" from John Milius' The Wind and the Lion, which took a forgotten moment of American history and turned it into into a rousing, fictionalized adventure story about international gamesmanship and American impetuousness in its initial forays as a world power. There is so much sabre-rattling that the movie could almost suffer from metal-fatigue.

But, Milius' own arch sense of humor shines through, both reveling in and mocking the political "cowboy diplomacy" on all sides, while making a case for attitudes of bravissimo, rather than merely playing it safe.

Milius clearly is on the side of the wily Raisuli—as he is with President Theodore Roosevelt (played spiritedly by Brian Keith)—while also poking fun at the man's naiveté that he might actually have control of the situation. Thus, there is this moment of braggadocio, with its slow pan across a barren majestic landscape (accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith's romantically exotic score) as Sean Connery dreamily lists off his CV in order to impress his captor (who is none too impressed). My (faulty) memory of the scene had Connery barking "You have nothing to say?" after a significant pause with no reaction, but the playing of it is much more subtle...and I always seemed to miss Candice Bergen checking her nails during this scene in unimpressed defiance (what else is she going to do?) until I saw it picking out significant moments for this piece.

It's a small part of the film, but one I always look forward to when I revisit the film (which I do often).

 

The Story: It is 1904. Morocco is a hub of activity as various interests are trying to establish a strategic foothold. Into the mix, comes Mulai Ahmed el Raisuli (Sean Connery), who intends to embarrass the Moroccan chiefs by kidnapping an American, Eden Pedecaris (Candice Bergen) and her family, and start a civil war. 

 

Action.

 

RAISULI This is the Rif.

RAISULI I am Mulai Ahmed Mohammed el-Raisuli the Magnificent.

RAISULI Sharif of the Riffian Berbers. I am the true defender of the faithful.

RAISULI The blood of the Prophet runs in me and I am but a servant of His will. 

RAISULI You have nothing to say?

EDEN PEDACARIS It has never been my intention to encourage braggarts.

RAISULI Your shell is strong like a turtle's.

RAISULI But it is brittle.

EDEN PEDECARIS Your tongue is clever and fast. 

EDEN PEDECARIS Be careful you do not trip over it.

RAISULI You...are a great deal of trouble.

The Wind and the Lion

Words by John Milius

Pictures by Billy Williams and John Milius

The Wind and the Lion is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from MGM Home Video.