The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) * * * *

Directed by:  Kevin Reynolds

Starring:  Jim Caviezel, Guy Pearce, Richard Harris, Luis Guzman, Michael Wincott, Dagmara Dominczyk, Henry Cavill

The Count of Monte Cristo is glorious fun, a vibrant revenge drama in which the baddies get their comeuppances in the most satisfying ways.     They deserve it because they are shameless, unrepentant, and opportunistic; and they don't see it coming.     How could they possibly foresee it?     They coldly betray guileless and innocent ship hand Edmund Dantes (Caviezel), send him away to a God-forsaken island prison to die, and go about their lives enriching themselves.     Little did they know Dantes would return years later as the rich, enigmatic Count of Monte Cristo to exact his vengeance.    

I recount the events of The Count of Monte Cristo with heedless glee.   The Count does not return to slice people up with his sword or shoot people.    That would be too easy.    His revenge includes public disgrace, financial ruin, and a slow, meticulous plan to destroy all of those involved in the betrayal.     This includes his former best friend Fernand Mondego (Pearce), who married Dantes' fiancée after Dantes was sent away.   Dantes was sent away as an illiterate, kind, gullible fool and returns as a rich, powerful man to be reckoned with.   His physical features have not changed, but those from his past do not recognize him.   They believe he is dead, for one thing, but they also do not recognize the man behind the makeover.   This person is literate, cultured, and these men think they can enrich themselves further by allying with him.  They are wrong.

When Dantes is sent away, he comes into contact with fellow prisoner Faria (Harris), who is forever trying to tunnel out of the desolate prison.  In return for Dantes' help, Faria teaches him how to read, fight properly with a sword, and gives him a map leading to a small island with endless treasure.    Dantes will use his riches to create the count and finance his plan after he escapes from prison in a way copied by the young boy in Room.  Along the way, he enlists a loyal sidekick Jacopo (Guzman) to help him hatch his scheme.    

The Count of Monte Cristo is as much about the revenge as it is about the transformation of Dantes.    Knowledge is more power to him than all of his riches and he uses it to his advantage.   However, as he rekindles his relationship with Mercedes (Dominczyk), he may be too obsessed with his plan to realize she still loves him.   This concerns Jacopo, who tells the count, "I swore to be your man and to protect you.    Even if that means protecting you from yourself."   Jacopo's loyalty to his friend is real and touching.    

There is also the matter of Albert (Cavill), Mercedes' son (supposedly with Fernand) who is caught in the middle of the scheme.   There is more to Dantes' relationship with Albert than at first indicated, which adds another layer to the enterprise.   Caviezel is equally outstanding as both the meek Dantes and the strong Count.   His transformation is convincing.  Pearce sneers and speaks with nothing but contempt for lesser beings, which encompasses everyone.  He is a hateful villain, which is what he needs to be.  Guzman, one of the most dependable character actors working, provides strong comic relief when needed and strong loyalty at other times.    

The Count of Monte Cristo masters its pace.  It doesn't plod or bog itself down with endless swordplay.  The story, based on the 19th century novel by Alexandre Dumas, is powerful enough to carry us along joyfully.   There is enough action, romance, and humor to satisfy everybody.  They don't make movies like this often these days.  Stories of revenge these days mean that dozens of people will have their heads blown off and blood spurts out all over the screen.   They don't take their time to weave delicious tales of purely satisfying vengeance in which souls are destroyed as much as bodies.  What a pity.  They could take several cues from this movie.