2/5 Much different....
  by NJA (Tampa, FL)
If you first read Maugham's novel and wanted to see a "movie version" of that novel, I believe that you, as I was, will be sorely disappointed by this movie. Way too many important parts passed over and some semi-minor parts of the book are glamorized. On the other hand, if I had never read the book, I probably would have really enjoyed this movie a lot more, and probably would have given it 4 or 5 stars.

I just placed an order for the 1940's movie version of the book, which, from what I've heard from other reviewers, is much truer to Maugham's book.

4/5 Good film based on the book of one of history's great novelists
  by Timothy P. Scanlon (Hyattsville, MDUSA)
One cannot help but be mesmerized by the wordcraft of Willy Maugham. Perhaps the best novel of all time is his "The Moon and Sixpence," a quasi-biographical social commentary of late 19th early 20th century mores and expectations.

In this fine novel, "The Razor's Edge," Larry, a young veteral of WWI, destined to financial "success" decides to go on the route to--pardon the cliche--"enlightenment." The woman who loves him, Izzy, cannot stomach that and marries Gray Maturin, Larry's buddy who'se always been in love with Izzy.

Well, heaven knows other reviewers have covered the stories theme so I won't repeat that here.

As I travelled in the same portions of the world through with Larry treked--though not with anywhere near the conscientious "search" that Larry had on his mind, I always rather idenfied with the character, in the novel and in the film. The film's music--yes, I have the soundtrack--fits the story very well.

I talked, however, with an associate a few years ago who pointed out a trait of the film that I hadn't considered before: one is always waiting for Bill Murray (Larry) to become Bill Murray, either an off the cuff crack, or something of that nature. In a way he does a few times, but it fits well into the script, even complements it. So, while that may be the viewer's problem rather than the film's, it's still true. One just expects that, I guess, from Murray.

The only other comment I have relates to what the novel included and the film could not:

That I recall, in the novel, the author points out that Larry had the luxury of adequate "resources" (money) to pursue enlightenment. So your average "Joe," even if his conscience begged him to pursue what Larry did, couldn't dream of pursuing it. It costs money, takes time away from paying one's bills, paying attention to one's loved ones--what most of us would call "reality."

Now, many will say, "That's the point! That's what Larry gave up," to the wonderfully exclamatory comments of the author throughout the novel. But that "reality" is conditioned by ones ability--based on those "resources"--to pursue one's dreams, or enlightenment, something perhaps more than we know would pursue if they could.

Again, that would have been very difficult to fit into the film, but was at least mentioned in the novel

Aside from that I recommend the film--the earlier Tyrone Power release and this one--and the wonderful novel, and perhaps, if time and "resources" permit--pursue your own dreams.

4/5 "For The Privilege Of Being Alive" ~ No Regrets, No Rewards On The Road To Enlightenment
  by Brian E. Erland (CA - USA)
Synopsis: Larry Darrell (Bill Murray) wants more out of life than a well paying job, a big house and a new car every year. Leaving his pre-determined life in America behind he goes in search of the meaning of life, a journey leading Paris, India and back again.

India changes Larry's life, teaching him the difficult "razor's edge" path to salvation. Equipped with a new perspective on life and our place in the grand scheme of things he returns to Europe where he encounters his nearest and dearest American friends. The question is can Larry's newfound wisdom and understanding be applied to a Western world more attuned to the material pleasures, diversions and all the other assorted minutia it has become so identified with?

Critique: The '84 film `The Razor's Edge perfectly captures the spiritual angst of the early twentieth century lost in a post WWI world. The production values are first rate, the storyline touching and thoughtful and the acting excellent (Theresa Russell looks stunning). I found one of the most impressive elements of this film to be the nostalgic, highly evocative soundtrack. It's a magnificent collection that's definitely worthy of a spot in your CD collection. The only thing keeping this film from -5 Star- status is it's slow pacing that can intermittently cause momentary attention lapses in the audience.

My Rating: -4 1/2 Stars-.

5/5 Very thoughtful movie
  by Southern Traveler (Atlanta, GA USA)
Bill Murray took a lot of abuse for this movie but I just love it. It is a movie of self discovery and the determination of those things worthy of investing your life into. As a frequent traveler I especially loved the glimpse into ex-pat living in post WWI Europe. Bonne chance.

5/5 A Tale of Two Bills.
  by Sean Duffy (Omaha)
W. Somerset Maugham's experience as a fiction writer gave him a particularly noteworthy ability to envision alternative worlds of human emotion and reasoning which could take a character and distill it to its very essence. And in doing this he provided the world with his vision, not of just what was, but also, what could be. In tackling the role of Larry Darrell, Bill Murray has reached beyond himself, both as an actor and as a person, to show us a deep exploration of the seeker within us all. We see him on a journey of self discovery, a devolution from worldliness to innocence, his heart opening ever wider as all those around him become more closed off inside, victims of their own unresolved inner conflicts. A wonderful and compelling story, among Murry's best.