Deliverance (1972)

The VHS Strikes Back

Long-time supporter Kent and has picked another classic this week in Deliverance from 1972. And is also the last installment of our 3 week Burt Reynolds season!

Check out a whole bunch of cool stuff Kent does on his facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kentgustavsonphd.

Deliverance, directed by John Boorman, was both ambitious and challenging, marked by its decision to shoot on location in the remote wilderness of northern Georgia. This choice lent the film an authentic and gritty atmosphere but also presented numerous logistical and safety challenges. The actors, including Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox, performed many of their own stunts, including navigating the treacherous Chattooga River in canoes, which heightened the realism but also exposed them to significant risks. Burt Reynolds was injured while performing a canoe stunt when he was swept downriver and hit by rocks. The production team had to contend with the natural elements, which often made filming difficult and unpredictable, yet these same challenges contributed to the film’s visceral and immersive quality.

The production's commitment to authenticity extended beyond the physical challenges. Boorman chose to cast relatively unknown actors at the time to enhance the believability of the characters. The decision to film the infamous "Dueling Banjos" scene and other intense moments in natural settings without relying heavily on special effects or studio sets helped cement the film’s raw and unsettling tone. Additionally, the script, adapted by James Dickey from his own novel, required delicate handling of its controversial themes, including graphic violence and sexual assault. Despite the difficulties faced during production, Deliverance emerged as a critical and commercial success, praised for its unflinching portrayal of survival and its exploration of human nature under duress. The film’s stark realism, powerful performances, and haunting musical score have left a lasting impact on audiences and cinema history.

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Plot Summary:

Four Atlanta businessmen, Ed, Lewis, Bobby, and Drew, embark on a weekend canoe trip down a remote Georgia river before it is dammed. Seeking adventure, their journey turns into a nightmare when they encounter hostile locals. After Bobby is brutally assaulted, the men are forced into a desperate fight for survival. Navigating the dangerous river and evading the vengeful mountain men, they must confront their own fears and primal instincts. The harrowing experience leaves them forever changed, highlighting the thin veneer of civilization and the raw brutality of human nature.

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