The Razor's Edge (DVD, 2002)

Since I first saw this movie many years ago, it has been my favorite. The film represents Bill Murray's first attempt at portraying a serious film character and the attempt was, to my mind, very successful. Murray's version of Maugham's Larry Darrel is poignant and moving. Murray is not, to borrow a line from the movie, "the same old mister sunshine" in this movie that we had grown accustomed to up to this point in his career. Murray is very believable in this role. It was the highlight of his career, at least until the release of "Lost in Translation."

However, this film is not a one-man show. Catherine Hicks, best known as the mom on tv's "Seventh Heaven" turns in an outstanding performance as Murray's finance/ex-finance, Teresa Russell shimmers as Murray's old friend/new finance, and James Keach is solid as Murray's BFF. Also making a short but significant appearance is Murray's real-life brother, Brian Doyle Murray, as the head of the ambulance service whose life and death ultimately prove to change Larry Darrel forever.

The film is a fairly faithful adaptation of a novel written by British author, W. Somerset Maugham. Few films do even an adequate job of capturing the spirit, flavor and emotional content of a novel, but "The Razor's Edge" comes closer to this goal than most. It is a moving picture, one that deserves your attention. I originally owned this movie in VHS and I have finally updated my collection to include the DVD. I am a little disappointed that there are no extras in this version of the DVD (no deleted scenes, no commentaries, no "making of" short documentary). The movie itself is so good, however, that it makes up for the lack of amenities on the DVD. Personally, I do know a little about the background of the making of this film and it is a story that many Murray finds would find interesting. "The Razor's Edge" was made just after "Ghostbusters" but the two movies are forever linked in my mind. Murray was offered "Ghostbusters" by the heads of Paramounts Pictures, but Murray would not agree to act in the comedy before the studio agreed to make this movie for him afterward. While Paramount agreed to his terms, they did not believe in the project and gave it almost no support or much of an ad campaign when it was released in 1984. The movie died a fairly quite death at the box office as a result. This movie deserved a much better fate than it received. I am convinced that with the proper promotion, this movie should have received some award nominations and Murray should have gotten a nomination from the Academy for his amazing work in this film. This movie is proof positive that many heads of movie studios do not even like movies or know a good movie when it is handed to them.

Do yourself a favor and watch "The Razor's Edge" and prove that you are smarter than the movie moguls who make the movies in the first place.

This is a great movie and most outstanding is the dramatic acting ability of a comedian named Bill Murray. Never have I seen an actor switch from comedy to such a dramatic role as Larry Darrell. Murray, with Teresa Russell and Catherine Hicks ( Seventh Heaven ), gives performances that needed Oscar recognition. Direction and locations were definately a plus when watching this movie. In my opinion, four stars out of four. GREAT .

I loved this movie. Bill Murray as Larry Darrell, who searches for the meaning of life, is unforgettable. This is my favorite movie of all time.

I feel that this is Bill Murray's finest work, and it's serious! His ability to play this profound part and easily cause his audience believe his depth gives insight to his real-life personality beyond comedy.

The empathy he shows and the realizations he confirms are convincing. I have seen an interview w/him where he states he is not proud of his performance nor did he feel he should ever venture into serious drama again. I TOTALLY disagree! And, I know I am not alone.

He was amazing and perfect for the part! I wonder what caused the producer to cast Bill Murray? Was it a test? a lark? or a sure thing? It worked!!!!

Even though this movie has a sad ending, It has a great message about life and the interactions that take place between people that can effect or enhance someone else. Bill Murray shows that he can restrain his wackier humor to pull off a more dramatic role, in the storyline he is saved in WW1 by a selfless act of another, which sends him on a quest to find the reason for someone to do that. This movie is filled with BEAUTIFULL scenic vistas and interesting deep character renderings. rent or buy this movie and you wont be disappointed.

I have been searching for this movie for awhile. It was highly reccomended to me from a friend to watch.

I saw this movie years ago and with the way our economy is today-I wanted to see it again, but could not find it to rent anywhere. I bought it and still loved the story. Bill Murrary in a serious roll is totally awesome.

Redo of a old movie by Somersat Maude. Excellent movie and story with a meaning about finding ones self. Deep and moving.

This a very good remake. From the time of purchase to arrival, the transaction was smooth easy.
Thanx for an easy sale.
The location shoots were great. It was nice to see Bill Murray in a role that isn't a funny roll.