A Visually Striking Tale of Ambition and Redemption

Read Time:4 Minute, 12 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Spiral Road (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1962, 2025 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 19m
Director(s): Robert Mulligan
Writer(s): John Lee Mahin, Neil Paterson, Jan de Hartog
Cast: Rock Hudson, Burl Ives, Gena Rowlands
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Ambition, ethics, and moral conflict converge in the captivating yet narratively uneven THE SPIRAL ROAD. Set in the Dutch East Indies during the 1930s, this film blends classic adventure elements with character-driven drama. Directed by Robert Mulligan and adapted from Jan de Hartog’s novel, the story revolves around Dr. Anton Drager, an ambitious physician determined to make a name for himself, and Dr. Brits Jansen, a seasoned leprosy expert with unconventional methods. Despite its intriguing premise and rich visuals, the film stumbles in pacing and depth, leaving behind an impression of untapped potential.

The plot unfolds as Drager, played by Rock Hudson, arrives in Java, hoping to learn from Jansen, portrayed by Burl Ives. However, Drager’s motivations are far from altruistic. His primary goal is to leverage Jansen’s unpublished research to elevate his reputation in Europe. This clash between Drager’s cold pragmatism and Jansen’s compassionate worldview sets the stage for a complex mentor-student relationship. Initially antagonistic, their dynamic evolves into mutual respect before spiraling into conflict. While the performances of Hudson and Ives bring intensity to their interactions, the script doesn’t always capitalize on their chemistry, occasionally losing focus with underdeveloped subplots.

The film shines visually with its breathtaking portrayal of the Indonesian jungle. Russell Harlan’s cinematography captures the untamed beauty of the setting, transforming it into an integral part of the narrative. The decision to shoot on location in Suriname infuses the film with authenticity, immersing the audience in an environment that feels alive and unpredictable. The vibrant visuals metaphorize the characters’ internal struggles, highlighting themes of survival, ambition, and redemption.

Hudson’s portrayal of Drager marks a departure from his usual roles, embracing the moral complexities of a character driven by self-interest. His transformation from a confident, career-focused doctor to a man confronting his ethical failings is one of the film’s most compelling arcs. Ives complements this with a grounded performance as Jansen, whose unorthodox methods and gruff demeanor mask a deep well of wisdom and compassion. As Drager’s fiancée Els, Gena Rowlands provides more depth but is sidelined mainly by the central conflict. Her role, while necessary, feels more like a narrative tool than a fully realized character.

Thematically, the film wrestles with questions of morality, ambition, and the consequences of self-serving behavior. Ethical dilemmas are presented but left unresolved, leaving viewers to fill in the gaps. Similarly, the film’s backdrop—the Dutch colonial era—is touched upon but never fully explored. The narrative stops short of critically engaging with the colonial system, treating it more as a setting than a source of meaningful commentary.

Despite its flaws, THE SPIRAL ROAD showcases Mulligan’s ability to craft morally complex characters and immersive settings. Jerry Goldsmith’s score adds weight to key moments, enhancing the film’s atmosphere and leaving a lingering impression. The production design, particularly its attention to period detail, deserves praise for creating a vivid and lived-in world.

Ultimately, the film is a study in contrasts—stunning visuals paired with uneven storytelling, and strong performances weighed down by an unfocused script. It raises compelling questions about ambition, morality, and redemption but hesitates to explore them fully. For fans of classics or those curious about Mulligan’s work, THE SPIRAL ROAD offers enough intrigue to warrant a viewing. However, it feels like a missed opportunity—a film that sets out to explore deep waters but never quite reaches its intended depth.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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