To Build a Fire

This is a wonderful movie. Wells' narration is dramatic, but at the same time understated like the story. Hogg does a very good job in the lead role with virtually no dialogue. I complain a lot about modern short films with no dialogue that have no depth. This one has amazing depth of character.

The dog also is well trained and really adds to this movie.

This screenwriter showed great understanding and respect for London's original story and is an impressive adaptation.

I highly recommend this one.

Orson Welles narration added layers to the basic premise of the movie.

I have just seen To Build a Fire minutes ago on U Tube. I agree with Mr. Richman that I shall remember the experience forever. As a young student I read this story and ,like Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, have always been so impressed with the authors ability to create an aura that permeates the story from beginning to end. This film has accomplished creating that same aura of fatalism.

The narration of Orsen Wells is indeed ,not surprisingly, impressive. But where the heck are the immense kudos for Ian Hogg who is hardly mentioned in the film or in reviews. He was magnificent. This was a gripping film experience

I first saw this movie many years ago on television and I remember being very moved by it.

The simplicity of the action and the dispassionate narration meant that it had to rely on the strength of the plot and the underlying messages.

Jack London wrote several stories about the perils of the frozen North. This movie captures the essence of this story without having to resort to gimmicks or tricks. The bleakness of the environment and its hostility to humans emerges from the landscape and the simple narrative.

The underlying lessons are still very relevant today. The fate of the man is in his own hands at the start but as the story unfolds we see that it is his belief in his own abilities that ultimately leads to the final outcome.

Firstly, I cannot believe that this short film has no reviews, and that I am the first to review it. I saw this film many years ago possibly 30 years ago. Despite the time, this film has still left a lasting impression. I would rank it as one of the great short films with An Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge and The Red Balloon. Do not waste your time with the newer versions until you have seen this one.

Without spoiling anything, this film is about a man traveling by foot in the snow with his dog.

Again, I am completely flabbergasted that this film is virtually forgotten on this website. It is a shame. Perhaps someone can upload some artwork from this film to help flesh out its profile.