Double Feature - The Message & Target of an Assassin

THE MESSAGE

Producer-director Moustapha Akkad made a true labor of love out of "The Message", which seeks nothing less than to tell the story of the origins of Islam. Originally released in the U.S. as "Mohammad, Messenger of God", the film has the appeal of most biblical epics: persecuted true believers, a revolutionary prophet scorned by the powers-that-be, and the miraculous triumph of faith. It also has the cheesiness of many biblical epics, with nose-flaring performances and awkward dialogue, but the whole mish-mash is generally entertaining (and informative for those unversed in the "origin stories" of Islam). Akkad had one major hurdle; he couldn't portray the person or voice of Mohammad himself, as such things are traditionally forbidden in Islam. To say the least, this presents an interesting narrative challenge. Akkad tackles it by having characters address the camera-as-Mohammad, or having disciples step out of Mohammad's tent to repeat what the prophet has just said. It's a weird device, but the surprising thing is how often you forget about it. Akkad is aided by some topnotch technicians, including cameraman Jack Hildyard and composer Maurice Jarre (whose score was Oscar-nominated). Also stars: Irene Papas, Michael Ansara, Johnny Sekka and Michael Forest.

Target of an Assassin

A thrill-packed story set in South Africa, where a hospital worker (Quinn), faced with a fatal illness and desperate to provide for his family, kidnaps a visiting dignitary and must dodge the police and a political assassin. Also stars: Ken Gampu, John Phillip Law, Simon Sabela, Marius Weyers and Sandra Prinsloo.