The Edge (1997)

Anthony Hopkins plays the well-suited if understated role of a publishing magnate who is rich but humble (Charles). Alec Baldwin plays the well-suited role of a crass and self-serving photographer (Bob) who has been cuckolding Charles' younger wife. Bob needles Charles about owning a plane and being too old for a young wife but Charles responds graciously, even with intellectual detachment, offering up knowledge and reflections from a lifetime of reading books. After the plane crash-lands in Alaska, the two men find themselves stranded in the wilderness and being hunted by a humungous and ferocious grizzly bear. Charles is both strategist and tactician, coaxing the more macho Bob in how to be fearless and survive: "I'm going to kill the bear! Say it!" The scene where they finally face the bear down is iconic and famous for the naked adrenaline it can inspire (vicariously) in viewers. Bob's aggression springs forth later in other ways and we are left to wonder who has the upper hand on who. In the climax and conclusion, Charles reminds me of both a magnanimous Spencer Tracy and his own chief-executive role in Meet Joe Black. Why? "Because the rabbit is smarter than the panther." I own this one. It's full of great lines! 5 stars.