1492: Conquest of Paradise

How this film uses it

The first meeting with the island people is friendly. On the second trip, the men Columbus left behind turn out to be dead. Later the natives are forced to mine for gold, and the nobleman Moxica cuts off a man's hand when he finds none. Each step makes the next one harder to undo, until the island is at war.

Where to see it

The gold mine: four years later, the natives are forced to dig for gold. After Moxica cuts off one man's hand, the tribes disappear into the forest.

How this film uses it

Columbus begins as an outsider with a dream who needs ships. He ends as a forgotten old man, with credit for the discovery going to Amerigo Vespucci. In between, he governs the colony and is accused of nepotism. One reading is that the dream that made him likable is the thing that ruins him.

Where to see it

The return to Castile: after being replaced by de Bobadilla, Columbus goes back to Spain to be imprisoned, and his sons bail him out.

How this film uses it

After 9 weeks of open ocean, the mist clears and the crew sees the lush vegetation and sandy beaches of Guanahani. The New World scenes were shot on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, where about 10 sets were built on real beaches. The land looks like a paradise, which makes what follows feel like a fall.

Where to see it

The landfall: out of the mist, Columbus and his crew see the green shore of Guanahani.

How this film uses it

Vangelis wrote and performed the score himself on synthesizers, adding a few acoustic players such as flamenco guitarists, a flute and a choir. He had already scored Blade Runner for Scott. The main theme became a hit away from the film and has since been used at sports events and political campaigns.

Where to see it

The Atlantic crossing: the ships go 9 weeks without sight of land, and Columbus tries to keep a restless crew from mutiny.