Is it just me or does it seem like Hollywood has been dishing out the historical pictures lately. Earlier this year has been “Gods and Generals”, “Open Range”, even “The Missing”. And next month will come “The Last Samurai” and “Cold Mountain”. At the moment, the best of all of them is “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World”.
I get so sick of this blatantly-choreographed-battle-scene stuff. If a director can make it look like the characters are doing what they’re doing out of their own free will, then they are a success in my book. That’s why I have a problem with historical films (especially those about war) being PG-13. Why would you make it so mild? If these filmmakers are going to make movies about the past, they should make it the way it was.
“Master and Commander” is PG-13, and I shuddered when I heard that the rating. But I was overwhelmingly surprised at the material laid before me. This is one of the grandest films of the year. Russell Crowe gives (once again) an altogether harrowing performance. He serves as Captain Jack Aubrey of the HMS Surprise, another ship trying to stop the invading French army during the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century.
The Surprise is chasing down a huge French frigate known as the Acheron, which holds more than twice their guns and men. There is an awesome sense of authenticity to the film. Every move, line, or command is given with the greatest attention to detail that you feel like you’re back there in 1805. I love it when films do that: take you over and transport you to the place it’s set. And this is where Peter Weir shows his superb direction. There is always something happening, something going on in the background that didn’t have to be there if he were average. This is the work of a born filmmaker.
I also loved how the ships, costumes, weapons, etcetera are accurate and add to us traveling back to that time period. It makes me so happy to see epics like this that still have rather intense character studies. The relationship between Aubrey and the ships medic (Paul Bettany) is so intriguing and natural that I began to feel a real friendship there. (Can you think of another action film that has a captain and medic playing the violin and cello in it?) They discuss everything from courses, routes, and just how to catch that frigate, which ends up causing many casualties.
The crew needs a clap as well. There is not a frame of this film that looks fake. The film consists of a boat load (no pun intended) of CGI effects that all pass as real. The cinematography is great; the score is incredible without being a distraction. It’s only used when necessary. I just loved the whole thing.
“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” is a brilliantly adapted, exquisitely executed piece of cinema. But you can’t really go wrong with the master himself, Peter Weir. People, this better be at the Oscars. ****