It seems like we've been talking about this movie a lot recently, especially in regards to Star Trek or how The Dark Knight is better than it. (The latter is so, so wrong.) Based on this and my fond memories of it from when it played on cable endlessly a few years back, I decided to check it out again.
Boy, does it hold up. I'd argue that even more than Gladiator, this is probably Crowe's most assured "matinée idol" performance. Even though he's not as heavy as Aubrey is in the books, I think he's a perfect fit and it's really disappointing that more in the series weren't made. Crowe makes even Aubrey's flaws sort of likable, he's a stubborn son of a bitch who knows he's outmatched, but he refuses to let go. While we got a sense of Maximus' leadership in Gladiator, here, we actually see Crowe as a leader of men, both in his private moments ("you should read the book") and in the bigger ones ("this ship is England. This ship is home.").
And the same could be said for Bettany and his chemistry with Crowe. Even though Aubrey and Maturin fight, there's still a deep sense of respect and friendship that the two men share. I really like how Bettany is able to convey that Maturin is clearly out of place on the ship -- his presence at the dinners is awkward and it's to the actor's/director's credit that the subtext never becomes text.
That friendship is why the final lines of the movie are so lovely, and why the ending is so satisfying. (Although, again, disappointing by the lack of a sequel.)
I think what makes this movie great -- one reason, anyway -- is that the plot is basically two ships chasing after one another for two hours. There's a fight at the beginning, and a fight at the end, and both battles are fantastic (when the Acheron's mainmast topples, that's an exhilarating moment). But the meat of the movie is largely about men at sea, aboard a ship for months on end, and it really lends the film an authenticity that I think most period pieces lack. I love that Weir takes its time, and shows the toll that both weather and close quarters has on the men on the ship, often to deadly results. And I like how the cast is stacked deep with men that have recognizable faces and traits, even if it's hard to keep track of the names and the ranks. It's a very immersive film, one that doesn't stop to play catch up with the audience.
Plus, it's a gorgeous looking movie. I said this in the eye candy thread, but there are some shots from under deck that look like they were painted. I want to frame them and hang 'em on my wall.
Boy, does it hold up. I'd argue that even more than Gladiator, this is probably Crowe's most assured "matinée idol" performance. Even though he's not as heavy as Aubrey is in the books, I think he's a perfect fit and it's really disappointing that more in the series weren't made. Crowe makes even Aubrey's flaws sort of likable, he's a stubborn son of a bitch who knows he's outmatched, but he refuses to let go. While we got a sense of Maximus' leadership in Gladiator, here, we actually see Crowe as a leader of men, both in his private moments ("you should read the book") and in the bigger ones ("this ship is England. This ship is home.").
And the same could be said for Bettany and his chemistry with Crowe. Even though Aubrey and Maturin fight, there's still a deep sense of respect and friendship that the two men share. I really like how Bettany is able to convey that Maturin is clearly out of place on the ship -- his presence at the dinners is awkward and it's to the actor's/director's credit that the subtext never becomes text.
That friendship is why the final lines of the movie are so lovely, and why the ending is so satisfying. (Although, again, disappointing by the lack of a sequel.)
I think what makes this movie great -- one reason, anyway -- is that the plot is basically two ships chasing after one another for two hours. There's a fight at the beginning, and a fight at the end, and both battles are fantastic (when the Acheron's mainmast topples, that's an exhilarating moment). But the meat of the movie is largely about men at sea, aboard a ship for months on end, and it really lends the film an authenticity that I think most period pieces lack. I love that Weir takes its time, and shows the toll that both weather and close quarters has on the men on the ship, often to deadly results. And I like how the cast is stacked deep with men that have recognizable faces and traits, even if it's hard to keep track of the names and the ranks. It's a very immersive film, one that doesn't stop to play catch up with the audience.
Plus, it's a gorgeous looking movie. I said this in the eye candy thread, but there are some shots from under deck that look like they were painted. I want to frame them and hang 'em on my wall.
