Master & Commander: The Far Side of the Worldreview by Angie Ward |
posted 11/13/2003
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As well crafted as the tall ships that once sailed the high seas, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is a breathtaking, stirring film, as thoughtful as it is adventurous.
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Master and Commander is the first screen adaptation of Patrick O'Brian's riveting, 20-volume "Aubrey/Maturin" series of historical seafaring novels. Based on the first and tenth books of the series, this visually stunning film captures the adventure of the high seas while reminding us that the story is ultimately about its characters, not just its ships.
Russell Crowe stars as Captain Jack "Lucky" Aubrey, commander of the HMS Surprise, a British frigate. As the film opens in 1805, we find the Surprise off the coast of Brazil. Its orders are clear: Sink, burn, or capture the Acheron, a French warship with significantly greater man—and firepower than the faithful but aging Surprise.
Master and Commander
A sneak attack initiates a chase that will take the two ships on a high-stakes journey across the seas, through the storm-tossed waters of Cape Horn, southward through ice and snow, and eventually to the untamed Galapagos Islands for a final showdown.
Along the way, Aubrey must face the tension between his personal desires and the best interests of the men on his ship. This tension plays out in his relationship with his long-time friend and ship's surgeon, Stephen Maturin (Paul Bettany). As the thoughtful scientist, Bettany balances Aubrey's intensity with his subdued wisdom, much as his cello playing provides a sonorous undertone for Aubrey's melodious violin.
But from the outset, it's obvious that Aubrey is the central character in the film, and Crowe gives a commanding performance as the ship's Captain. A lifelong seaman who began his navy career as a member of Lord Nelson's crew, Crowe's Aubrey displays an obvious love for the seafaring life. He speaks lovingly of his old ship and is a dedicated student of the art and science of war.
At one point, Aubrey tells some of his men what it was like to be in the presence of the great Lord Nelson. "With Nelson, you felt your heart glow," he says. Aubrey was obviously greatly affected by Nelson, and wants to similarly impact his own crew. While it is clear that Aubrey's primary allegiance is to the British Navy, it is equally clear that he cares deeply about the men on his ship. He earns their respect by treating them respectfully and fairly, yet displays a lighthearted spirit that helps each of the 197 men onboard keep his good humor in incredibly tight quarters.
When Aubrey's loyalties to country and crew collide, Crowe lets us feel his inner conflict, showing his pain without losing sight of his greater responsibility. The Captain is a multi-dimensional character, and Crowe masterfully infuses each dimension with depth. He is a commanding presence from the very beginning of the movie, yet never goes "over the top" in his portrayal of the ship's commander. For 139 minutes, Crowe becomes Jack Aubrey.
Master and Commander
Bettany provides an equally worthy performance as Dr. Maturin. While Aubrey's life purpose is to serve his country, Maturin is willing to serve the Empire as a ship's doctor in exchange for the opportunity to travel the world to pursue his true passion, biological research. Bettany plays the talented, compassionate doctor with depth, doing his physician's duties and caring for the sick or wounded while waiting for his next chance to explore new plant and animal life.
A thoughtful fellow, Maturin quietly holds the respect of all the men, who no doubt realize their very lives might one day rest in his skilled hands. And while his and Aubrey's loyalties sometimes put the two men at odds, their friendship runs strong and deep, forged over years of service together.
In many action films, the majority of crew members serve as props whose primary purpose is to get blown up in battle. Here, the ship's crewmen are thoughtfully played by a memorable supporting cast who provide additional depth to the story.
As Lord Blakeney, Max Pirkis plays a wide-eyed, 12-year-old boy whose innocent mind can't even begin to imagine the horrible things he will soon experience. Lee Ingleby portrays the tortured midshipman Hollom, the central figure in a subplot that revolves around the story of Jonah. These two, along with the rest of the crew, display awe and admiration for their Captain. They willingly entrust their lives to Aubrey's leadership, and expect him to lead them to victory.
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