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Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World
Directed By Peter Weir, Starring Russell Crowe, Stephen Bettany, Cert 12A
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I think I may have mentioned that I have been waiting with bated breath for the release of this movie, and so early today, very early, I went to the first preview showing in my area. The cinema was almost empty, just three of us in the auditorium, but that suited me I hate folk talking and rustling popcorn and sweet packets while I watch a film.
I am a great fan of the books of Patrick O'Brian, and the first thing that I had to do was remind myself that this was a movie and not the book. My own "vision" of Jack Aubrey and Stephen Bettaney had to be put to one side, and allow myself to enter the story as envisaged by the director. After all peter Weir is one of the World best cinematic artists, and I was sure that he would be as true to the original stories as possible in the profit driven, historically corrupting parameters set by Hollywood and its money men.
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And despite a few shocking moments, such as when the "Irish" Stephen first speaks, or Coronation street's Gary Mabutt blows a bosun's whistle the film works. And for someone unfamiliar with the novels, it must simply be a triumph! It is without doubt the finest film interpretation of Napoleonic naval warfare that I have ever seen, knocking the Hornblower TV series into a cocked hat. The attention to detail is superb, the acting first rate (and I am no great fan of Russell Crowe, I thought Gladiator was dire except for Olly's magnificent swan song), and the action sequences are totally edge of the seat stuff, blood soaked and vicious. In my opinion Peter Weir is an artist without equal in celluloid, and every scene is wonderful to look at, the images of the ships under sail in a vast empty ocean are breathtaking.
All I can do is urge you to get down to the picturehouse and revel in this movie, it is truly excellent. And if you find yourself inspired by the film, check out the new 28mm naval range from Steve Barber Models, I saw the first releases at Warfare, and they are amongst the best I have ever seen.
And while you are at it check out the trailers for a trio of forthcoming releases that seem of interest to wargamers. Tom Cruise stars in The Last Samurai, an action adventure set in late 19th Century japan when an American Mercenary becomes involved in the Satsuma Rebellion, the last throws of the feudal Samurai. Jude Law stars in Cold Mountain, which appears to be a love story set against the background of the American Civil War. The trailer showed a number of impressive battle scenes that seemed to be based on the seige of Vicksburg, so maybe one to take the wife to? And finally a family film for Christmas, The Return of the King, the clips of which look superb!
Happy Viewing!
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