I start rehearsals for Macbeth next week, and for the last fortnight I’ve been working out steadily, trying to get back into some kind of shape – six months of sitting in front of a computer and writing apparently results only in a ganglion cyst (see the earlier post).
So, when I’m not lifting weights, I’m on the tredmill. While I walk, I watch a movie. Currently, I’m on a sea-faring kick. It started with Captain Blood, then The Sea Hawk (which, unlike the former, has absolutely nothing to do with the novel of the same name – though I understand the Douglas Fairbanks version is quite faithful). And yesterday I wrapped up my little nautical festival watching Master & Commander again.
I just want to say, this film is a masterpiece. It didn’t get the raves it deserved when it came out. Maybe everyone was feeling Crowe-fatigue, I don’t know. But, man, this is a perfect film. Details, heart, a sweeping score, excellent action, real character depth – O’Brian would’ve been so proud.
My one sadness is not technically about the film, but the fact that there will be no sequel. I wanted them to continue the story, tell why the Acheron is chasing them, which is to capture the doctor (the incandescent Paul Bettany). In the novels, Dr. Maturin is a gentleman-spy for the English. I’d love to see that story-line played out on screen. In fact, there was a single nod to the fact in an early conversation between captain and doctor that I enjoyed. Nevertheless, I completely understand why they omitted this detail from the screenplay. Anything more and the film would’ve been burdened with too much story.
Speaking of which, all this maritime cinema should be egging me on to see the third Pirates of the Carribean film. But it’s not. I loved the first one, which was far better than a film based on a Disney animatronic ride has a right to be. But the second one, which I saw opening day last summer, was such a mess! And I hear that this one is no better. Kudos to Depp for finally finding a franchise, but boo to the writers who threw far too many ideas at a lovely premise.
But maybe I’ll watch the first one next, after a brief viewing of the second season of Slings & Arrows.
Cheers,
DB
