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Went to the flicks after I got off of work. I had read good things about Master and Commander: The Far Side Of The World (hereafter referred to as M&C), so I thought I'd check that out, maybe it would be a good way to while away a few hours. And, as usual, I ended up spending more money on the tub o’ Coke and small popcorn with light butter flavored grease than I did on the actual tickets.
's a good film. Two pretty harrowing battles at sea (anyone who goes through this film and still thinks that the time of the tall ships was all romance, glory, sunshine and light probably should get someone to write them a nice, big reality check), wonderful sets and production values, great scenery and ocean shots, and some surprisingly good acting. Not from Russell Crowe (as if I needed to say that). He's gruff, he's monotone in his approach and he somehow managed to need his own security during the filming – or, at least, that’s what the credits said.
No, the good acting was in some kid (Max Pirkis, according to the trusty IMDB). The one who earned the nickname “Lefty” (if you’ve seen the film, you know exactly who I’m talking about). He was completely believable, which was no small task considering his role at the end (I’m trying to be nice and not include spoilers…).
Another standout was the ship's surgeon, Paul Bettany. He worked with Crowe before in A Beautiful Mind, and he was also in the completely forgettable A Knight’s Tale. Bettany did a great job, showing subtlety in his work and maintaining credibility in some, um, questionable circumstances. That he had Crowe as his foil only helped his case.
For the musical selection, the cello was featured prominently throughout the film. I love the sound of a cello – it’s a great register, similar to some of the register on a bass. With Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach and Mozart, it’s hard to go wrong.
So, M&C’s a good little flick. Not earth shattering, not something that I’m going to think about for weeks on end (other than wondering what shots were filmed on the ocean and what shots were filming in a tank).
Watch time, 1:42.
Posted by Casper at November 15, 2003 08:44 PM