Sam Taunton
Run up the colours, batten down the hatches, prepare for battle. And prepare for an action-packed voyage like no other, it’s Peter Weir’s Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
The year is 1805 and British ship, ‘HMS Surprise’, has been ambushed by French vessel ‘Archeron’ off the coast of Brazil. With both ship and men wounded, Captain ‘Lucky Jack’ Aubrey (Russell Crowe), a firm but fair leader, must reassemble his hearty crew and brave the treacherous open seas in pursuit of the opposition. Based on the novels of Patrick O’Brian, Master and Commander is essential maritime viewing, a historical epic with its fair share of swashbuckling, cannon fire and seamen sporting seriously impressive sideburns. Weir’s world of water is truly immersive, transportive in its scale and depth. The constant presence of the deep, dark ocean and its biblical waves helps cast a layer of gloom over the screen as well as a great sense of foreboding.
The film’s central battle scenes are explosive fun, both shot and edited with such intensity and intimacy, you might just explode yourself. Halfway through the film comes the battle with the Archeron, where having caught up with their elusive adversaries, Capt. Aubrey’s men stage a surprise attack on the French. A cacophony of triumphant cries, canon fire and shattering wood rings out as the English throw all they’ve got at the opposing ship. It’s exhilarating stuff, made all the better thanks to leading man at the helm, Russell Crowe. He’s well-suited as Capt. Aubrey, serving up the same gravitas that helped him establish his reputation in Gladiator. Paul Bettany is excellent too, as close friend and confidant, Stephen Maturin. A calculated, philosophical naturalist, Bettany’s Maturin later steers the story away from choppy seas and towards dry land, keen to explore the biological wonders of the Galapagos.
Aside from the great battles, Master and Commander mostly takes place aboard the confines of the Surprise, where positive reinforcement and a good rapport with the lads is paramount. For some, this means bonding over a sea shanty and a nice glass of grog. For others however, things are more complicated, take the mentally tormented midshipman Mr. Hollom (Lee Ingelvy), for whom life on board is like a ‘wooden prison’ or the cast adrift William Warley (Joseph Morgan). It’s Weir’s touch that adds to the emotional intensity of Master and Commander. For all its swashbuckling fun, the film also stays true to the challenges and mental ups and downs of naval life.
With Weir at the reigns, there’s an eye for the historical details too. Vast sweeping shots emphasise the intricacies of 19th century engineering and construction. Panning along the great vessel that is the Surprise, you can’t help but marvel at its craftsmanship; sleek, golden oak panelling, complex systems of masts and rigging, billowing sails up above. It’s a seafarer’s dream.
Master and Commander is the pinnacle of maritime-based cinema. With a stellar supporting cast and enough naval action to blow your socks off, it’ll have you singing ‘Don’t Forget Your Old Shipmate’ all the way home.
