As a few of you said in class, the story—what the movie is "about"—is pretty straight forward. Lucky Jack Aubrey and his ship HMS Surprise are in pursuit of the French warship Acheron (side note: what does the name of this ship mean?). That's essentially the plot. But is this what the movie is really about? There's going to be more explosions, more cannon balls ripping through hulls and sails and bodies, more blood (more opportunities for some of you to look away), but do you really think that Lucky Jack and his brave crew will not triumph in the end? We would argue that Peter Weir's concern in this 2003, $150 million movie is less the plot, exciting as it is, and more ideas. As Clark says, Weir doesn't make this movie easy: dialogue is not always highlighted or even clear; he expects the viewer to figure out how this world works; he may make Aubrey the obvious hero—as Carolyn noted—but he is not afraid to complicate this almost stock figure. In many ways, one can argue, Weir is like the doctor, Stephen Maturin, who views the world in a clinical, scientific, non-judgmental way.
So:
1. Reaction to the movie so far? Like? Dislike? And what image or moment in it struck in particular—and why?
2. So what do you think the movie is "about"? What do you think Weir is after in this adventure/action/war movie? We know what the plot is, so you can't talk about it. The real question is what is Weir after, presenting, thematically?
Go ahead and write a couple hundred words. Here is the link to imdb. Remember, the post is due by midnight. And remember to answer this by going to the comment link. See you all tomorrow.
I wrote my whole thing out and accidently deleted it. Take two:
ReplyDeleteI really liked this movie. Well, I like what I hace seen so far. I think that as much as this movie is an action movie, Peter Weir has done a nice job with scenes that show vulnerability as well, which is often considered a feminine characteristic. For example, Blakeney (I think it was Blakeney. I went on IMDB and looked at everyone and wasn't positive if this is the guy I'm talking about, but I'm taking a guess here) shows great emotion when his friend is thrown into the water and left for dead. I mean, the fact that he had to cut the ropes that were his friends last chance of survival...that's rough. The scene when Blakeney is packing his friends things up and crying really stood out to me. For so much of the movie the men were tough and it was all action, but this one scene is tender.
I think that this movie is about missions and maybe a little bit of pride and friendship and duty. I know that this is an action film, but there were so many scenes that didn't involve action that really helped define what this movie was about. For example, when the doctor (Maturin?) and Captain Jack Aubrey are arguing about the fact that they are leaving the Galapagos Islands, they speak of duty. Captain Jack says that it is his duty to continue on this mission even though he made a promise to his supposed friend. However? Where is the line between friendship and a doctor working under a captain?
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ReplyDeleteMaster and Commander was one of the movies I watched often in my late childhood, and it was great to appreciate it through my more mature, adult eyes. I don’t like action movies with bangs and crashes, but the way Weir focused the film on individual soldiers and ship camaraderie rather than gory battle scenes makes it a much more interesting, enjoyable movie. From a more shallow perspective, I also appreciate the movie for its aesthetics: the costumes, the ship, the epic shots of the sea.
ReplyDeleteAs to the theme of the movie, I think Weir is trying to show the cost of war on soldiers and individuals, as contrasted with the cost of war on nation states or monolithic groups. When you don’t participate in a war, it is easy to detach yourself from the harm and devastation of it, but through the movie Weir is forcing us to face this harm and devastation. We see nine men die in a battle, and an impromptu brain surgery performed on deck. Midshipmen Boyle, who can’t be older than twelve or thirteen, gets shot in the arm and has to undergo surgery.
However, although we see all these terrible things happen, the movie’s tone is not depressed or dreary. It does not romanticize the effects of war. It shows us how life on an English war frigate in the early 1800’s really was. The blood and gore is coupled with camaraderie, cello-playing, drinking and singing. The characters are also three-dimensional. For example, “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, although a brave and competent captain, is bogged down by Odysseus-like pride that hinders him in making good decisions.
I was surprised by how much I liked this movie so far; even though it is an action movie and I have trouble following the plot, the characters are so compelling that the plot doesn't really matter. In fact, by discouraging audiences from following all of the details of the Suprise's journey, Weir gives us a chance to focus on the characters. Their struggle is compelling because it is depicted so realistically. I kept waiting for some sort of sea monster to attack them, but I realized that so many action movies nowadays have fantastical villains because they seem more interesting than something that could happen in real life. This movie proves that no matter how boring the "petty details" of war may seem to someone like me, a human perspective can elevate the situation in the eyes of a modern audience.
ReplyDeleteOne moment that stuck out to me was the first officers' dinner scene when Calamy asks Aubrey about Lord Nelson. His anectdote about dinner with Nelson mirrors the dinner itself because Calamy is apparently the same age he was when he served under Nelson; Calamy is next in line to become a hero like Aubrey and Aubrey is set to become a legend like Nelson. The way all of the characters look up to Aubrey as a hero puts pressure on him that we see later. But that scene shows Aubrey and his place in the world and what's expected of him in a subtle yet effective way.
1. I’m not entirely sure of how I feel about the film yet. I really like the fact that we are challenged with trying to make sense of the dialogue and which characters have more power than others, and it makes sense that the film wasn’t hugely successful because if you have a very action-based adventure movie your audience is a little less interested in being challenged and the style of the storytelling could be alienating. The image in the beginning of the ocean I thought did an amazing job of setting the scene, it really conveyed a vastness and emptiness that intensifies what the men on HMS Surprise are facing. Also, I think the visual of Maturin and Aubrey going back and forth is very interesting, because Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe are two very different actors physically (Crowe being much more macho and Russell Crowe-y, and Bettany appearing meek in comparison) but in the film their words and opinions are equally strong.
ReplyDelete2. I think this film is about what most war films are about in addition to being about war and that is camaraderie. In this film it’s taken to a different extent because it is 197 people confined to a ship for a long period of time. Every one of these people has been removed from their lives and put onto this ship. We hear almost nothing about what lives these characters before they boarded this ship. As cheesy as it sounds, they are now each others family and they have to be in touch with one another to survive. It’s just them and the sea. The moments of camaraderie (or lack thereof) shown that are particularly interesting are when the crew shuns Hollom as he begins to sing, and when Aubrey gives Blakeney one of his books, which upon learning the information that Aubrey was friends with Blakeney’s father I took as a paternal gesture on Aubrey’s part.
1. I first saw this movie several years ago. I remember it being introduced to me because I had recently watched the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Somebody told me that Master and Commander was really similar. I don’t remember much about the film from watching it that first time. I only remember thinking that it was nothing like Pirates of the Caribbean. This is really a realistic look at what like was like on a ship at the time. I like the film very much. It’s great when a director can excite you and make you quite uncomfortable at the same time. I think Peter Weir accomplishes this with the amputation scene.
ReplyDelete2. I think this movie is about making choices and distinguishing between duty and pride in a setting of war. Clearly Jack is a great captain and is greatly respected. However, as the doctor points out, his pursuit of the ship is turning out to be a bad decision. It’s a decision that’s costing lives and yielding no results. I have seen the movie, but I really don’t remember what happens. I’m curious to find out if there are consequences for Jack’s pride or if we’ll find that he was actually making the right, noble choice all along. If he fails he is a man who lets his pride get the better of him. If he succeeds he is a hero.
1. I really enjoy the movie so far. It's not often that I get to see a movie that's so authentic: the hard life that the men on the ship go through is much more apparent in this than it is in, say, the Pirates of the Caribbean films. A detail I especially liked was how the Maturin was forced to amputate Blakeney's arm when it was damaged. It came as a pretty big culture shock to me, as I hadn't really thought about what they were going to do. All in all, the movie has really successfully delivered the feeling of authenticity.
ReplyDelete2. I think a big theme of the film is the interaction and companionship between the characters, and the way that they communicate with each other, entertain themselves, and work together in this very strange environment. They are all living life as if it is normal, and they are all living with one another like a big family. Even though all these men are different people with different backgrounds, they share common factors on this ship and they are all brought together.
1. So far, I am enjoying Master and Commander. I find myself getting pulled into the movie and feeling seasick as the boat tosses and turned and tense as the cannons fire. I like the sailor's songs incorporated into the film and the captain and doctor's duet. My mind keeps returning to the scene in which Dr. Maturin amputates Blakeney's arm. Although not my favorite scene in the movie, it is certainly memorable. I am excited to find out more about Capt. Aubrey's pride and where it will take him.
ReplyDelete2. One of the driving factors of the plot is Capt. Aubrey's sense of mystery. So far, the doctor has exposed some of the captain's flaws: pride and greed for victory. The relationship between Doctor Maturin and Captain Aubrey is slightly confusing. One moment, they are chumming it up and the next, the captain is screaming at the doctor. Although they seem to be friends at the beginning of the movie, they have separate interests and one must not forget who has more power on the ship. Captain Aubrey seems somewhat threatened by Dr. Maturin's intelligence and that keeps them from getting along.
1. Surprisingly enough, I have loved this movie so far. I'm not much of a war movie person, as I believe that it's hard to describe something so horrible to those who haven't experienced it. However, this movie successfully shows the ups and downs of war; it shows how horrible every fighting moment is and how painful it can be (especially with out the medical techniques we have today), but also how fighting for one cause really brings people together. The men on the ship are brothers, despite their not being blood related. They have fought beside each other, survived, and have shared blood with each other during attacks, like how the ship is part of Aubrey because so much of his blood is in the wood. I think this movie is so fantastic because it's so blunt. It doesn't just show the action-packed fighting scenes; it shows the dinners and the violin music, and so on.
ReplyDelete2. As for the main theme, I think the movie is about brotherhood. Weir is trying to demonstrate how people relate to others and develop friendships over time, and how those friendships are tested. The men on the ship are obviously close; the live together with a small amount of space and fight together. They risk their lives for one another. However, their friendships are tested in many situations. For example, when Aubrey decides to leave the Galapagos early, Maturin is very unhappy with him, and his trust in Aubrey is decreased. Also, when Aubrey decides to leave one of his crew in the ocean to die, his crew realizes that he isn’t just a friend. He’s their captain, and he won’t act purely on how many people will survive. He will allow them to die if necessary. This movie is primarily about trust, and what happens when someone is betrayed: how they act and what effect it has on a relationship.
Upon first hearing of the movie we were going to watch, I thought to myself...Oh great, another action movie about a bunch of men roughing it on a ship-- not really the type of movie I usually watch. But within the first couple of minutes, I had already changed my mind. Like John brought up, there were no words in the first couple of minutes, but there didn't need to be words to captivate my attention. One doesn't need to live on a ship to feel the emotions these characters feel-- the remorse when the captain cuts the lines and any chance to live for one of his crew members, the hurt when the little boy has to have his arm amputated, and the relief when they make it into the fog just in time to escape from the other ship.
ReplyDeleteAs other people have mentioned, the movies theme is similar to other war movies. Loss and success and the hardships it has on individuals as well as everyone around them. I noticed Weir has focused a lot of it on Captain Aubrey and what it takes to be a leader. Caring, funny, strong, talented (able to play the violin)-- everyone on the ship seems to adore him, for now. At first, Aubrey could do no wrong, but as things get tougher out at sea, he has to make decisions that aren't easy--cutting the lines to the fallen mast for the safety of everyone on the ship. In one scene, he has to tell a guy that he cannot stop to study the species on the island as they pass it. As the movie progresses, he seems to be getting more stern. I'm wondering if his great leadership skills are going to last until the end of the movie.
1. I like the movie, for as much as we’ve seen. It’s a little too violent for my personal tastes, but for me it’s interesting to use this as a point of reference for Weir’s work in general. Comparing this movie to say Green Card or The Truman Show, I would never guess that they are directed by the same person. It’s mind-boggling to watch this knowing what other films the director has worked on. But I digress. I was spellbound by the scene in which Cpt. Aubrey had to cut the wreckage during the storm, losing a popular crew member, William Warley. In the few seconds that Aubrey has to make his decision, the pain it causes him to lose this member can be seen in his eyes. That was very interesting to see, because it showed to me that this all-powerful captain also had a heart.
ReplyDelete2. I definitely agree with Sohail. I was trying to explain the plot of the movie to my parents and was almost able to boil it down to an ethical dilemma. It’s a question of pride and duty, as Sohail said earlier, and we can see how Aubrey has so forcibly followed his sense of pride under the guise of going above and beyond his duty to his country. I’m intrigued to see where the movie goes with this idea, and whether Weir continues along with pride or not. We talked about in class how Cpt. Aubrey is the perfect man. I would actually say he could be considered a hero with one fatal (to other people at the very least) flaw, the same fatal flaw that let many a man to his death: his burdening sense of pride. He’s leading these men to battle more than necessary, and for what? Aubrey does not even know, he says so himself: “What is it with this man? Did I kill a relative of his in battle, perhaps? His boy, God forbid?” He may be questioning why the Acheron comes back a second time for battle, but why does Aubrey himself come back more and more to destroy the Acheron? His pride brings him back, but there must be something more, which drives him to continue this battle beyond necessary means, we just have not seen what this something more may be.
Weir may well look upon the context of his film as the Doctor Maturin looks at the natural world— with a simple interest in that which is interesting. However, in this case, it is less a scientific exploration and more one of psychological nature. The film views the very actions of the sailors and crew in curious observation. Like many war movies, the film seems to beg a classic, age-old question of humanity: why fight? Why put hundreds of men on a boat only in attempts to kill? (not to mention the uncertainty of their own lives). For "king and country?" The viewer may ask themselves these questions, as Weir most likely intended. And the beauty of a movie of this sort is that the audience sees characters answering these very question, for they have no choice but to. They must justify their action to themselves.
ReplyDeleteIn some way, this particular approach is rather unique, for, usually, literature and film celebrate or criticize. In this case, Weir simply observes, letting the audience draw their own conclusions and take from the film what they like or, perhaps, what they need.
Suffice to say, I am enjoying the film for it's multifaceted entertainment . Furthermore, I enjoy the fact that I am being pushed to see it's purpose on a deeper thematic level (whether the conclusions I reach have any truth to them or not).
I found myself quickly engrossed in the movie. Although there were some scenes that were a little uncomfortable, I felt as though the constant anticipation and the action kept me on my toes. Especially once the Acheron began popping up out of the blue, it creates a feeling of dread among the characters. Personally, the first arrival of the Acheron was the most memorable scene. From the start, the movie seems to have this aura of foreboding, and the entrance of the Acheron reveals what the MHS Surprise has been awaiting, and unfortunately, the first confrontation is not successful one.
ReplyDeleteI feel as though this film illustrates the challenges of being a leader and figurehead. Captain Jack Aubrey is admired, and has this reputation of being this great man who has met all of the big shots. Captain Aubrey is in charge of every man’s life, and that relationship creates this individual persona, I believe that this pressure affects how Captain Aubrey feels he must behave. I believe that Weir explores the extent that people will go to fulfill their ambitions through the actions of Captain Aubrey. As we have already seen, Aubrey has already chosen to put aside his friendship with Dr. Stephen Maturin to pursue the Acheron. It will be interesting to discover what else Aubrey must loose, and whether following his pride will be able to give him what he wants.
1. The movie seems very interesting from the start. There is a lot of action and is very fast paced. From the first scene it starts off with a huge war against two ships, and thats where the action all begins. I personally like the movie, and is also very realistic, which can kind of be disgusting when it comes to the large amounts of blood. If I had to choose something or dislike something about the movie then it would probably have to be all the blood, but other then that it's been a pretty good film so far.
ReplyDelete2. I think that the movie shows how they are all one team, and their journey fighting against the french war ship. Obviously Jack Aubrey is the captain/leader of the ship, so I think that shows a lot in how the whole team and ship works together. Aubrey seems to have a connection with everyone on the ship, for example Dr. Stephen Maturin (the surgeon). There are definitely many components on the ship, and I think that they will all play out together in the end.
1. I am really enjoying the film so far. Although I normally enjoy action movies, warfare/life-at-sea movies aren't my typical choice, so I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying this one. I think the main reason is that the focus is not on battle tactics or a complex plot. Instead, Weir highlights the characters on the ship, and their stories and relationships with one another. The action adds suspense and occasionally comedy to the film. I really enjoyed the first few images. They were very beautiful and calm, and they set the tone of the film. This beginning showed that there is more to the film than just plot. The scene that particularly stood out to me was when one of the crewmen was lost at sea. There is such a stark difference between the demeanor of the crewmen then, and when they are goofing around with each other. The scene shows that, despite they're occasionally immature and rowdy behavior, they face a great deal and should be taken seriously.
ReplyDelete2. I think the purpose of the movie is to make viewers think about how relationships within a community change under different circumstances. These men share so much with each other. They live, play, and fight with one another. Killick is a close friend of the man who's tossed overboard, and yet he has to get rid of the man's only chance of survival in order to save the crew. Dr. Stephen Maturin differentiates between the Jack that is his friend, and the Jack that is the captain. Moreover, Jack chooses to take back his promise to the doctor when his desires might impede the progress of the ship. Other unique relationships arise between Captain Jack and Blakeney, and the crewmen and the young boys. We even get to see the effect of Lord Nelson on the crew, despite his absence. In these varying relationships we see themes of morality, dignity, honor and love. Sometimes they work with each other, and sometimes they work against each other.
1. So far, I really like the movie. I realized I had actually seen a lot of it before, at least from the two weevils part to eventually the doctor going to the Galapagos, which it seems like we're close to. However, my previous knowledge of this movie was that my grandmother liked it and I should sit down and watch it with her, so it's interesting to be looking at the movie in an analytical way, because there were a lot of things that I missed. I'm excited to finish it and get the whole picture.
ReplyDelete2. Clearly, the movie is about something other than just the basic plot, though it's hard to truly understand without having seen the whole movie. The most important theme I've noticed so far is the idea of duty and how it conflicts with pride and other emotions/personal beliefs. The scene between Captain Aubrey and Dr. Maturin reveals that Jack had gone beyond his orders and his duty to go after the Acheron, putting the lives of everyone on the boat at risk, including his own. This is duty and pride. When Warley goes overboard, Jack has to make the decision between saving one man and saving everyone else on the ship, and it is his duty to make that decision. Beyond that, Jack makes Warley's closest friend help cut the ship free of the mast acting like an anchor, effectively killing Warley. Also shown is the nature of having various duties and obligations and the decisions one must make about which obligation comes first when they conflict. This is evidenced by Maturin asking Jack if he is speaking to the Captain or his old friend, and when Jack decides to put his obligations to his job (or perhaps at that point, his pride) over his promise to his friend. As John kind of foreshadowed when Carolyn talked about Jack seeming perfect, I think he'll continue to struggle with the difficult choices he has to make.
I've really enjoyed the movie. Even though the first half of the film is very action packed I find myself wanting to see more dialogue. Each word that comes out of the actors is critical to the story. I'm still unsure of whether or not the movie is a critique or observation of a part of society or just something like a documentary. I'm stuck in this predicament solely because there are so many themes in this movie: class struggles, human interaction, government views, and a plethora of other themes. It's possible that Weir is trying to highlight the daily struggles all around the world by showing the boat which is actually its own world. This is why the scene at the beginning of the film when Hollom is trying to spot a ship is the scene that struck me the most. This scene highlights all of the characteristics of the ship. It shows the hierarchy, class resentment, and interaction of the people on the ship. It sets the pace for the film.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the movie even though I found myself often a little bit confused with what exactly was happening details wise at some parts. This movie stood out to me because it isn't a typical action movie that focuses all on war. Instead, Weir gives the audience several perspectives from differently ranked characters--from the captain, the lieutenants, and the crewmen, which ultimately makes it seem more realistic to the time period. In most typical action based movies, it's often assumed that everyone gets along well, but in story lines such as Hollom's and the death of Warley (the one they have to cut loose when he falls with the mast), the conflict gives the community of the ship more depth. I think it's really interesting to be looking at a movie in a analytical way because if I were to watch it myself, I would end up missing the message that Weir is trying to make.
ReplyDeleteI have watched this movie before, but that was a long time ago. So far, I am finding that I still like it a lot. I find it to be very realistic. How realistic it actually is I do not know, but I do see that all of the different parts and levels of the movie fit together in a way that is cleanly logical and understandable. This is something that even some of my favorite movies lack. I am not saying that this is my favorite movie. I am saying that it is one of the best constructed movies I have ever seen. From the relationship between the commanders and the crew to the relationship between Aubrey and Maturin everything is done very well. One of my favorite moments was the argument between Aubrey and Maturin. This really summed up the whole plot of the movie. It showed Aubrey’s near obsession with honor and following orders and Maturin’s ability to look logically at a situation and see what Aubrey was doing wrong.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was definitely about war because there was much talk about strategy and just general tasks about the ship, but the movie was not only about war. It was also about people. As I said in my first answer, the movie did a really good job of portraying relationships between people of every rank and personality aboard the ship. This was probably what the movie was about the most. All of the characters seemed believable and their interactions with each other were equally believable. This is what made the movie really good.