‘Master’ of the seas

I was waiting for this day all week. Thursday, November 20, was the day of Mandy Moore’s concert at the Araneta Coliseum, and I was so psyched about going. Despite making the audience wait through an unbearably boring Penshoppe fashion show, and then two really sad opening acts – Arnee, the poor man’s Beyonce, and Jay-R, the poor man’s Justin Timberlake – Mandy put on a great show (everyone buy her album, "Coverage"!). The next day, Friday, I couldn’t believe that it was over. I was so depressed, but then I remembered that I had to see Master and Commander that night, which made me even more miserable. Though I loved A Beautiful Mind, I’ve never been a Russell Crowe fan (I hated Gladiator), and the fact that I perceived Commander to be a war film made it even worse. However, lo and behold, another movie challenges my expectations, and proves to be one of the year’s best films.

Based on Patrick O’Brien’s numerous novels, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World, despite its clunky title, has a pretty simple story. Set in 1806, British Captain Jack Aubrey (Russell Crowe), onboard the HMS Surprise, sets off to plant revenge on the French vessel known as the Acheron, after being attacked during the beginning of the film. Despite the fact that the Acheron is much larger, carries more artillery, and has a larger crew, Aubrey convinces his men to embark on a chase spanning two oceans.

The plot may be far from complex, but director Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show) painstakingly makes sure every meticulous detail is in its right place to be able to properly portray life on a ship. And because of this, the final product may seem very different from what has been expected. As I’ve said, I first thought this would be a violent naval war film, a kind of Saving Shipmate Ryan. Instead, Weir has given a totally separate film, a human drama of sorts. The filmmaker lets us experience a totally intimate and realistic view of regular, everyday life on a British 1806 naval vessel; sure, there are a few war scenes, but they’re just part of the whole lifestyle Weir depicts so gracefully. Iva Davies, Christopher Gordon and Richard Tognetti also give us an exhilarating, beautiful score that perfectly compliments the film’s slow-moving pace.

Crowe is exceptionally intense as the fierce, aggressive Aubrey, along with the rest of the cast, who each give compelling performances. Paul Bettany (Crowe’s imaginary roommate from A Beautiful Mind) is excellent as the pensive, quiet and trepid Dr. Stephen Maturin; the perfect "yang" for Crowe’s "yin."

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World is an elegant, incredibly well-made adventure different from what you’d expect from its coarse naval backdrop. And it was even able to achieve the size of an epic without losing its human heart and soul, a rarity among present cinema.

Bottom Line: An impeccably well-made, gorgeous, Oscar-worthy seafaring adventure.

Grade: B+

To Do List Movies

• Watch Cold Creek Manor. Despite being panned by critics, Cold Creek Manor boasts Sharon Stone’s first high-profile performance in years. Besides, this is the only decent new release this week, and if you’re feeling all you need is a cheap scare, this is the movie for you.

• Don’t watch Looney Toons: Back in Action. Already you can tell this is going to be a disaster. Inane, witless, and isn’t even funny, this is more of an advertisement of the Looney Toons brand name than an actual film. If you want to show your kids an actual good movie, buy/rent the Finding Nemo DVD or wait for the delightful Christmas family comedy Elf starring Will Ferrell, released on December 10.

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For comments, questions and suggestions, e-mail me at lanz_gryffindor@yahoo.com.