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Not since “Gladiator” have the substantial acting skills of Russell Crowe been fully harnessed in a film. Peter Weir, director of “Master and Commander: the Far Side of the World” (Rated PG-13), disrupts this trend with his skillful use of Crowe as the captain of a British warship in 1805, during the first Napoleonic War. The British warship, the HMS Surprise, under the command of Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, was set to stop a French privateer ship, the Acheron. The two ships chase each other around the southern Atlantic Ocean and in doing so, provide an excellent look at what life was like aboard a 19th century warship. The harsh realities of the day-to-day grind, the fierce seas, the constant danger of attack and the political struggles involving the ship’s leadership all make important contributions to this adventure story, which keeps the audience on the edges of their seats for the entire 138 minutes.
Like “Blackhawk Down,” “Master and Commander” is more focused on the events and the crew, than on any single character. The director’s efforts to reproduce the realistic environment in which a sailor of the British fleet would find himself during the early 1800s are evident from the picture’s sheer volume of detail. Production designer, William Sandell, and set decorator, Robert Gould, successfully manage to recreate the 19th century British style of decoration down to the smallest possible details. The attempt to portray the events realistically does not end there, as Weir has the actors covered in grime, grease, sweat and filth, in contrast to the traditional Hollywood attempts at glossing over the grittier elements of film settings. “Master and Commander” is more in keeping with the amazing work done by Wolfgang Petersen in “Das Boot” than with the mediocre efforts in “U-571.” Director Peter Weir further avoids Hollywood clich�s by not engaging in excessive special effects during battle scenes, leaving out the dramatic fireballs that pervade the action genre, in favor of much more realistic explosions, damage and injuries. Russell Crowe shines in his role as Captain Aubrey in much the same way that he excelled in his role in “Gladiator.” The audience is able, through this movie, to experience the same awe and wonderment as those of the period must have experienced upon discovering all of the treasures in the New World. Peter Weir’s directorial prowess enables him to sail “Master and Commander” into a level of distinction which will no doubt usher it into a place in the Best Picture category of next year’s awards ceremonies. “Master and Commander” is one of the year’s best films and certain to please audiences everywhere.
Bangor Daily News