Author Topic: Master and Commander (Read 13903 times)

Shakesthecoffecan · « **on:** March 24, 2007, 11:13:56 am »

I watched Russell Crowe's Master and Commander last night and was quite impressed. That is an amazing story and the detail is amazing as well. The dynamics betwixt the crew members and the whole sailing culture of the time is like looking into another world all together. And who knew Russell Crowe could sing?

Still, I don't understand why those long stemmed wine glasses didn't tip over on the rolling sea.

Front-Ranger · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2007, 11:38:33 am »

Production error! They mustve had tankards!! From that movie I remember his great relationship with the doctor, how they played duets together, and Crowe was surprisingly good at the violin.

serious crayons · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2007, 11:42:15 am »

I loved the bugs in the food, the on-deck brain surgery, the kid who had to learn to write left-handed. It's amazing how tough people were back then.

delalluvia · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2007, 02:51:26 pm »

I saw 'Master and Commander' at the theater when it first came out. I went because I love the period, the culture, Peter Weir was directing and Russell Crowe was leading man. Can't get much better than that. Weir is a stickler for detail and I have a lot of respect for directors/producers who want to do a period piece as accurately as they can.

I own the DVD. One of the almost ridiculously minute details it mentions - one that goes by in seconds in the movie and you wouldn't even know as a casual viewer - is that Russell Crowe fights with two swords in one scene. The other sword is - as I recall - a sword he would have had at a much earlier stage of his character's career/life and that he merely uses out of nostalgia. It's a personal quirk, in other words, but the producers of the movie made sure the sword was an accurate piece and you don't even get a good look at it in the fight scene!

Love this movie.

I enjoyed the movie immensely, didn't miss the fact that there were no women in it at all. The emotional relationships of the story were between the men.

Meryl · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2007, 06:35:38 pm »

I'm glad to find some others here who enjoy Master and Commander!

Have any of you read the books it's based on by Patrick O'Brian? In the last couple of years I read all twenty of them and just loved them. The movie was an affectionate, beautifully detailed tribute to those stories, I thought.

There's talk of a possible sequel in the works, which would be great. I've heard that Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany agreed to do one if it materialized. "The Far Side of the World" combined a number of incidents that were in different books in the series, but there are plenty left to draw on. Besides being a naturalist, the Doctor is an accomplished secret agent for the British government. I'd love to see them include the time that Jack had to mount a secret operation to save Stephen from being tortured in a French prison on Majorca. They also sailed on missions to India, Indonesia, Botany Bay and the Antarctic. Great stuff.

Quote from: delalluvia on March 24, 2007, 02:51:26 pm

I own the DVD. One of the almost ridiculously minute details it mentions - one that goes by in seconds in the movie and you wouldn't even know as a casual viewer - is that Russell Crowe fights with two swords in one scene. The other sword is - as I recall - a sword he would have had at a much earlier stage of his character's career/life and that he merely uses out of nostalgia. It's a personal quirk, in other words, but the producers of the movie made sure the sword was an accurate piece and you don't even get a good look at it in the fight scene!

Some more of many details that readers of the series would notice: Russell Crowe's ear is all scarred up because Aubrey was wounded in one of the books; Pullings has a sword scar on his face for the same reason. I think I remember the Doctor massaging his hands before playing the cello: in the French prison he had had his fingers broken.

Also, Aubrey wears a diamond chelyngk on his hat that he received from a Turkish pasha. You also see him writing to his wife, Sophie, who figures in a number of the novels.

Quote

I enjoyed the movie immensely, didn't miss the fact that there were no women in it at all. The emotional relationships of the story were between the men.

I think that's the secret of Peter Weir's success, that he was able to get the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin right, as well as the love and loyalty that the crew feel for both of them. And, of course, it's just a beautifully atmospheric film.

David In Indy · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2007, 01:41:48 am »

I LOVE Master and Commander! I loved the movie so much I ended up buying the DVD!

I really enjoyed the music. The movie featured "The Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G" by J.S. Bach which is one of my favorites to play on the cello.

I also love to play Concerto Grosso Op. 6 by Corelli on the violin; another work featured in the movie.

The film is well acted and the scenery is spectacular.

I love any movie about those large wooden sailing ships of the past. If you enjoyed "Master and Commander" you might also like "The Bounty" with Mel Gibson.

serious crayons · « **Reply #6 on:** March 28, 2007, 01:45:18 am »

Quote from: David on March 28, 2007, 01:41:48 am

The movie featured "The Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G" by J.S. Bach which is one of my favorites to play on the cello.

I also love to play Concerto Grosso Op. 6 by Corelli on the violin; another work featured in the movie.

Wow, David, I am so out of it I didn't even know you played cello and violin!

David In Indy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 28, 2007, 01:48:16 am »

Quote from: latjoreme on March 28, 2007, 01:45:18 am

Wow, David, I am so out of it I didn't even know you played cello and violin!

Yeah Katherine, I've played the cello since I was 10 and the violin and piano since I was 8.

I guess I'm one of those "music geeks"!

delalluvia · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2007, 09:29:28 pm »

Quote from: Meryl on March 25, 2007, 06:35:38 pm

I think that's the secret of Peter Weir's success, that he was able to get the friendship between Aubrey and Maturin right

Yeah, my dirty little slashy mind came up with all kinds of scenarios for their 'friendship'.

Another little tidbit I liked. When Aubrey is helping with the operation - you guys know what part I'm talking about - if you have DVD, slow mo through the scene and watch Russell Crowe's face. The myriad of tiny expressions on his face flow by, a very convincing scene of a man trying to keep his yuck reaction to himself. The man is a very physical actor. He acts with his entire body. Wonderful.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2007, 10:29:58 pm »

Gee, if it's that good, I guess it's about time I unwrapped the DVD and actually watched it!

There's this other movie starring another Aussie kinda keeps getting in the way. ...

David In Indy · « **Reply #10 on:** March 29, 2007, 10:34:44 pm »

Quote from: Jeff Wrangler on March 29, 2007, 10:29:58 pm

Gee, if it's that good, I guess it's about time I unwrapped the DVD and actually watched it!

There's this other movie starring another Aussie kinda keeps getting in the way. ...

You do that too Jeff? I thought I was the only one who did it. I probably have 15 or 20 DVDs still in their wrappers.

Yeah, you should definately watch M&C. It's an excellent movie.

Jeff Wrangler · « **Reply #11 on:** March 29, 2007, 11:02:23 pm »

Quote from: David on March 29, 2007, 10:34:44 pm

You do that too Jeff? I thought I was the only one who did it. I probably have 15 or 20 DVDs still in their wrappers.

Yeah, you should definately watch M&C. It's an excellent movie.

I missed it in the theater, but I read good things about it, so I bought the DVD of Master and Commander in the wake of finally having seen Gladiator on television.

I had a Russell Crowe phase. Lasted about a week.

Heck, I still have a couple of movies on videotape that I've never unwrapped and watched!

shortfiction · « **Reply #12 on:** July 04, 2007, 11:49:15 pm »

I LOVE this movie! I have to tell you: I have it bad for tall ships. I watched one come back into the harbor in San Diego a few years back and it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

Also: As far as I know, the ship used in the film is still docked in San Diego, near the maritime museum. If you ever get the chance, you really should go on it! It's filled with things from the movie, like the little model of the "phantom" that the sailors made for the captain; plus uniforms, the violin and a lot more. The guy who was the docent played the small role of the master-at-arms in the film. His name is Al Sorkin and he's a very cool guy. I have another pic of him with a tourist who was a dead ringer for Crowe; I photog'd them at the wheel. Awesome.

Meryl · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2007, 01:43:46 am »

That's so great that you got to tour the Surprise, shortfic! It's definitely on my short list of things to do one day, along with a trip to Portsmouth, England, to see Nelson's ship, the Victory. When you get a chance, maybe you could post those pics?

Have you also read the books the movie is based on? I loved them so much. This spring I also devoured the Horatio Hornblower books by C. S. Forester. They're so entertaining, and they really make the Age of Sail come alive.

shortfiction · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2007, 11:57:55 am »

I will have to dig out the pics and scan them; will lose a bit of the resolution but you will still have the idea.

Yes, I have read many of the books, all the way up through The Nutmeg of Consolation. Great stuff.

Seriously, folks, if you ever get the chance to go on any tall ship, even if it's a replica, do so. It's lovely.

On a side note, I also enjoyed touring the USS Midway in San Diego. More modern, obviously, but still fascinating. And really, really big! It took me about three hours to see everything.

shortfiction · « **Reply #15 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:28:45 pm »

Got pics! There is one of the Star of India with the crew up in the rigging.
Also one of the Surprise's cannons, one of the uniforms by the lovely table, and another. More in the next post.

shortfiction · « **Reply #16 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:30:05 pm »

Oops, only got one pic into that post.

Here I am at the wheel. *note: the image is reversed here due to the scan.

shortfiction · « **Reply #17 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:31:27 pm »

This post and the next will have the uniforms and guns. Why can I only get one pic into each post when it says I can do four?

shortfiction · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2007, 03:33:19 pm »

Okay, here is the one of Al Sorkin, the docent who played the master at arms; and a tourist who happened to resemble Russell Crowe.

Al took the pic of me at the wheel.

Shakesthecoffecan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 05, 2007, 04:09:15 pm »

Wow, I started this thread and then forgot all about it, whew! Glad to hear there are others who enjoyed it also, and to hear about the series the movie is based in part on.

I seem to remember there was a sceen with a woman, in a canoe, some locals were trying to sell her or something.

And Jeff, I know what you mean about a Russell Crowe phase. I think mine lasted a bt longer, was born of Gladiator and sustained by The Sum of Us, Crowe's "Gay roll".

Meryl · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2007, 05:14:13 pm »

Wow, I love those pictures, shortfiction! I'm jealous that you got to be at the wheel of Surprise!

The Star of India looks amazing. I wonder what the deal is with the bowsprit? Were they leaning one of the masts on it? It can't be that huge.

You're right, that tourist looks a lot like Russell Crowe!

ifyoucantfixit · « **Reply #21 on:** July 05, 2007, 07:23:51 pm »

The replica of the Mayflower was here in Portland several years ago. My husband and grandaughter and I toured it. The thing that struck me about it. Was how tiny it was. All those people on there. The animals and cargo..holy cow it must have had a very bad smell. and so cramped..But it was very interesting to see and I loved it.

shortfiction · « **Reply #22 on:** July 05, 2007, 07:36:45 pm »

Quote from: Meryl on July 05, 2007, 05:14:13 pm

Wow, I love those pictures, shortfiction! I'm jealous that you got to be at the wheel of Surprise!

The Star of India looks amazing. I wonder what the deal is with the bowsprit? Were they leaning one of the masts on it? It can't be that huge.

You're right, that tourist looks a lot like Russell Crowe!

If you're referring to the object on the left side of the pic, that's actually part of a restaurant roof. It just looks like part of the ship is touching it. They had to use tugboats to get the ship out and back in again, as it is quite old and needs help, like grandmother with a walker.

I had a great vantage point. What you could not see was the band on the deck, playing sea chanteys. This all took place about 3 years ago, on Veterans Day weekend, which is the only time of the year when the ship goes out of the dock.

Meryl · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2007, 12:45:06 am »

Quote from: shortfiction on July 05, 2007, 07:36:45 pm

If you're referring to the object on the left side of the pic, that's actually part of a restaurant roof. It just looks like part of the ship is touching it. They had to use tugboats to get the ship out and back in again, as it is quite old and needs help, like grandmother with a walker.

No, I mean that thing that looks like a telephone pole leaning toward the restaurant. It looks like it might be the foremast about to be raised up or something. The bowsprit wouldn't be that long, surely.

shortfiction · « **Reply #24 on:** July 06, 2007, 12:34:50 pm »

Quote from: Meryl on July 06, 2007, 12:45:06 am

No, I mean that thing that looks like a telephone pole leaning toward the restaurant. It looks like it might be the foremast about to be raised up or something. The bowsprit wouldn't be that long, surely.

You could be right. I looked at some other pics I took at different angles and that "pole" is there but it has canvas sails kind of rolled up on it, so your theory is probably correct.

"We knew the merry world was round/And we might sail forever more" -- Tennyson

shortfiction · « **Reply #25 on:** July 09, 2007, 08:04:09 pm »

I also have, not surprisingly, a bunch of M&C merchandise: soundtrack, two disc special edition DVD, keychain, ship in a bottle, magnet, postcard, two posters.

Meryl · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2007, 11:33:02 pm »

You're way ahead of me in the 'stuff' department. I do have the soundtrack and special edition DVD, though.

I'm a few chapters into a book about the history of the Royal Navy, To Rule the Waves by Arthur Herman. It's nice to have a refresher course in British (and world) history, and it's not too dry and "bookish." I never knew Sir Francis Drake was such a scamp!

shortfiction · « **Reply #27 on:** July 09, 2007, 11:55:01 pm »

Sounds good to me! I should also mention that I have watched The Bounty about a dozen or twenty times. Man....what is it about those ships?

shortfiction · « **Reply #28 on:** July 21, 2007, 06:28:35 pm »

Quote from: David on March 28, 2007, 01:41:48 am

I LOVE Master and Commander! I loved the movie so much I ended up buying the DVD!

I really enjoyed the music. The movie featured "The Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G" by J.S. Bach which is one of my favorites to play on the cello.

I also love to play Concerto Grosso Op. 6 by Corelli on the violin; another work featured in the movie.

The film is well acted and the scenery is spectacular.

I love any movie about those large wooden sailing ships of the past. If you enjoyed "Master and Commander" you might also like "The Bounty" with Mel Gibson.

Oh, I love The Bounty and must have watched it about 20 times. Have you seen Russell Crowe in The Sum of Us? I just watched it today. It came out in 1995 and he played a gay man living with his dad. It was sort of a comedy/drama.

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Author Topic: Master and Commander (Read 13903 times)