Ensign Lestat's Oscars Countdown, 18/2/2014
'Captain Phillips'
'Captain Phillips'
Nominations - Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Supporting Actor (Barkhad Abdi)
I've always had an issue with Hollywood's rush to make the latest incident into a film. I just think that it's greater proof that there is no originality left there, and that seriously, considering we're reading about these stories in the news, we don't really need it emblazoned on a big screen, with an a-lister making big bucks off it.
I've always had an issue with Hollywood's rush to make the latest incident into a film. I just think that it's greater proof that there is no originality left there, and that seriously, considering we're reading about these stories in the news, we don't really need it emblazoned on a big screen, with an a-lister making big bucks off it.
That's me the cynic - I specialise in being a cynic sometimes.
I really wasn't interested in watching 'Captain Phillips' due to the above reasons. Here's an ordeal of one crew now out there for the world to see, and for Hollywood to rake in the moolah. Pah, I said. Disgusting folk!
And then my sister watched it, and oddly enough told me that it was very exciting and brilliant. Roll eyes. But, was I in for a treat.
'Captain Phillips' is immensely exciting and action-packed. Yes, occasionally it's jarring to remember real people faced these situations, but you get caught up in all the events. Bringing in a director with previous action film experience was a brain wave, because what the film really needed and was boosted by was that kinetic energy that seeped through all of the scenes. Kudos to Paul Greengrass.
The film is the story of the crew aboard the Maersk. The title of the film comes from the exploits of their captain, portrayed by Tom Hanks. The Maersk is on route to Mombasa with their cargo, when they come across Muse (Barkhad Abdi) and his band of pirates. What follows is two hours of tense, riveting and suspenseful action as we follow the crew’s attempts to evict the pirates, and then the captain’s solo ordeal.
The screenplay is based on the book of the actual event “A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea” and some people have mentioned that the view of the captain is a bit idealised.
I can’t comment on how true-to-reality this film is, but, I can assure you that it is a thoroughly enjoyable viewing. The first forty-five minutes are rife with a startling tension. Even the following lull period is suspenseful and the last act is emotional and thrilling.
But what sets this film apart is the inclusion of an almost sympathetic understanding of the pirates and their situation. Granted, we cannot root for them, but they are not portrayed as mindless, evil villains either. Even our protagonist is not perfect, as his stoic decision to remain on course leads to the events in the film.
The film has received a number of Oscar nominations, and it is no surprise. It has an outstanding chance at the sound awards. It’s fascinating to see first-time actor Barkhad Abdi among the nominees. I actually wish there had been a way to nominate all four of the actors playing the pirates. They each portrayed their characters in distinctive ways giving more than just names to their roles. It was fascinating to watch. First-timers don’t often win at the Oscars, but I see Abdi’s star on the rise. There is something striking in the way he is able to command the camera and his presence is huge, despite his slight frame. He ably showcases the man-on-a-mission, as well as the lethargy of an injured person. And seriously, I can't imagine many people being able to command our sympathies in the finale, when his lone pirate is surrounded by Navy Seals. This man was nothing short of memorable.
The screenplay is based on the book of the actual event “A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea” and some people have mentioned that the view of the captain is a bit idealised.
I can’t comment on how true-to-reality this film is, but, I can assure you that it is a thoroughly enjoyable viewing. The first forty-five minutes are rife with a startling tension. Even the following lull period is suspenseful and the last act is emotional and thrilling.
But what sets this film apart is the inclusion of an almost sympathetic understanding of the pirates and their situation. Granted, we cannot root for them, but they are not portrayed as mindless, evil villains either. Even our protagonist is not perfect, as his stoic decision to remain on course leads to the events in the film.
The film has received a number of Oscar nominations, and it is no surprise. It has an outstanding chance at the sound awards. It’s fascinating to see first-time actor Barkhad Abdi among the nominees. I actually wish there had been a way to nominate all four of the actors playing the pirates. They each portrayed their characters in distinctive ways giving more than just names to their roles. It was fascinating to watch. First-timers don’t often win at the Oscars, but I see Abdi’s star on the rise. There is something striking in the way he is able to command the camera and his presence is huge, despite his slight frame. He ably showcases the man-on-a-mission, as well as the lethargy of an injured person. And seriously, I can't imagine many people being able to command our sympathies in the finale, when his lone pirate is surrounded by Navy Seals. This man was nothing short of memorable.
It’s a pity Tom Hanks didn't get nominated. He plays it pretty straight for most of the film, but really comes into his own during the denouement. He knows how to fill out an emotional scene and the ending is particularly striking. I really felt like he could have got a nom just based on those last 10-15 minutes. It's one of the most disturbing portrayals of PTSD seen on screen. Fabulous work.
Despite it being about a real life ordeal, the film is strikingly enjoyable and a true thriller. Yes, admittedly some of the account is fictionalised, but it remains true to the spirit of the situation. It’s definitely a surprise choice for the Academy, primarily due to its action-based nature. But the balanced view and pacey editing make this one a must-watch.
Despite it being about a real life ordeal, the film is strikingly enjoyable and a true thriller. Yes, admittedly some of the account is fictionalised, but it remains true to the spirit of the situation. It’s definitely a surprise choice for the Academy, primarily due to its action-based nature. But the balanced view and pacey editing make this one a must-watch.
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