Master and Commander (1 Viewer)

[HistoryfortheAges]

The AMC network has been broadcasting the movie "Master and Commander" several times recently. I saw this film in the theater when it first came out and I thought it to be a a very fine film. Russel Crowe is excellent in his role and is backed by an extremely well-acted supporting cast. Seeing it again during this latest bout on AMC, I must say that this is a masterpiece of Napoleonic naval history. I think there should be a film made on Lord Nelson. Don't know why Hollywood hasn't jumped on this. Nelson, led an interesting life... and this could be combined with numerous action sequences with his involvement in the Napoleonic wars at sea.

 

[Fusilier]

Couldn't agree more, this is certainly an underused era/subject. I would say that the first time I watched the film, I did have to use the 'Trafalgar Companion' for a little clarification on certain terms, ect. Since then, I have loved this film everytime I have seen it. As you said, great acting and a very high realism factor, which is always a plus.

Far and away, this would be my choice for a future movie sequal!

Noah

 

[lancer]

There was a film done on Nelson. Can't remember the title (Lady Hamilton?) but Sir Olivier was Nelson and Vivien Leigh played Hamilton. Was mostly love story crap and very little naval warfare. -- Al

 

[Ragnar]

Just re watched M&C on DVD a few nights back still cringe when the boy has his arm removed .

 

[kilted vampire]

I do not care for Russell Crowe the actor(I hear he has reformed) But, the movie is fantastic!

 

[Combat]

The movie was decent, but the books are among the best historical fiction. I can read them over and over again which is the highest praise that I can give them.

 

[Spitfrnd]

The movie was decent, but the books are among the best historical fiction. I can read them over and over again which is the highest praise that I can give them.

I do like the books but I would reverse the praise. The movie was simply fantastic for me. I never get tired of watching it. No movie can ever be truly "faithful" to the book but this one very much captures the essence of two story lines from the series.

 

[binder001]

There was a film done on Nelson. Can't remember the title (Lady Hamilton?) but Sir Olivier was Nelson and Vivien Leigh played Hamilton. Was mostly love story crap and very little naval warfare. -- Al

"That Hamilton Woman", made in 1941, with Laurence Olivier as Nelson and Vivian Leigh as Lady Hamilton. The story was based on their affair in Italy with little of the admiral's sea carreer.

I agree that a modern treatment of Nelson's life would be interesting. He was an interesting man. Lots of faults and lots of talents, the sort of thing that good drama is made from.

Gary B.

 

[Scott]

The Hamilton Affair as well...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070437/

Maybe the Heroes of the USN in the War of 1812 were too "Dudley Doright" for movies.

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

If any of you own the boxed set with the extras about making the movie, take a look at the section about artillery sound effects.
Our ACW artillery unit was contracted to shoot various period ammunition live at Camp grayling here in Michigan to get real sound recordings. Some types of shot such as Bar shot and Chain shot had never been recorded before and the director wanted this detail for the movie.

Solid, Canister, Bar and Chain were fired downrange over very expensive recording equipment... with one nearly destroyed by a near miss. The best scene for these unusual sounds are the opening ambush. Listen to the whizzing sounds... they are real.

By the way one of the fellows loading the guns in this special effects section is yours truly.
We were told that they had planned on a second movie, but I don't know if it is still in the works or not.
Ken

 

[Scott]

I'll point that out to my Brother-in-Law who loves the series and the movie but occasionally makes fun of my reenacting.

 

[theBaron]

As far as the series of novels goes, "Master & Commander" was the first, so there's a lot more material just in this storyline alone. The film apparently included elements from some of the subsequent books. I'd like to see a sequel that picks up with the next batch of events.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Spitfrnd]

If any of you own the boxed set with the extras about making the movie, take a look at the section about artillery sound effects.
Our ACW artillery unit was contracted to shoot various period ammunition live at Camp grayling here in Michigan to get real sound recordings. Some types of shot such as Bar shot and Chain shot had never been recorded before and the director wanted this detail for the movie.

Solid, Canister, Bar and Chain were fired downrange over very expensive recording equipment... with one nearly destroyed by a near miss. The best scene for these unusual sounds are the opening ambush. Listen to the whizzing sounds... they are real.

By the way one of the fellows loading the guns in this special effects section is yours truly.
We were told that they had planned on a second movie, but I don't know if it is still in the works or not.
Ken

I had read about the use of the real cannon and loads being recorded but did not know it was your unit Ken. Congratulations on a job very well done; it sounds fantastic in blu-ray.

I have also read that Russell is trying to get the story rights for the next one but nothing definite yet unfortunately. I certainly hope it comes along. As the Brad said, there is much good material left.