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Bravo6
Pathfinder
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February 18 2007
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 Posted - February 21 2007 : 8:00:15 PM
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I was introduced to Master & Commander book series almost 20 years ago and was hooked. I eagerly awaited each new book and mourned the death of Patrick O'Brien.
I had hoped for years that someone would make a movie of that fantastic series of 19 books. I was at the theatre to watch Gods and Generals when the Master aand Commander trailer came on the screen. Within seconds I knew my dream had come true. When the name of the movie flashed on the screen I let out a rebel yell that must have shocked the rest of the audience.
The movie didn't disapoint.
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So there I was - between a rock and a hard place - when I wondered that perhaps I should be on the other side of the rock. |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
USA
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Posted - February 21 2007 : 8:26:38 PM
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| What did you find that "interesting" in Master & Commander? |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Bravo6
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February 18 2007
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Posted - February 21 2007 : 9:30:21 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
What did you find that "interesting" in Master & Commander?
The movie:
The sea, powerful, threatening and an intimate experience for men aboard a small ship.
The Sophie. She was as I pictured her.
The combat, decks swept by fire, etc.
The music played by Jack and Stephen in all of the books was nicely portrayed in the movie with Crowe actually learning to play the violin in order to make it real.I have 2 CDs of period music "An Evening with the Captain" based on the book series.
The culture where young boys were sent to sea as Midshipmen.
I was disapointed by the actor who played Dr. Maturin.
I was disapointed that the double life of Maturin as Ships Doctor and spy was never addressed.
The books:
O'Brien captured the life and combat of the period in such a startling realistic way as to transport you completely.
His accuracey was such that the Naval Academy (US) invited him to address the midshipmen.
He was also very detailed about the history of the period and introduced the reader to lands other than Britain, France and Catalonia.
I was thankful that the life ashore was not touched upon in the movie since, accurate and detailed as it was, I thought that it was the least interesting aspect of the books. |
So there I was - between a rock and a hard place - when I wondered that perhaps I should be on the other side of the rock. |
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RedFraggle
Mohicanite
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Posted - February 21 2007 : 10:40:09 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bravo6
The music played by Jack and Stephen in all of the books was nicely portrayed in the movie. . . . I was disapointed by the actor who played Dr. Maturin.
I loved the music from this movie. I get that one song (can't remember the name of it--maybe one of the Bach suites for cello?) stuck in my head every time I watch the movie.
I liked the actor who played Maturin, but I was a little disappointed in the way the character was portrayed overall. It didn't seem like the relationship between Aubrey and Maturin was as close as in the books, but then again I haven't watched the movie in a while. I might be dis-remembering. 
Since we're on the subject, have you ever listened to any of the Master & Commander series via books on tape? The ones read by Simon Vance are excellent. He acts out all the parts, and uses a different voice for each character. His female voices are a bit distracting sometimes, but you can actually tell all the characters apart when he performs them. Other narrators for the series are rather boring by comparison. |
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Bravo6
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February 18 2007
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 06:03:24 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by RedFraggle
Since we're on the subject, have you ever listened to any of the Master & Commander series via books on tape?
No, I haven't. The way I found the books was through listening to a local NPR station segment called "the book club". The person read the book on air. Though just a local talent he did it well enough for the richness to come through. |
So there I was - between a rock and a hard place - when I wondered that perhaps I should be on the other side of the rock. |
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Monadnock Guide
Council of Elders
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 07:54:49 AM
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| Thanks Bravo, - things "in the day of sail" are interesting indeed. |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Irishgirl
Council of Elders
USA
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 09:23:37 AM
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| My husband loves these books Bravo and I believe he has read them all. I only saw a bit of the movie as hubby was watching it so can't really comment on it at all. I will have to give it another try though. |
IG |
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Light of the Moon
Mohicanland Statesman
USA
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 09:42:14 AM
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Never read the book but I did see the movie and wasn't too impressed by it. Maybe the book is better?
Is it worth a good read? |
I live in my own little world - but that's okay, they know me here! |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 10:44:05 AM
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There is another thread about this movie somewhere in this forum. You may have to go back several pages to find it, but it is interesting.
I have not read any of the books, but sure would like to someday.
I did see the movie, in the theater, and enjoyed every minute of it. Well, I did have to close my eyes during a couple of surgery scenes, but that's just my squimishness. I also have it on DVD and have watched it a couple of times since.
Everything about this movie was amazing. Setting aside my dislike for him as a person, I think Russell Crowe is an amazing actor, in a very Richard Burton sort of way. Without having read the books, I think he must have captured the character of Aubrey very well. The cinematography and special effects are excellent. It is impossible for me to tell where the real ends and the effects begin.
MG, if you have not seen this movie, I think you should give it a try. You will see the sea at its best and its worst. It will either make you homesick or make you glad you are done with all of that! Ah.. the days of wooden sailing vessels... I can understand the call of the sea.......
BTW, while it is true that Crowe learned to play the violin for this role so that he could look more realistic... he was not playing what you hear on the soundtrack. The violin part was actually played by Richard Tognetti and the cello playing is done by none other than Yo-Yo Ma. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 4:39:12 PM
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| I did see it WW, - thought is was damn "interesting", I enjoyed it. Sailing ships don't usually travel that fast - that easily, but it's a movie. I spent three weeks "under sail" once, on a 121 foot "top sail schooner". A great time doesn't describe it. In fact we set a record between Camden and Portland, - had the "lee rail" buried for a good part of it. You could play a tune on the windward rigging, it was so tight. Had heavy spray coming over the bow, and flying straight past the helm, with is aft. I remember it well, and there are times I miss it, and .... Not many movies these days about "the age of sail" - a real loss methinks. Running offshore fishing trips is a different ball of wax, - but still "interesting". ;) |
you can keep "The Change" |
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Bravo6
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February 18 2007
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 5:40:18 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Light of the Moon
Never read the book but I did see the movie and wasn't too impressed by it. Maybe the book is better?
Is it worth a good read?
I heartily recommend the series! It starts with Jack as a shipless Leutenant hoping to receive a posting as Master and Commander of a fighting vessel. Early in the first book he meets Stephen, for the first time, at a recital and they nearly come to blows.
Those of you interested in reenacting the domestic way of life would value the study of the English society. Poor Jack is dodging creditors whenever he's a'shore and eventually ends up in debtors prison.
When between ships his close followers staff his home (Talk about fish out of water). Reading through all 19 books you understand the bonds that develop over the years between Captain and crew. |
So there I was - between a rock and a hard place - when I wondered that perhaps I should be on the other side of the rock. |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - February 22 2007 : 8:12:26 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
I spent three weeks "under sail" once, on a 121 foot "top sail schooner". A great time doesn't describe it.
OK. So now I am really, really jealous. That would be awesome. The only thing I would not like, and would not be willing to do (even in my young days), would be to climb the rigging. Did you have to (or get to) do that? What was her name? |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Monadnock Guide
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RedFraggle
Mohicanite
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Posted - February 23 2007 : 08:03:48 AM
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This has nothing to do with Master & Commander, but did anyone out there in Mohicanland come to NC for the Parade of Tall Ships last summer? There were a few refurbished Age of Sail galleys on display, among other things. Naturally Blackbeard was a big draw, given that the supposed QAR wreck lies just off the coast. Despite being only a few hours' drive away, I didn't go because I couldn't mobilize the hubby to travel over 4th of July weekend.  Anyone else go? |
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Monadnock Guide
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Posted - February 23 2007 : 08:10:45 AM
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| Neither do most threads after the first day. ;) |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - February 23 2007 : 12:54:14 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
The schooner was the "Adventure" a true "banks fisherman" - and drew 14 feet of water. It was re-fitted for the passenge trade in the sixties by a Cap't. Jim Sharp, one hell of a skipper, limp and all - polio. http://archives.obs-us.com/obs/adventur/schooner/history/top.htm
Oh, she's a beaut! She has certainly seen some really good times, and some bad times. I'm glad she is still going strong.
It must have been awesome to be on her! |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Master and Commander movie & books
