Russell Crowe Wants More 'Master and Commander'

In a discussion of recent underrated films go - and granted, my definition of recent may differ from yours - I would still bring up Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. I might be the only person who believes a movie that earned ten Oscar nominations and over $200 million around the world is underrated, I realize, but honestly, did you know it made that much and was so heavily nominated? Russell Crowe wants another Master and Commander movie, and in theory, I'm all for it. Crowe tells the AP (via USA Today) "there's still a long way to go" in adapting the Patrick O'Brian book The Reverse of the Medal into a film. O'Brian wrote over 20 novels based on Crowe's character, Capt. Jack Aubrey and Paul Bettany's low-key doctor, Stephen Maturin. At issue is acquiring the film rights to the novel. Now, I said that in theory I support this. A lot of it depends on who else is involved. Peter Weir knows a thing or two about directing movies, and while you don't need Weir, Crowe shouldn't settle for much of a step down. The best thing about Far Side in my opinion was the direction and the battle sequences. If they secure enough financing (although, let's be honest, the sequel can't cost $150 million like the first one), Crowe can attract a good director. That's key. The screenplay also concerns me, because of Crowe's recent admission that he tried to develop a Gladiator sequel in which Maximus would be brought back to life and rewarded with immortality, working his way through the great battles of history and eventually landing a job in the Pentagon. Yeah. Let's hope he keeps his Master and Commander sequel closer to the book. The character is good enough, but what always stood out about the books in the series I read (only a couple, both after the movie) was O'Brian's attention to detail. There's enough in these stories to make a good movie, as proven by the first one, but can Crowe get the director and the funds to ensure his follow-up is also worth it?

Comments

[Sensaes]

Agreed, but it's a shame that Hollywood snobbery will prevent O'Brian's books finding their more natural adapted home - on television. There is an obvious, pre-existing model on this side of the Atlantic: the Sharpe series, starring Sean Bean (arguably his best, and most convincing role - an opinion shared by the books' author). Crowe seemed very much at home in the part of Aubrey, and the books would work well as a property suited to the televisual medium. For another example of similar success, look to the Hornblower series...

[Lengthy Johnson]

Jack Aubrey is actually Russel Crowe's best role so far because he displays three sides of the character very well. The iron will in leading his men, his friendly hand with the officers and the fearlessness in battle. If only all officers were like that in real life.

I don't know what Crowe's creative involvement was in the first film but he should clearly restrict himself to acting.

Also, it would not work to repeat the formula of the first film. People would be bored to death with anouther ship-bound film. There would have to be a lot more scenes on land.

[Max]

". For another example of similar success, look to the Hornblower series..."

For the love of god please don't! That dreadful series actually put me off the books for years because of how they simplified Hornblower down to a perfect, confident, flawless hero.

[steve]

master and commander is my favorite movie of all time

[Eliza]

A sequel would be brilliant! I loved the first movie, great plot (the Acheron was awesome), great acting- everything was just so well done, and I appreciated the attention to detail. The music was fantastic too!
So yeah, bring on the sequel. : ) (hopefully Peter Weir will direct it...)

[DTS]

I also think a sequel is warranted: and not just because the movie made a profit, but because it was one of the most excellent sea adventures ever. And -- are you paying attention Lengthy Johnson? -- half or more of the film _should_ be set aboard ship. The books are about a Sea Captain -- not a land lubber.

[Chris]

DTS, read the books! The complexity of Jack Aubrey's character is all in who he is on land. The beauty of O'Brien's writing is that Jack is in his element on the quarter deck, but he is a mess (poor, unfaithful to his marriage). The same is true for the doctor, I really hope the movie is not constricted to the 300 feet that is the Surprise. BTW I love the books and the movie for its depiction of Surface Actions.

[Rob]

I certainly hope this really happens, minus any crowe tomfoolery. there isnt enough good historical fiction made in the war genre.