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In Reply to: The O'Brian Cult posted by Bambi B on November 17, 2004 at 07:57:06:
Similar to the "Audio Cult"? I can assure you the POB readers, while passionate, are hardly a cult. It's hardly a surprise people can still be seduced by a well told tale and the romance of tall ships.I've traversed the cannon thrice over the past 10 years, and I've been lurking about POB websites for years.Contrary to your friends' dismissal of the movie, many, MANY POB fans liked or loved the film. Of course, those POB fanatics who wished for a literal version of a single volume were disappointed, as were the people desirous of an old-time swashbuckler a la Errol Flynn.
I was not disappointed. I think Weir gave us something much more interesting than a literal tale or a romp. The relationship between Aubrey and Maturin is the core of the film, as it is in the novels. That relationship is used to explore themes of leadership, friendship and obligation. NO FILLER. Use your eyes and ears. The film tells its story visually, subtlely dillineating the subtext and themes even to the very corners of the frame. It is hardly a CGI actioner.
I'm OK with M&C not being someone's cuppa. But I get irritated when people dismiss this film becuae it wan't "like the books". I its essence, if not it's precise plot, M&C is very like the books. Indeed, the texture and details are very true to the details and spirit of the POB volumes.
A film is not a book. The language of cinema is visual - it must "show" not "tell". Rather than a literal plot from one novel, Weir gives us the essence of POB's themes, makes them his own, and gives us something new and rich. One film could never encompass the detail and complexity of a 20 volume sage. (20 books were out at the time of production.)
M&C is the thniking person's adventure film. I agrreee with the majority of critic's who called it hte best film of its kind ever made. I don't worry about literal minded fans who want to see a re-enactment of the books.
Follow Ups:
Ahoy Harmonia!Good points.
I concentrated on the furour surrounding the POB novels as adaptations are always controversial, but at least among the people I know, no controversy has equalled that for "M&C".
"Harry Potter" and "LOTR" are other obvious recent examples of books that caught on in a big way, then someone decides to film it and the arguments begin. I have never read HP but absolutely hated the movies- there's nothing more repulsive than smug, privledged English middle class children with magic powers!
But with POB, the readers are mostly educated adults and everyone is so drawn by the narrative and O'Brian's writinf style, the "cultist"- really serious people, just can not allow themselves to be swayed by the movies. I called this a "cult" as the PB readers I know had a reaction that was more than a bit automatic- I believe they feel obligated to dislike the movie. In music I do the same thing ocassionally- disliking Stotkowski's Bach transcriptions lets me feel superior, a purist, the original fan before it came on MTV.
It's possible becuse of loyalty to the orginal creator =POB to have this kind of reaction- the mechanism seems to be that the movie-makers are just cashing in on something wonderful and subtle that was made popular within a small circle.
As I mentioned, I have very small experience with the books, but as much as I liked the papable battle scenes and historic detail, I thought the A&M parts were both miscast, especially Crowe who just doesn't exude the beautifully wrought intellect of the book Cap't- I kept seeing him as an actor pretending passion and culture.
But yes, comparatively, M&C is a thinking person's adventure. I only wish it was a deeper adventure, but that would mean a much longer movie..
I like very much your comment on Aubrey and Maturin, "That relationship is used to explore themes of leadership, friendship and obligation." Very well said.
Cheers,
Bambi B
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