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When Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World hit theaters in November 2003, it was widely anticipated to be a cinematic triumph. Helmed by acclaimed director Peter Weir and featuring a remarkable performance by Russell Crowe, the film was immediately regarded as a strong contender for the Academy Awards. With hopes for a burgeoning franchise, expectations were sky-high.
Despite receiving ten Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture and Best Director, the film’s box office performance fell short of expectations, hindering plans for sequels. As discussions about a potential prequel emerge, it is worth revisiting Crowe and Weir’s film, which stands out as one of the finest opening entries in a series that never truly materialized.
‘Master and Commander’ Turns Oceans into Battlefields
Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World showcases one of Crowe’s finest roles as Captain Jack Aubrey of the British Royal Navy. In a gripping opening sequence, the HMS Surprise is ambushed by the formidable French warship, Acheron, off the Brazilian coast, enduring significant damage. Although ordered to retreat, Aubrey’s determination to safeguard the British whaling fleet compels him to commandeer repairs while at sea, only to be pursued again by Acheron, leading the crew to the Galápagos Islands.
These initial sequences deftly illustrate Aubrey as a complex leader, embodying both the humility of historical military figures and the ruthless determination typical of a wartime commander. Through breathtaking visuals and a meticulously crafted naval world, the film transforms into an insightful exploration of character dynamics, particularly the friendship between Aubrey and his ship’s surgeon, Stephen Maturin, portrayed by Paul Bettany.
While they seem like polar opposites, their contrasting personalities create a powerful collaboration. Aubrey’s strategic ingenuity is complemented by Maturin’s calm intellect, as he performs intricate surgeries on the ship’s deck, showcasing the blend of science and war.
‘Master and Commander’ Is Based On a Series of Popular Novels
The film draws inspiration from Patrick O’Brian’s celebrated Aubrey-Maturin novel series, which spans 20 volumes, starting with Master and Commander published in 1969. The screenplay, co-authored by director Weir, primarily adapts the 10th book, The Far Side of the World, while integrating elements from the first and fifth novels, Master and Commander and Desolation Island, respectively.
In 2009, Russell Crowe revealed he was in talks for a sequel based on the 11th book, The Reverse of the Medal, published in 1986. Notably, the prequel announced in June 2021 will focus on the early friendship between Aubrey and Maturin following Aubrey’s initial command.
‘Master and Commander’ Was Overshadowed by ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
The struggle to evolve Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World into an expansive franchise can largely be attributed to its modest box office results. Crowe has publicly noted that the emergence of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, particularly its first film released just months earlier, significantly impacted the public reception of seafaring films at the time.
While Master and Commander reported a $212 million global gross on a $150 million budget, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl amassed over $650 million. Crowe mentioned in a 2024 GQ interview that the appeal for another nautical adventure was diminished by the overwhelming success of the latter. In stark contrast, the Pirates of the Caribbean series has expanded to five films over 14 years, generating over $4.5 billion worldwide. For those interested, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World can now be rented on Prime Video and Apple TV.
Source
movieweb.com