Captain Phillips
Tom
Hanks is a true survivor… of Hollywood. Yes, he faces great odds in
his latest film “Captain Phillips” but you only have to look back
over his long career to see how refined and purposeful it has been.
Splashing onto the movie scene with, err… “Splash” all those
years ago, Hanks has meticulously carved a varied and engaging list
of films to his resume. He has played a multitude of characters, and
seems to shift between genres and themes without any problem at all.
An considering he is now in his late 50’s, Hanks has also managed
to remain as popular as ever, still drawing in millions per movie,
and appealing to audiences of all ages and generations.
Hanks
has made it a priority to work with some of the best directors,
producers and scriptwriters in the business, and here he teams up
with Paul Greengrass for the first time. Greengrass is best known for
helming the second and third films of the Bourne series. With his
impeccable attention to detail and keen eye for gritty realism, this
director could be seen as the pioneer of reality meets adventure in
today’s film landscape.
Based
on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the taking of his
ship by Somali pirates in 2009, “Captain Phillips” is a real
treat. It wastes no time diving into the story, introducing our
leading character just before he embarks on a two week trip through
the waters off the African coast. Leading the small crew of the
massive ship Maersk Alabama, the Captain is a no-nonsense, hard
working and methodical man. Having done this job for years, he hauls
his large shipment of cargo like it’s just another day at the
office. But this trip will be far from routine.
In
the desert villages of Somalia, a group of men await orders from
their leader to head out to sea, and make some money. They are
pirates, and their sole purpose is to take ships and sell off their
cargo. On this occasion, a small band of pirates embark on their
latest job, led by Muse. He is a captain of sorts in his own way,
focused and committed to doing his job, whatever it takes. Tailing
along with him are three other men, and the relationship between the
group is rocky at the best of times.
Filmed
with technical precision, snap-fast editing and lightning pace, the
teaming up of Paul Greengrass as director and Tom Hanks as leading
man drives this film forward with great effect. But the real surprise
here is the casting of Barkhad Abdi in the role of Muse. A native of
Somalia, he had no prior acting experience and was working as a
chauffeur just before landing the part. He embodies his character of
a man on the brink of losing control and exploding rage with such
skill and dedication, you believe he is going through this for real.
In
fact, the whole film carries that feeling with it. You know you’re
watching a good movie when you forget you’re watching a movie all
together. The seamlessness of how each scene connects to the last,
and the tension that builds with each passing moment… “Captain
Phillips” is a powerful viewing experience.
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