Master and Commander (2003) Photofest
Master and Commander (2003) Photofest
Master and Commander (2003) Photofest
(Peter Weir, US 2003, 138 min., 35mm)
“When your character is called master and commander, you better be a take-charge guy.” This bon mot begins Jack Garner’s 2003 review of one of his favorites of that year. He credits veteran director Peter Weir (Dead Poets Society, The Truman Show) and a peak Russell Crowe performance for its success. Based on the first and tenth novels in Patrick O’Brian’s historical seafaring adventure yarns, the film finds Captain Jack Aubrey assigned to the HMS Surprise during the Napoleonic Wars and tasked with tracking and defeating the French ship Acheron, which has been crippling the British whaling fleet. Around the tip of South America and into the Pacific, the Surprise stalks her superior prey, refitting at sea after an early defeat. This film sings on 35mm, with Weir’s beautiful vistas spanning the screen and the digital soundtrack immersing the audience in the raging battles.
Upcoming Events in this Series
Film Screenings | Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
We Knew Jack “When your character is called master and commander, you better be a take-charge guy.” This bon mot begins Jack Garner’s 2003 review of one of his favorites of that year.
Film Screenings | Jackie Brown
We Knew Jack The last time Jack Garner graced the Dryden Theatre in the course of a public program was in 2019 when we honored Robert Forster with a double feature of some of the actor’s most iconic roles. Jack considered Forster a friend for several decades and was honored to introduce these two films to the audience that day.
Film Screenings | Citizen Kane
By Popular Demand | We Knew Jack | Orson Welles’s Birthday! “I couldn’t take my eyes off it. I couldn’t stop watching. I submit that that’s one definition of an essential film.” Jack Garner would often cite Citizen Kane as his favorite film—he taught it in classes and brought it up in conversation.