​FILMS

in the heart of the sea

"In the Heart of the Sea" has heart and is see-worthy.

In the Heart of the Sea: (Drama/Action/Adventure): 75 out of 100: While many critics enjoy their December arthouse films like Youth and The Lobster, I'm more comfortable indulging in a big screen epic like In the Heart of the Sea. There are flaws but at least it's an entertaining movie that doesn't have characters engaging in conversations that don't really move the story forward. We don't have a director who will leave his camera left on one spot for arthouse enthusiasts to call it exquisite artistry. If you want that, check out the paintings in an art gallery. Movies are also known as motion pictures for a reason!

 

Thomas Nickerson (Brendan Gleeson) recounts the tale of when he was a boy (played by Tom Holland) on the Essex, an ill-fated ship that was in search of oil from whales. He tells the story to Herman Melville (Ben Whishaw), who needs inspiration to write his novel. Led by George Pollard (Benjamin Walker) with first mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), the ship encounters a large whale that throws their plans into disarray. It becomes a battle for survival as the men forget about their whaling expedition and focus on how to return home while they are being threatened by the forces of nature.

 

Unfairly hammered by the majority of critics, this seafaring adventure deserves to be seen on the big screen for it has spectacular effects and thrilling water sequences. Although the creatures are created through CGI, they appear life-like and provide that sense of awe, especially whenever the Moby Dick type whale is approaching the vessel. There's a great sense of camaraderie when the men must fight for survival and the hostilities and indecision among them are appropriate for people who are battling to survive.

 

It's a predominantly male cast and they undergo a physical transformation once their ship is destroyed. Holland portrays the young Thomas with innocence and he is the 'eyes' of the film. He does a sterling job of conveying the fear that all crew members experienced. Hemsworth and Walker have some excellent scenes together, bickering over what to do next. Gleeson and Whishaw are also fine together although it's a question of whether these scenes work or could they have been left out altogether? We have a character in Nickerson who is recounting everything that happened when he was a boy but he didn't feature in all the events.

 

The music score by Roque Baños provides a sense of adventure and is appropriate to this genre. Credit must also go to Anthony Dod Mantle for the fine cinematography which provides much of the visual splendour. Another key ingredient to the enjoyment of the film is the editing, especially involving the scenes with the whale.

 

Ron Howard is a dependable director who usually directs films that can be enjoyed by the masses. He doesn't relinquish his tag of "Mr Reliable" here and has crafted a film that is entertaining, a must-see on the big-screen. You won't be catching him directing too many arthouse movies, which is a good thing as he is an expert in his field of commercial entertainment.

 

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson and Ben Whishaw

(121 minutes)

Parental advice: Violence and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-H35Mpj4uk (Movie trailer)

 

(Reviewed on Monday 21st December, 2015)

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