Written and directed by Peter Weir, based on the novels by Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) is a stunning war epic set on the high seas during the Napoleonic Wars in 1805. British Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey is tasked with conquering a superior French ship, facing both defeat and redemption as he pursues the vessel around the coast of South America and up to the Galapagos Islands. Tense battle scenes and subdued cinematography create a foreboding sense. Careful attention was given to early 19th Century historical details in costume and set design. The scenes in which the ship's Naturalist doctor collects specimens of previously unknown Galapagos species are particularly interesting. Russell Crowe is great as Captain Aubrey. The rest of the cast does a fine job as well, including Paul Bettany, Billy Boyd, James D'Arcy, Chris larkin and Edward Woodall.
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Galapagos Islands: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Galapagos Islands: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Paul Bettany and Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Russell Crowe: Master and Commander. The Far Side of the World
Written and directed by Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut (1999) was loosely based on the 1926 novella Traumnovelle by Arthur Schnitzler. It was Kubrick's final film, as he died six days after showing the final cut to the producers at Warner Brothers. The story follows a rich young doctor in New York City, chagrined after learning of his wife's fantasy of infidelity, as he goes on a downward one-night adventure through the orgy of an unnamed secret society. The Illuminati -esque secret society depicted in the film, with hooded rituals and decadent promiscuity, utilizes venetian masks in it's ceremonies and many possible interpretations of the symbolism can be made… which was surely Kubrick's open intent. Masonic associations are bound to be projected. Tom Cruise is excellent in the lead role. Nicole Kidman is stunningly beautiful and sexy in her part. The supporting cast is great as well, including Sydney Pollack, Marie Richardson, Leelee Sobieski, Alan Cumming and Rade Serbedzija.
