In “Gravity” you really thought that Sandra Bullock was an
astronaut lost in space. In “Captain Phillips” you really think that Tom Hanks
has been taken hostage by Somali pirates. Both films are extremely realistic
and cause a visceral reaction from their audiences. “Captain Phillips” is a
gritty thriller set on the high seas and tells the true story of Captain
Richard Phillips who’s ship cargo ship Maersk
Alabama was hijacked by Somali pirates back in 2009. Director Paul
Greengrass (of “Bourne Supremacy” and “Ultimatum” fame) takes the approach he
took with the criminally under seen 9/11 hijack drama “United 93” by employing
shaky documentary-like footage to really capture the terror-filled situation in
an almost unbearably realistic way. It gives the film an immediacy that puts
you on that ship.
It’s crazy to think that everyman Tom Hanks hasn’t really
had a big hit film in a long time. He’s been in stuff here and there, but his
last mega hit was the critically underwhelming “The Da Vinci Code.” In “Captain
Phillips” he gives his best performance since “Cast Away.” Both films are about
a man’s attempts at survival, albeit in very different situations. Hanks is
Captain Richard Phillips. He’s a normal guy from Vermont. His wife (played by Catherine Keener) drops
him off at the airport and he flies to his job on the other side of the world,
steering the cargo ship Maersk Alabama
through pirate infested waters. His crew
is aware of the piracy situation; in fact, they perform drills in case such a
situation was to come up. It does.
Director Paul Greengrass does something so perfect with “Captain
Phillips.” He doesn’t treat the pirates as just one-dimensional monsters. They
are bad guys, of course, but they’re not portrayed as mindless evil doers. Four pirates successfully board
the ship one of which is Muse (played by Barkhad Abdi in his first acting
role). This guy was great. You’d think they really hired a Somali pirate. He’s
also sympathetic enough where he isn’t just a crazy villain. Billy Ray’s script
makes him a fully formed character. There are even scenes set in Somalia so we
knew where these guys are coming from. Abdi is terrific in the role and certainly
holds his own against the veteran Hanks. All four actors who portray the
pirates are terrifying, intense and give excellent performances.
“Captain Phillips” is an exceptionally made film. The camera
moves fast and there are lots of quick cuts. It’s a style we’ve become
accustomed too in Greengrass films, but they make sense in context of the
stories he’s telling. If the film has any fault it may be the film’s final act
isn’t quite as gripping as what has come before it. I was unaware that the
pirates actually end up taking Phillips hostage by himself, leaving the crew
behind, which makes for slightly less tension, especially if you know the
outcome. However, this is one riveting film and everything from the music score
to the grainy cinematography are all top notch.
Fans of Tom Hanks and realistic action thrillers will
certainly be pleased with the fact-based “Captain Phillips.” It’s powerful, suspenseful,
and features fine acting work; though the film’s second half isn’t quite as riveting
as the first. It’s a lot like Greengrass’ “United 93” - and almost as intense -
without all the uncomfortable feelings associated with having to watch a
dramatization of 9/11. Perhaps Hanks will receive what would be a well-deserved
Oscar nomination if things go his way. He doesn’t quite do anything we’ve never
seen before, but he’s certainly the master and commander. GRADE: A-
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