Moby Dick: The True Story

Rating:
Summary: The epic of the Essex
Review: Herman Melville didn't just imagine the story of a vengeful whale; there was a true life account of one attacking and sinking a whaling ship, the Essex, in the early 1800s. This program relates that story, and the horrors that followed.

The ship was sunk, and the crew was left to fend for themselves in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Some eventually made it back alive. Some did not. The real drama unfolds here, after the whale has long left the scene. And I can assure you, the sailors found themselves in a quandry that most humans hope they never have to face. Riveting stuff.



Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: I was hoping for some extras not seen on tv. Although the dvd didnt offer much in the way of bonus material it is still a very interesting watch. I dont want to spoil anything for you but I will say that the aftermath is the highlight of the film. And this is the portion of the story Herman Mellville didnt include in moby dick.

Rating:
Summary: Lacks tension; grandeur and AHAB...
Review: The DISCOVERY CHANNEL rendering of The TRUE story of Moby Dick
is a mistake from conception.If the horrific tragedy of whaleship Essex had been presented in its own terms with minimal referrence to POSSIBLE basis as source for Melville's epic, its acceptablity as entertaining documentary would perhaps be warranted. However, this historical expose manifestly lacks insight into mythical/mystical elements informing the novel or driving well-known cinematic versions...particularly the classic 1956 John Houston interpretation. Focus of MOBY DICK is AHAB. It's his story as "an ungodly, godlike man...who would strike the sun if it insulted(him)."The Captain presented in TRUE STORY is a weak sister; uncertain of himself as commander. Melville's Ahab would have keelhauled him(or fed to Moby for chub). Though the documentary style of Discovery is typically competent, it totally lacks tension and grandeur...as it must without delving into the psychology of solipsism and thwarted MESSIANISM that truly constitutes the American epic. MOBY DICK is a majestic tale of terror. It concludes with Armageddon at sea and apocalyptic Judgement. The Discovery Channel telling is no "look of Revelation". It's more like MOBY DICK: The Tourist--Love Boat-- Story. Consequently it's...unlike what Melville himself termed a wicked tale...safe; a bit sorry,ultimately disappointing.(3 stars is generous)