Mutiny on the Bounty

Rating:
Summary: Early Best Picture Winner Disappoints Somewhat
Review: The 1935 Academy Award for Best Picture. The AFI list of best 100 films of the century (the 20th, that is). With this pedigree, I expected great things from "Mutiny on the Bounty." But this film for me, while never less than entertaining, fell far short of greatness. It's a solid action film with a script more literate than your average action movie to be sure, but I was still left somewhat cold by it.

Much of the adoration of this film seems to spring from a love of the central performances, namely those of Charles Laughton and Clark Gable. Both of course are good, but Laughton's character suffers from a silent movie villain's one-noteness. He does sadistic well, but that's about all he's required to do. Clark Gable impressed me more, and made me think that maybe he's a better actor than I ever gave him credit for. But for me, the standout performer (and the one I hear the least about) is Franchot Tone, playing a young idealist, enamored with the romance of life at sea and not prepared for the petty brutalities and politics. Tone is forced to give the most nuanced performance, as he straddles the line between loyalty to upper command and humanity for his fellow shipmates. In contrast to Laughton and Gable's showy roles, Tone's is quiet and thoughtful, except for a last-minute soliloquy that he handles well.

The production is never less than impressive, especially for 1935. The special effects are solid, as is the attention paid to period detail. But for some reason, despite the good things I have to say about the film, I just never got that into it. It's like any number of solidly crafted films released today: competent, fairly intelligent and well done, but not especially artistic or unique. One gets the feeling that it achieves what it sets out to do; one just wished it had set out to do a little more than it does.

Grade: B

Rating:
Summary: Staid Black and White Movie
Review: The movie is filmed in black and white and has rather dark background colors, which gives it a gloomy appearance. The film is also a victim of the Hollywood censor: We are expected to believe that members of the crew, stripped to the waist, and able to engage in sexual intercourse with the Tahitian maidens at will, never exposed their navels to public view!!!

Rating:
Summary: Still THE definitive version, igmos notwithstanding!
Review: The recent epithets being hurled at this stellar adaptation by latter-day self-appointed intellectuals serve as a textbook illustration of specious and biased commentary. Certain reviewers sling an anathema it's way simply because it is in black-and-white. Unfortunately, all too many unthinking people somehow feel cheated if they do not see color; while not weighing the cinematic effectivness of b&w in such films as "Citizen Kane", "The Sea Wolf", "Casablanca", "Schindler's List", etc. The newer versions (particularly the '62 version) provide picture-postcard color to this dark tale of inhumanity, injustice, and suffering; but outside of emphasizing the beauty of idyllic Tahiti, color would not serve to ENHANCE the themes of this story. Others gripe about petty issues, like seamen's navels. If this doesn't clue one in to the lack of value of such opinions, nothing will. Finally, many ignorant types object to what they attribute as "Hollywoodized" elements in this classic version. Some muse that the '62 version "seems truer." Once again, they reveal themselves to be without standing. This adaptation is far CLOSER TO THE REAL CHARACTERS AND EVENTS than any other version!! In fact, it takes none of the horribly gross liberties that the '62 travesty does. I have read the semi-fictional and non-fictional books about the infamous mutiny several times, they have not. This is not a perfect film. It wanders off the tracks at times from it's true aims; the narrative occasionally gaps; Bligh is one-dimensional. But these are flaws that, first, seem miniscule compared to the cavernous holes in the later adaptations; and second, are typical of '30's Hollywood's desire to cater to audiences' disdain for long movies. This certainly would have been even better if it had been longer (in fact, heavy pre-release editing is evident). Yet, the epic-length running times of the newer versions were unforgivably wasted on pure pretentious irrelevance (see my review for the '62 version!), and all together sacrificed entertainment value for self-indulgence. This version, if imperfect, is an outstanding example of Hollywood taking real events from history and gleaming glorious entertainment from it. Captain Bligh's quasi-historical sadism is here emphasized (for the sake of shortness), but is partly redeemed by Charles Laughton's unforgettable performance. One-dimensional or no, Laughton combines brilliant skill as an actor with a consummate persona to create a portrait of the wretched man like no other has. Clark Gable trancends his usual impish "man-of-action" type to convey something darker, more personal, more three-dimensional in his excellent portrayal of Fletcher Christian. It is the fireworks these two produce in their clinches that above all make this a worthwhile experience. In the contrast of these two disparate personalities we get an indelible impression of the passionate emotions that drove Bligh and Christian to their inevitable fate. Gable and Laughton are dead, so as far as I am concerned, they are an act impossible to follow. Their individual scenes are superbly vivid, played for the fullest dramatic impact. Other individual scenes are directed with a cinematic skill; particularly the mutiny, perfectly filmed as a montage of kaleidoscopic chaos. In fact, this box-office giant was a milestone of sorts in American cinema history: It was the first time that an interracial relationship (between Gable and Movita) had been accepted on the silver screen. So, in summary, even if this adaptation does not always adhere to it's proper historical perspective (as usual, the book is more valuable in that aspect), it still contains much to be thankful for, and it is STILL EASILY THE BEST filming of the classic story! This time, the critics mislead not!

Rating:
Summary: A true classic!
Review: There are few movies that can be put in the category of being true classics, i.e., a movie that will stand the harsh and unforgiving test of time; and by doing so turning out to be fun, thoughtful and action filled almost 70 years after its release. Charles Laughton is brilliant in his portrayal of the evil, selfish and gluttonous captain whom lets his crew starve, whilst meeting his own excessive needs and thereby grows fat, arrogant and lives in opulence on their expense. I would absolutely watch this, Mutiny on the Bounty VHS ~ Charles Laughton i.e., movie again and I do consider it to be one of the classics for all time.

Rating:
Summary: What's the fuss about?
Review: This film doesn't seem to meet the criteria of what we call a great movie: it won't lift your spirit and soul, it doesn't really give us any lasting food for thought, it probably won't make you laugh hysterically( although I thought the swinging lantern bit was pretty funny), it probably won't really make you weep. So why is this such a respected movie?

It is a rolicking adventure of the sea. Everyone knows there were enough of those made in the old days. So why does this one stand out?

It's the acting. The rich man's son is extremely well portrayed and his speech at the end is well rendered. The entire cast is outstanding, making even the nobodys of the ship endearing and enduring. Clark Gable(no mustache?!! Horrors!) gives a deep introspective portrait of Fletcher Christian as a man that has been pushed and pushed and pushed again.

Laughton gives a Bligh that is truly one of the best villians ever to grace the screen. Gable and Laughton play off each other marvelously. As Gable reacts to Laughton's brutality, making the audience wonder what exactly will push him over the edge.

In short, what made this adventure movie so lasting? What made it a classic? I'll tell you. It's the deep introspective character development seen here. Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: One of MGM's very best.
Review: This film has never escaped my top ten favorites list. The only film in history to have 3 leading men nominated for best actor. While Gable is perfect as Fletcher Christian and Franchot Tone gives a superb performance as a midshipman, it's Charles Laughton's Captain Bligh that sets this film apart. You'll want to mutiny too. The ensemble cast is also memorable (unlike later films), each playing off Bligh's totally disgusting presence. Stolen cheeses, rancid rations and repeated lashings drive a crew collected by press-gangs to solicit 1st mate Christian to end their misery. And he does, casting Bligh adrift and taking the Bounty to Tahiti where half-naked island girls and a perfect tranquil life compare to Bligh like heaven to hell. I shed a tear every viewing during Tone's 'lift their hearts' speech at the end. This is a must see classic in every sense. Highest recommendation (for all but the youngest children)

Rating:
Summary: Overly simplified
Review: This incarnation of The Mutiny on the Bounty is good, but having read both Bligh's account of the mutiny and the Nordhoff and Hall version of the mutiny, I am absolutely convinced that the actual mutiny was nothing like this one. This interpretation basically lionizes the crew and simulataneously demonizes Bligh to an extent that it is hard to imagine a man as needlessly evil as Bligh or as virtuous as Fletcher Christian. I do believe that both men were partially responsible for the mutiny, and great artistic license is taken in telling the tale.

That being said, this movie is a thrilling yarn about the famous mutiny. Charles Laughton is Captain Bligh, convincingly evil and a lover of absolute power. Clark Gable plays another variation on the flawless good guy characters he played until Gone With The Wind. But it is Franchot Tone who gives a moving performance as a midshipman caught in the middle of these two forces of nature. The special effects are good for the time period, the writing is good, especially the speech that Tone gives at the end at of his court-martial. All in all, it is a convincing parable about good and evil as well as a suspenseful adventure.

In spite of its many virtues, the movie was hard for me to get into because of its flaws. One of the most powerful scenes in the movie was when a sailor asks for a glass of water and Bligh responds by ordering the man keelhauled. Very well, except keelhauling was illegal by British Naval Laws at that time, as was noted in Nordhoff and Hall's book. The most true thing that can be said of Bligh is that he was obsessed with following the rules and insisted that his be followed in the same fashion. That he would disobey them only shows that he is a stupid man, which wasn't true. Another scene that bothered me for the same reasons was the short scene where Bligh was talking to the Tahitian King and he says that Captain Cook was dead. Being as the Tahitians nearly deified the man, this would have the effect of making the Tahitians less cooperative. Bligh should have known this, he was Cook's first lieutenant. Aside from making Bligh an idiotic devil, Christian is nearly a canonized saint. Although most of the blame probably belongs to Bligh, as he was the captain, but Christian had to have been somewhat responsible. Gable delivers his usual limited range performance. I suppose that one has never needed acting talent to be a movie superstar. The only even remotely nuanced performance is Tone's, and thankfully he's the protagonist.

In short, this movie is deeply flawed but technically impressive. The dialogue and acting are good, but the conversion to the screen lost much of the nuance that other accounts of the mutiny. If you want a truly sophisticated account of the mutiny, the Hopkins/Gibson version "The Bounty".

Rating:
Summary: Give this film an Oscar!!!
Review: This is one of my most favorite movies, mainly because my great grandfather directed it (Frank Lloyd). His direction was spectacular in this film. Charles Laughten played Captain Blight better than any recent actor has. This a superb black and white film. See it now!

Rating:
Summary: A classic in every way
Review: THIS is the film that launched a thousand parodies and imitators; that's how you know it's considered the benchmark of sea-adventure yarns. Don't look for niggling details and who cares if it's historically accurate? It's a movie. Watch and enjoy it as such.

Rating:
Summary: As good as they get
Review: This movie shows just how good a film can be. No one can do better than Gable as Fletcher Christian. No one will ever be as good as Laughton was as William Bligh. One little vignette wherein Bligh is explaining to Midshipman Byam the way of things in the British navy said all that needs to be said. "Well, understand this, Mr. Byam. A captain is a captain and a seaman is a seaman, but a midshipman is the lowest form of animal life in the British navy." Another reviewer said, "Give this film an Oscar!" I believe it did get at least one...