Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) - 9/10

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (POTC because im lazy) is so close to being a 10/10. I'm not even sure if I can articulate why it doesn't get the 10 from me. I have seen this movie more than a few times, but with more critical glasses on this recent rewatch one word kept coming to mind - Rhythm. Let talk about it.

1. Acting

I wonder if this is the area where I feel like something is missing. That's not to say the acting in POTC is bad - it certainly isn't. The main trio of actors - Knightley, Bloom and Depp give solid performances. The supporting cast also does a good job. It was particularly funny seeing someone like Zoe Saldana be in such a small role considering the trajectory of her stardom in the following years. Jefferey Rush also feels like he was made to play a pirate and as always is solid in his performance.

Depp, in particular, created an iconic character in his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. His comedic chops, physical idiosyncrasies, and timing are excellent. He also understands the nuances of playing an anti-hero like Jack. I really think this is one of those movies and roles where if it was any other actor it would have failed. 

However, of all the areas in which this film excels, the acting (apart from Depp) is probably the most middle-of-the-road aspects.

2. Cinematography

This film is certainly gorgeous to look at. It's colorful, well polished and knows how to take advantage of its beautiful locales and sets. The shots are also energetic and integrate very well with all the other elements. The team here excels in everything from small character moments between actors, to chaotic action sequences, to sweeping establishing shots.

3. Production/Costume Design

Undoubtedly one of the biggest strengths of this movie is its production teams. Not only are the sets lovely to look at, but they are also well fleshed out. Every aspect of the characters costumes and makeup feel like they have a purpose, the sets have a visceral feel to help bring the world of pirates to life, and one of the most important aspects - the ships - feel like they were stolen with a time machine. 

The quality of all these practical elements also helps sell the multitude of VFX employed in the film.

4. Writing

When talking rhythm, writing plays a huge role in building out the orchestra. I think POTC's script has a great feel for Chekov's Gun in both small and large moments. I'll probably do a longer deep dive on Checkov's Gun at some point but really it is just well known short hand for a very simple writing principle - setup and payoff. 

Every shot, every line of dialog, every glance from an actor feels like it is setting something up. We see this often in the outset of the film. Elizabeth's fascination with Pirates and singing in the opening shot is setting up multiple things to include both short and long term. In regards to the short term it immediately plays off with seeing The Black Pearl, meeting Will, and taking his necklace. But also long term in the way she later unabashedly thrusts herself into the adventure, her knowledge of Pirate lore such as Parlay, and of eventually falling in love with a Pirate while shirking her future betrothed. 

Even sillier moments such as when Elizabeth is trying on the dress her father got for her and is having trouble breathing in it. This leads to her falling at the ceremony, meeting Jack, and creates a funny comedic moment with the Soldier awkwardly holding it when everyone gather at the scene of her rescue. 

These story moments create pace and rhythm and from those things emanate comedy, drama, stress and resolution. Nothing in this script feels like waste and its efficiency in carrying the plot helps engross the audience (whether consciously or not) into every single shot and line of speech.

5. Sound Design

Not only is the environmental sound effects very well done in this film, it has a fantastic original score. Hanz Zimmer and Klaus Badelt pull no punches in building a sweeping score that fits perfectly within the film. It feels epic when it needs to, subdued when it need to pull back, and brings a lightness and urgency across every scene. This score easily belongs in the upper echelons of film soundtracks.

6. Editing

Another place where rhythm comes to mind is definitely in the edit. The edits do a very nice job at playing into all of the setups and payoffs the script designed. They make sure to highlight for the audience without it feeling like it is being thrown in your face. The edit also complements the comedy quite well by following along with the joke and building up to the laughs. 

The edit also moves when it needs to but isn't afraid to stop and breathe in both dramatic and comedic moments.  Everything just feels like it was put perfectly in the place that it needed to be in.

7. Visual Effects

Not only are the VFX in this movie exceptional for 2003 - they are probably still considered exceptional by today's standards. ILM, as always, turns in some inspired work. The skeletal sequences in particular are excellently done and also showed that the entire filmmaking team were working together. The level of VFX being done here, and the timeline in which it took place, shows that they took care while shooting on set (and in post) to create a cohesive product after the final rendering. The lighting, the animation and the artistry are all tremendous. This film was very ahead of its time and helped push the entire industry further ahead in creating photoreal CGI.

8. Originality or Strength of Adaptation

It seems silly that the origin of this film is from a 1967 attraction at Disneyland. How a boat-track ride with animatronics turned into one of the best action adventure movies ever made is something else. It also shows that talented creatives can take a small idea or concept and build it into an entire world.

9. Stunt Coordination

Yet again, I find myself admiring this films rhythm. The stunts and choreography of this film are wonderful and every swashbuckling sword fight feels inspired and well executed. The fights are like dances and have a terrific energy to them. 

The wire work on this film also feels elaborate and well done. So many of the stunts are clearly caught in camera which helps sell the action and fun. 

10. Direction

Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer feel like the perfect duo to take on a film like this. I see Bruckheimer's fingerprints all over the film from the way it was shot, to its action/adventure nature and its infusion with comedy. And it came as no surprise to me to learn that Verbinski was a musician in his early career considering how well the score and rhythm of the film play out.

Legacy/Final Thoughts

It would not surprise me in the least if there was a large contingent of people that consider this movie a masterpiece. I'm certainly very close to doing so. It is by no means the first swashbuckling action adventure, but it is one of the absolute best. I remarked in an explainer post that the only real difference between a 9/10 and 10/10 film is an almost undefinable je ne sais quoi, often specific to the audience member. And for me, though this film falls just barely short of that legendary status, it is one that I will always keep coming back to when I just want to sit back and watch a fun and grand adventure.