By Jack Howorth
Arts Editor
The hijacking of the Maersk Alabama was a shocking tragedy that opened the eyes of many to the danger of the seas. Four years later, director Paul Greengrass’ adaptation of the events perfectly captures the peril and conflict of international piracy.
The film follows the real life experiences of captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) aboard the American cargo ship, the Maersk Alabama. While on a routine transport, the ship is hijacked by a group of Somali pirates, and Phillips is taken hostage.
Tension builds throughout “Captain Phillips” due to the use of creative cinematography, wherein handheld camera techniques are utilized to give a sense of urgency as the terrifying events unfold on the ship. The purposefully shaky camera handling not only intensifies the feeling of apprehension but also gives the film a more realistic feel.
What also made “Captain Phillips” so authentic was Greengrass’ decision to film the movie on the actual vessel, the Maersk Alabama. The actual shooting of the film at sea gave it the distinctive authenticity necessary to maintain the atmosphere that made it so entertaining to watch.
Greengrass also develops a unique theme of moral ambiguity throughout the film by choosing to expand upon the original story through scenes from the Somali pirates’ perspectives. The vivid depiction of the harsh life in a village on the Somali coast gives insight to the Somalian pirates’ hardships and motives, adding an unexpected dynamic to the film. This choice in narrative portrays the antagonists of the story in a surprisingly sympathetic light, making it easy to root for them.
Bolstering the film’s general quality is the outstanding acting of Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. Hanks plays the role of a hostage exceptionally well, showing heavy emotion in an overall passionate performance. However, it is Abdi as the lead pirate Muse that manages to steal the show. He perfectly portrays a frightening Somali pirate through his intimidating body language and facial expressions.
Perhaps the greatest aspect of the “Captain Phillips” is the closing scene, which was an emotional resolution to the film, the likes of which is rarely ever seen in Hollywood. Hanks gives an extremely raw and moving performance in a scene that brings the audience to tears.
The film flawlessly transitions from one tension-building scene to the next. The suspense develops in a very organic way, creating tension not through intense special effects but instead through the emotional progression of the characters throughout the entirety of the story.
Throughout “Captain Phillips,” Greengrass builds upon an already-captivating story-line to create an overall exhilarating movie. The film lacks a downfall and is a dramatic masterpiece with extremely engaging film techniques and cinematography that complement the already-stellar cast.
“Captain Phillips” is rated PG-13 and is now playing in theaters across the country.
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