Captain Phillips (2013)
Look at me, I’m the captain now.
Presentation:
Tom Hanks always delivers in these kinds of roles. He somehow manages to depict both a regular person and also a magnetic Hollywood lead, but it is really Barkhad Abdi that steers the ship. It’s even more fascinating when you realize this is basically his first role and had been selling iPhones prior to this and went back to the same job afterwards (reportedly). In any case, it’s a gripping real account of a pirate hostage situation without the typical Hollywood storytelling, which distinguishes this biographical docudrama. The cinematography is quite simplistic with minimal lighting, grade and handheld movement to evoke a more realistic experience.
Conclusion:
Although this film attempts to portray a realistic, non exaggerated hostage situation, there are some choices that keep this experience from reaching greatness. The acting is quite realistic with no melodrama flair. Tom Hanks certainly understood the assignment, but the editing makes the docudrama feel like there are never any real stakes so the experience at least feels more predictable than it should. I think it’s a result of the dramatic score, which clashes with the grittier storytelling. The climax also doesn’t particularly hit very hard as a result of the neutral presentation and ultimately ends on a safe note. Still, Tom Hanks always delivers in these kinds of high stress roles for a satisfying experience.
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