Pirates of the Caribbean became one of Disney's most profitable franchises over the past 10 years before falling into disrepute, but I contend that one element could have saved its entertainment value. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl it was an uncontrolled coup in 2003, exceeding everyone's expectations for a film based on a theme park ride and working with a historically unreliable film genre. However, the tale on the high seas has cemented itself as an instant Disney classic with a combination of strong performances, stellar design, beautiful action, and a timeless story.
On top of all this was the brilliantly original character of Captain Jack Sparrow, which earned Johnny Depp a surprise Oscar nomination for Best Leading Actor. However, nowadays, almost all rankings in the Pirates of the Caribbean The films reflect the feeling that the franchise only got worse as it went on. There are many reasons for this, probably being heavily analyzed by those who do Pirates of the Caribbean 6 or a Pirates of the Caribbean spin off. However, as a big fan of the swashbuckling fantasy aesthetic, I think keeping one element could have made even the worst storytelling worthwhile.
Pirates of the Caribbean used to have very elaborate and well-choreographed sword fights
The old Pirates of the Caribbean action worked because it was strange but still incorporated a real swordsmanship technique
Curse of the Black Pearl created a highly censored but very entertaining version of the Golden Age of Piracy, inviting longtime fans of the Disneyland ride to have more fun. A big part of this setting's atmosphere are the meticulously choreographed sword fights. The franchise's first major sword fight, between Jack and Orlando Bloom's Will Turner, is filmed in a way that shows off a lot of the actual technique. Following in the footsteps of the infamous Princess Bride duel, this sequence makes me (and I'm sure others) feel totally immersed in the scenario.
Later films show how empty the world and characters feel when this complex element is missing.
The next two Pirates of the Caribbean the films maintain the fight choreography standards established by the original, even if they represent a small advance in the narrative. The crazy water wheel battle is one of my favorites - but I actually also love the one before it, which shows the duel taking place among the ruins of a church. Will and Jack Davenport's wide shots of Norrington are the best of the film's swashbuckling essence, in my opinion.
Both Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and At the end of the world show the sword fights taking place in increasingly unlikely locations – which contributes to the fantastical tone of the series – but hold the scenes long enough to show that the actors/stuntmen are performing a lot of complex choreography, taking advantage of real swordfighting techniques . Later films show how empty the world and characters feel when this complex element is missing.
The action in Pirates of the Caribbean is getting worse
The staging of Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and 5 is lazy compared to its three predecessors
Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Dead men tell no stories they are the low points of the series' narrative - but also of the action. On strange tides still includes some interesting duel scenes, but the initial confrontation between Jack and Penélope Cruz's Angélica is more focused on the gimmick of her being disguised as another Jack Sparrow. Furthermore, the cinematography of the film means that the actors do not have to work as much as in previous episodes. Popular YouTube channel CinemaSins relentlessly criticizes the excessive cutting during the film's action scenes, which hides that the actors aren't doing anything all that impressive.
Yet Dead man tells no stories is the biggest disappointment yet - there is not a single substantial sword fight in the entire film, something that is unfortunately easy to miss due to its poor writing. The film exemplifies how the screenwriters feel they need to surpass previous action sequences and construct absurd concepts like the Tomb of Poseidon sequence, where any kind of sword fighting is literally impossible. The result is that Jack and his fellow pirates are increasingly involved in slapstick action rather than the land battles that made us believe the characters had real combat skills.
Pirates of the Caribbean would still be worth it if the action was up to par
It would at least be fun to watch Pirates of the Caribbean if Jack was still a brilliant swordsman
It's no secret that Pirates of the Caribbean It's getting worse - Jack and Barbossa's (Geoffrey Rush) characters aren't as sharp as they used to be, and the overall plot has become bogged down in complicated supernatural lore. However, I would still be willing to go to the cinema for Pirates If only I had known the action would be as good as in the original. At the very least, Disney can sell the aesthetic. The franchise's PG-13 version of this period in history allows audiences to revel in the same gritty, romantic adventure vibes as always.
But the action is a big part of this aesthetic, as it allows me to believe that the characters are highly competent pirates, even if what they say is stupid, while also making the film visually stimulating.
Add in some eye-catching period costumes and the iconic soundtrack that's so good it's inexplicably played at every Oscar ceremony, and I'm going to buy it. But the action is a big part of this aesthetic, as it allows me to believe that the characters are highly competent pirates, even if what they say is stupid, while also making the film visually stimulating. The pirate genre has had a tumultuous history in entertainment, but if Disney would at least still invest in the quality of the Pirates of the Caribbeanof action, I think the overall feel of the story would still be enjoyable.
Source: CinemaSins