The Bounty (1984)

Directed by Roger Donaldson. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Mel Gibson, Phil Davis, Daniel Day-Lewis, Liam Neeson, Bernard Hill, Simon Adams, Edward Fox, Laurence Olivier, Wi Kuki Kaa, Philip Martin Brown, Tevaite Vernette, Neil Morrisey, Simon Chandler, Dexter Fletcher, Pete Lee-Wilson, John Sessions, Malcolm Terris. [PG]

Latest film version of the notorious South Pacific mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty in 1789; not as entertaining as the 1935 Best Picture Oscar winner, but more thoughtful, mature, and historically accurate. Hopkins plays Captain Bligh as a stubborn taskmaster with touches of paranoia, while Gibson gives Fletcher Christian an air of introspective indolence, and the balanced perspective makes neither one a pure hero or villain (damaging for an adventure film, but rewarding for a historical drama). The contemplative mood and fondness for scenic backdrops—Arthur Ibbetson’s lush photography is quite striking—slows the pace to a crawl at times, but the storytelling and performances are absorbing, including those from future stars like Day-Lewis and Neeson. One frustrating shortcoming: the one-note depiction of the Tahitian characters, especially Fletcher’s mate, Mauatua (Vernette). Vangelis’ unorthodox electronic score is surprisingly effective, combining decorous shimmers and mournful caterwauls—far better than the work he’d later do for another period seafaring yarn (1492: Conquest of Paradise). Written by Robert Bolt, working from Richard Hough’s “Captain Bligh and Mr. Christian” instead of the Charles Nordhoff/James Norman Hall novel that had the been the basis for the last two big-screen treatments.

77/100