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Mutiny showdown

posted 7 years ago by PeteRose (2893)
13 replies | jump to latest

Mutiny on the Bounty 1935
Mutiny on the Bounty 1962
The Bounty 1984

Who did it best? I am not very familiar with the '35 version, but I've seen the other two several times. One thing I note is that in Brando's version, the mutineers are depicted as more justified and respectably defiant youth fighting against the injustice of the older generation. In The Bounty, Anthony Hopkins is depicted as being the more sympathetic character and the mutineers shown to be scoundrels who don't repect authority. I like each one very much. What do you think about these? Compare and contrast.

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[–] Culburn (3638) 7 years ago

I wouldn't hit a dog in the ass with the 1962 version. Dum-Dum Brando screwin' around. That version nearly bankrupted Hollywood for the love of Christ.

The '35 one is just a might too pretty & quaint.

"The Bounty" is very serviceable. One can pick it up at any point & enjoy it. Repeated viewings are rewarding. Hopkins acquits himself quite nicely. Gibson doesn't overdo it. Though D.D. Lewis is near invisible here. Liam Neeson has a plum role. It's a true adventure.

I had occasion to listen to the audio book of "The Bounty." It was quite fine.

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[–] croft_alice (12180) 7 years ago

I only saw the one with hopkins and mel gibson.

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[–] PeteRose (2893) 7 years ago

I agree that The Bounty is probably the choice pick, but Brando's version is great fun as well. I'm aware it killed the studio, but that's pretty irrelevant to my enjoyment of it. For one thing I find it beautifully filmed. The production value is great (better be for breaking the bank) and Brando's performance is super weird and interesting. I like the story and I'm going to give the '35 version a fresh watch so I can talk authoritatively about it.

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[–] Culburn (3638) 7 years ago

You're okay, PR. You & the others make me think, make me go back & reassess my opines. I fight it, yes, but, I always go back.

Ain't nothing wrong with that.

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[–] PeteRose (2893) 7 years ago

So many things we think we like or dislike is based on what the business of movies told us to think. If it makes no money, it must have been bad, right? Cleopatra cost so much money, and didn't make what the studio wanted back, even though it did make some, that in our minds we think it must be bad. Cleopatra is awesome!

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[–] PeteRose (2893) 7 years ago

Also I think we get into this mode where we think if we like one thing, we can't like the other. The Bounty didn't erase the Brando version from existence. I think this is one reason (amongst many possible reasons) that a lot of people don't like the new Star Wars movies. Saying you like The Last Jedi or Force Awakens doesn't mean you're never allowed to watch the original Trilogy again. Nothing can take it away from you, but if we open ourselves up we can possibly add new things we might enjoy into our lives.

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[–] PeteRose (2893) 7 years ago

I rewatched the Bounty, and I must say it makes me miss the time when Gibson was working heavily as an actor. His personal proclivities has greatly overshadowed his work. He was excellent in this film, and only a few of of seem to remember.

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[–] ShogunofYonkers (78605) 7 years ago

I love Mel on-screen
Always have
He is one hell of a movie star

Agree on his weirdo personal behavior...very off-putting to say the least

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[–] RussellNash (2087) 7 years ago

Slightly off topic here Pete, but if tar and sails are your thing, I heartily recommend Treasure Island (1990), aka Devil's Treasure, with a very young Christian Bale as Jim Hawkins and legendary Charlton Heston as Long John Silver. In my humble opinion a veritable masterpiece!

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[–] PeteRose (2893) 7 years ago

Solid suggestion, I'm gonna check this out for sure

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[–] Culburn (3638) 7 years ago

Me too.

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[–] ShogunofYonkers (78605) 7 years ago

The Bounty by a mile!

The costumes and locations, Mel and Anthony (what a cast!)
The ship was an impressive beast, the fights were well handled...etc

I have always liked the idea of being marooned on a perfect tropical island and not to be a crude or pervy guy but the thought of hunting and fishing all day and laying down with giggling, bare chested pretty island girls every night by a campfire seems like paradise to me

I really liked The Bounty!

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[–] Culburn (3638) 7 years ago

Remember Yonk, the part in "The Green Mile" when the Indian character (Graham Greene) is having his conversation with Hanks (before he's executed) about his "best time" and he talks about living and being with his wife over the course of a Summer and her being bare chested at night and loving him. The way he relates it is impressive. Just resignation now, he's at peace with his plight and now, now, NOW there is time to reflect.

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What helps "The Bounty" vs. the other two treatments is we're shown "Mr. Christian" actually inside "Bligh's" home early on, being afforded a good night kiss from "Bligh's" giggling daughters. So, when the shit hits the Oscillator on board ship it really pole axes the viewer. All that is lost.

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