Mutiny on the Bounty

This movie, nominated for Best Picture, was under-rated, probably because of Brando's supposed behavioral problems on the set. They changed directors and I'm amazed this film is as good as it is. Brando is great as a foppish Fletcher Christian until Mutiny time when he becomes manly and wrestles power from Trevor Howard. Great production values, beautiful cinematography and able support from Richard Harris (who wanted to choose off Brando), Trevor Howard, and others. A 7 out of 10. Best performance = Marlon Brando. To see this on a big screen back then was very impressive. Don't avoid this one because of the bad press. A worthwhile film.

Based on a true event, Marlon Brando plays one of his best roles as Fletcher Christian - the man who risked all he had and led the mutiny against the abusive and vicious captain Bligh (an extremely nasty Trevor Howard). The film is blessed with a larger than life cinematography in some of the most beautiful locations on earth. Brando has never looked better and here you could see why this man was considered a legend. Also look for a young Richard Harris as one of the sailors. The film also features some exotic looking women from Tahiti - most notable of course is the pretty Tarita (who became Brando's wife and had two children with him). It's a reminder of a time when they really made a big, and I mean BIG films who had a long lasting impact on you. Another thing should be pointed out for those of you who shy away from a long running time, at almost 3 hours, this film is gripping from the first minute to the last. A true classic that is highly recommended 10/10.

From the bleakness of the Charles Laughton/Clark Gable effort to Trevor Howard and Marlon Brando, this is a terrific story. Of course, there is documentation that affirms the the events that took place on board the Bounty, the cruelty of Capt. Bligh, and the ultimate despair of the crew. Brando gives us a solid performance as Fletcher Christian exuding a sort of elegance and power at the same time. Initially, he knows his place but soon begins to suspect that Bligh is way out of bounds. The problem is that the British Navy isn't too happy with its sailors turning on a Captain. Trevor Howard senses disrespect on the part of his men and he is ruthless in his treatment. The men end up in Tahiti and when they return, it just is not the same. Soon they must meet king and country.

This is my favorite version of Mutiny of the Bounty, and I think it takes a very unfair pounding on the basis of comparisons to the original. The production is superb, the story is paced a lot better, and it details Captain Bligh's cruelty more thoroughly. I can't vouch for the historical accuracy of the film, Brando's concept as a foppish Mr. Christian is a bit hard to believe, although he played it extremely well. Trevor Howard's Bligh is one of the most underrated performances in the world. For him to take a role heavily identified with another actor, play it his own way, and pull it off is extremely difficult. I give him enormous credit for this superb performance. I think the biggest criticism of this film is that it's not the original, but still extremely well done under the circumstances and very entertaining. ***

I haven't seen the original and I can't make comparisons. All I can say is that I found this remake well-made and very entertaining - at least three times better than "Ben-Hur". It's way overlong but genuinely exciting at times (and even ONE genuinely exciting sequence in a movie is a rare thing), and well-mounted. Brando's performance is excellent: he's like a time-bomb, and when he finally explodes, it's a really terrific moment.