A Great Inconsistent Film

Rating: Null/10 (10 October 2013)

My problems with Captain Phillips when I first saw it in an advance screening was the shaky camera-work and unnecessary jerky editing. I saw the Bourne movies and United 93, had no problem with Greengrass' work, but in Captain Phillips I found it to be distracting. Upon my rewatch I actually grew to accept and even, love the editing. I think it's part of the effect of the film, Greengrass makes us feel like we're inches away from being seasick. Being used to that method, I saw how closely sewn the cuts are connected. Greengrass' direction is the best of any of the films he's made; he pumps the fear into our systems. He makes the film "click-click- click-click."
While I still find Abdi unremarkable, Hanks' acting is better than remembered and I praised the heck out of him before. It's a heroic, realistic, terrific piece of acting. He's stolen the win from Matthew McConaughey for Best Actor in my opinion and I never thought McConaughey would be dethroned. It's a performance that will go on to be one of the decade's finest. The quality of the screenplay stood out more and the development of Captain Phillips himself. I got this strange vibe that Phillips strangely cares for the pirates. The most pleasant surprise was the score, I was touched by its balance of tenderness and intensity. Captain Phillips is a throat grabbing thriller that I have grown to love.
Updated Rating- 8.0