Cast
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Mel Gibson
as Fletcher Christian
Anthony Hopkins
as Lieutenant William Bligh
Daniel Day-Lewis
as John Fryer
Bernard Hill
as William Cole
Phil Davis
as Edward Young
Liam Neeson
as Charles Churchill
Wi Kuki Kaa
as King Tynah
Tevaite Vernette
as Mauatua
Laurence Olivier
as Admiral Hood
Edward Fox
as Captain Greetham
Philip Martin Brown
as John Adams
Simon Chandler
as David Nelson
Malcolm Terris
as Dr. John Huggan
Simon Adams
as Thomas Heywood
John Sessions
as John Smith
Crew
Director
- Roger Donaldson
Producer
- Bernard Williams
- Dino De Laurentiis
Reviews
CinemaSerf
When you already have a definitive version of a story on film (1935) it's always tough to remake it successfully. To be fair to Roger Donaldson, he has managed to come pretty close - and do far better than the 1962 iteration - with this well cast telling of a story of mutiny and brutality. It's told by way of a retrospective as Lord Hood (Lord Olivier) conducts an investigation into what happened aboard the ill-fated ship. Anthony Hopkins is the disciplinarian Lt. Bligh in charge of the glorified freighter "HMS Bounty" which is charged with heading to Tahiti to secure breadfruit trees that can be used to feed the slaves by the colonies in the West Indies. His second-in-command is the no-nonsense but eminently more fair Fletcher Christian (a competent effort from Mel Gibson) and as our journey progresses, the film takes it's time to develop the gradually building toxicity of that relationship as the former man treats the crew with scant humanity. After a great many trials and tribulations, their relationship is all but shot when they arrive at their destination and we know that the writing is on the wall for Bligh. Unlike the other "Bounty" films, this one spends a bit more time presenting the epic and perilous open-boat journey undertaken by the dispossessed - the high seas, the cannibals, the shortages - and Hopkins holds that together really well. This man may have been an inhumane individual, but he was no mean sailor too. The cinematography is top drawer, well complemented by Vangelis' score and Robert Bolt's adaptation of the story that keeps the dialogue tight and potent - especially from Hopkins. Not quite Laughton and Gable, but then...
Nov 5, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Bounty examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Roger Donaldson brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1984, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Bounty took approximately 29 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $25.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 132 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 165 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1135 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 253 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1984, when this film was released:
- The Cold War was entering its final phase.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Bounty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Another Promise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Bounty offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Heavenly Creatures and Sommersby explore similar territory, The Bounty stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 4, 1984
- Runtime: 2h 12m
- Budget: $25,000,000
- Revenue: $8,613,462
Where to Watch
