The Intriguing Insights: A Pirate Expert's Unbiased Take on Tom Hanks' Biopic 10 Years On

Summary

The inclusion of genuine Somali actors in the movie enhances its verisimilitude and effectively encapsulates the essence of the characters they embody.

Tom Hanks' portrayal of Captain Phillips showcases his exceptional talent in playing real-life heroes with authenticity and subtlety. In the 2013 true-life drama, Captain Phillips, Hanks brings to life the harrowing story of a Somali pirate attack on a container vessel in 2009, in which the ship's captain was held hostage. Directed by Paul Greengrass, the film was a significant success, earning $220 million at the box office while being made on a budget of $55 million. Captain Phillips also received critical acclaim, receiving six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and a nod for Best Supporting Actor for newcomer Barkhad Abdi.

Ten years after Hanks’ Captain Phillips became a hit, a pirate expert has reevaluated the film's accuracy. Iszi Lawrence, a comedian, podcaster, and history presenter, praises the movie for its use of real Somali actors and for basing the dialogue on Captain Phillips' book. Lawrence commends the film for its accurate portrayal of the pirates' tactics in boarding larger ships and for highlighting the dangers of rescuing drowning individuals. In addition, she discusses how the Somali pirates initially intended to defend their coastline against fishermen but later discovered that capturing passing ships was more lucrative. However, Lawrence notes that despite their forced involvement, these pirates were also driven by greed.

The dialogue is authentic, taken from Captain Phillips' book. The filmmakers added the statement, "Don't point the gun at him, point the gun at me," although thirty thousand dollars was indeed offered, which can be considered a significant sum of money. However, Somali pirates, especially upon discovering they were dealing with Americans, demanded more.

It is important to envision the cramped conditions within one of those lifeboats. It is not meant for human habitation. In reality, Captain Phillips endured five days with the pirates, so one can only imagine the horror of being confined in such a space. In the film, he requests to urinate as a means of escape, which may be an embellishment by the filmmakers. Nonetheless, he does leap into the sea as depicted.

This clearly depicts a fight scene between two men. However, it is worth noting that when rescuing someone who is drowning, they may inadvertently push you under in their desperate attempt to stay afloat.

It is quite astonishing that a small pirate crew managed to board the ship, considering that the deck is located 13 meters above sea level. They probably did not anticipate it to be feasible. The method adopted by the Somali pirates attacking in this scenario is a historical approach used by many pirates, wherein smaller boats are employed to target larger vessels. This tactic, known as a cutting out action, involves overwhelming the larger ship from multiple sides with crews stationed on smaller vessels. Additionally, the nimbleness of the smaller boats gives them an advantage over large ships that require more time to maneuver and evade. This strategy has consistently been employed throughout history.

Captain Phillips Proved Tom Hanks’ Mastery Of Playing Real-Life Heroes

Hanks has showcased his versatility as an actor throughout his extensive career, taking on a wide array of roles spanning from comedy to drama to science-fiction. However, he has developed a special talent for portraying real-life heroes. Hanks' unassuming approach to portraying extraordinary men made him an ideal choice for the role of astronaut Jim Lovell in Apollo 13. Similarly, his ability to embody iconic figures with sensitivity and intelligence was evident in his portrayal of Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Hanks' relatable qualities, which are integral to his on-screen presence, were particularly effective in Captain Phillips. In this role, he convincingly depicted an ordinary and non-heroic man who found himself faced with a terrifying ordeal. While other actors may have exaggerated Phillips' defiance in the face of his captors, aiming for dramatic and award-worthy moments, Hanks opted for authenticity, resulting in a film that felt genuine and true. Hanks once again showcased his ability to deliver a believable and understated performance as a hero in his collaboration with Clint Eastwood in Sully, released in 2016. This film, paired with Captain Phillips, would make for a captivating Hanks double-feature.

Source: History Hit/YouTube