Analysis of Pirates of the Caribbean: the Curse of the Black Pearl
Analysis of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Michelle Neitzel
February 8, 2010
Analysis of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 film, which is an entertaining, swashbuckling movie produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. This Walt Disney movie is based on the famous Disneyland and Disney World ride adventure called, of course, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Unlike the fun-filled ride at the Disney parks, this movie has deeper meaning other than just the ability to capture and hold the viewers attention. By scrutinizing the literary elements of this movie, the spectator can discover those deeper meanings and therefore enjoy the film to its fullest potential. The first of the literary element important to this film is the theme. Pirates of the Caribbean has all of the five thematic elements present in it. The movie shows the emotional effect and mood by revealing a combination of horror and humor (Boggs, 2004, p. 20). The horror is displayed by the undead pirates tormenting the Caribbean, while the humor of the movie is attributed to the comic relief of Captain Jack Sparrow. It is through the comic relief of Captain Jack Sparrow that another thematic element is revealed. Throughout the entire film the characterization of Jack is emphasized and the viewer sees the development of unique aspects of his personality (Boggs, 2004, p.22). Also, the thematic focus on specific ideas is present through the moral implications of the punishment fits the crime. When the pirates steal the gold of Cortez they are cursed to live like the undead until every piece of gold is returned, along with a blood sacrifice. The focus on specific ideas is also present through the complexity of human relationships. The love relationship between the characters Will and Elizabeth seems to have trouble developing. Although both are in love with the other, they are not on the
Michelle Neitzel
February 8, 2010
Analysis of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 film, which is an entertaining, swashbuckling movie produced by Jerry Bruckheimer. This Walt Disney movie is based on the famous Disneyland and Disney World ride adventure called, of course, “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Unlike the fun-filled ride at the Disney parks, this movie has deeper meaning other than just the ability to capture and hold the viewers attention. By scrutinizing the literary elements of this movie, the spectator can discover those deeper meanings and therefore enjoy the film to its fullest potential. The first of the literary element important to this film is the theme. Pirates of the Caribbean has all of the five thematic elements present in it. The movie shows the emotional effect and mood by revealing a combination of horror and humor (Boggs, 2004, p. 20). The horror is displayed by the undead pirates tormenting the Caribbean, while the humor of the movie is attributed to the comic relief of Captain Jack Sparrow. It is through the comic relief of Captain Jack Sparrow that another thematic element is revealed. Throughout the entire film the characterization of Jack is emphasized and the viewer sees the development of unique aspects of his personality (Boggs, 2004, p.22). Also, the thematic focus on specific ideas is present through the moral implications of the punishment fits the crime. When the pirates steal the gold of Cortez they are cursed to live like the undead until every piece of gold is returned, along with a blood sacrifice. The focus on specific ideas is also present through the complexity of human relationships. The love relationship between the characters Will and Elizabeth seems to have trouble developing. Although both are in love with the other, they are not on the
References: Boggs, J. M., & Petrie, D.W. (2004). The Art of Watching Film. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Bruckheimer, J. (Producer). (2003). Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl [Motion Picture]. United States: Walt Disney.