For my current writing project, I am watching, ranking, and reviewing every film to win The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Oscar for Best Picture. Below, is my review of the 1936 winner, "Mutiny on the Bounty." 

3/5 Stars

Plot: A tyrannical ship captain decides to exact revenge on his abused crew after they form a mutiny against him, but the sailor he targets had no hand in it.

Director: Frank Lloyd, Writers: Talbot Jennings, Jules Furthman, Starring: Charles Laughton, Clark Gable, Franchot Tone

Review: Once you get beyond the fact that Clark Gable’s character is the only one not speaking with a British accent, setting a precedent for Hollywood actors (Tom Cruise in “Valkyrie” and Kevin Costner in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”), this film reveals its true magic. Of course, to do so, you must view this film through history. Authoritarianism was on the rise in Europe. Some thought democracy was dying a slow death. As I watched this movie, I also couldn’t help but think of the times we find ourselves and how they mirror the world of the 1930’s. Then, here comes this film based on a famous book about common men rising up to question authority. As a firm believer in democracy, it was a beautiful thing to watch.

As the tyrannical ship captain begins ruling with rigid discipline and punishment, we see the first glimpses of why this sort of leadership fails time and time again. Distrust and fear are sown among the other sailors. The captain is not someone to be respected. He is to be avoided. For two years on the open sea, there will be no comradery. There will only be hatred. This is no way to run a country much less a ship.

As the punishments become more violent and cruel, a small group begins to rise up slowly. The protests are small at first but soon give away to full mutiny and taking of the ship. This is a moment of triumph for the crew. It is here that the full power of the people is realized. They are allowed for the first time to choose their own destinies.

For many, they choose to stay at the ship’s destination, Tahiti. The British invaders strike up island romances with the natives knowing they can never return to England again. Colonialism never looked so picturesque. Of course, this picture of paradise cannot last. His Majesty's navy never forgets. The mutineers are forced to flee again and make home someplace else. Yet, they do so knowing they are free. Like the pilgrims who landed on America’s shores, they are afforded a rare opportunity in this life; the chance to make the world what you desire.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

Best Picture Ranking (So Far)

Mutiny on the Bounty

Cavalcade

It Happened One Night

All Quiet on the Western Front 

Wings 

The Broadway Melody 

Grand Hotel

Cimarron 

I've never asked readers for financial support before. I am committed to keeping content on this site free and open to all. For me, this means no paywalls or subscription fees. If you like what I create, please consider making a contribution on Patreon.