You can say a lot of things about Russell Crowe’s 2003 film, “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.” No, it wasn’t a box office success that would spawn a franchise devoted to the Patrick O’Brian novels. But you can’t deny that it’s well-made, after being nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. However, according to one tweet recently, the film is not actually good at all. Well, it is good at one thing—putting an audience to sleep.
Recently, on Twitter, someone decided to drag “Master and Commander” by calling it boring. Specifically, the tweet said, “Lots of folk complaining about lack of sleep during the Pandemic. May I recommend Master And Commander starring the usually captivating, attention-grabbing Russell Crowe. I’ve never made it past the ten minute mark. You’re welcome. And thanks Russell.” Ouch. Not a ringing endorsement, at all.
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But you see, there was one problem with that tweet. The user decided it was a good idea to tag Russell Crowe in the complaint…for some reason. You know, because it’s totally appropriate to insult a piece of art that was worked on for years, and then make sure one of the actors knows you’re doing it. Eesh. Well, we’re going to guess the non-fan didn’t realize that Crowe was going to respond.
“That’s the problem with kids these days. No focus,” tweeted Crowe, in response. “Peter Weir’s film is brilliant. An exacting, detail oriented, epic tale of fidelity to Empire & service, regardless of the cost. Incredible cinematography by Russell Boyd & a majestic soundtrack. Definitely an adults movie.”
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Obviously, you can’t get mad at Crowe for replying to the tweet. He was tagged in it, after all. And he’s definitely not wrong in the fact that “Master and Commander” isn’t a film that moves at the pace of a Marvel Studios blockbuster or a TikTok video. And when you speak about audiences nowadays, that is definitely something that studios and creators have to take into account. So, even if the comment comes off a bit like a curmudgeonly “get off my lawn!” response, it comes from a place of frustration but also honesty.
So, the moral of the story is clear—even if you don’t like “Master and Commander,” don’t come at Russell Crowe with that nonsense. And maybe, if you think a film is boring, just complain quietly to yourself and don’t throw it in the face of some famous actor. They might actually make fun of you on the internet. Also, just be lucky that Russell Crowe didn’t call you a “fuckwad.”