The Making of Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World

by Tom McGregor

The fascinating story behind one of the most highly anticipated movies to come out of Hollywood in recent years. Peter Weir's astonishing film brings Patrick O'Brian's world to life, complete with its swashbuckling adventures, brilliantly drawn characterization, romance, and intrigue. It is sure to captivate stalwart enthusiasts of O'Brian's work as well as draw in new fans everywhere. With unique access to the cast and crew, Tom McGregor traces the project, from the actors' boot camp to the filming in the Galapagos Islands and on board a replica ship (in the same studio where Titanic was filmed).

With exclusive photographs and interviews with key members of the cast, including Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany ( A Beautiful Mind ), and director Peter Weir ( Dead Poets' Society , Green Card , The Truman Show ), this book records the painstaking work of the crew and stars in making the film as historically accurate as possible, from replicating the uniforms of Nelson's navy to bringing the gun deck of the Surprise incredibly to life. Exclusive behind-the-scenes insight and information on the history of the project are dazzlingly showcased in this unique companion, featuring the same high production standards and imagination as the film itself. 200 color photographs

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, History

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful telling of exactly what went into make of the Master & Commander movie. I have to say I am awed by all the intricate work and hour upon hour of research that went into this production to make it as authentic as possible.

From the sails to the men's shoes, every detail was carefully researched and incorporated into the movie. Even though, as a viewer, we might not see it, or just catch a glimpse, the authenticity is there.

The only negative thing I can say is how disappointed I am, considering all this attention to detail, that the studio did not make any other movies from the O'Brian cannon. It was mentioned that the main focus was on relationships, which is evident, but there is still a bunch of information available from the books that would have made a great movie, especially with all the sets, props and costumes in place already. These studio executives can be such philistines.

[Michael Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a great fan of O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin novels and of Napoleonic era naval fiction in general, and I looked forward to this film with a certain apprehension. I mean, how could they possibly do justice to O’Brian’s extremely detailed world? Would they just crank out a superficial action film? I’m not sure any devotée was entirely pleased with the result, but it was, in fact, a pretty damn good movie. And all the background information and photos in this book help explain why. Peter Weir, the director, was a fanatic on accurate historical detail, including small items you never see on camera (but the crew knows they’re there). He kept the entire cast together for the full five months of filming at the big tank in Baja, the same way a ship’s crew would be together every day of their lives. And he instituted hierarchy (with Russell Crowe at the top, naturally) even during the “boot camp” phase at the beginning of the project. And on and on. A fascinating look behind the scenes and into the minds of all the people responsible for the film. I winced every time they talked about the “cannon,” though.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't finish this for some reason, although I'm usually a sucker for books on the making of films.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice collection of background information and behind the scenes stories. Incredible how much love and effort went into this movie, especially the set, costume and props design.

[Neil Heck · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one that I had read over a long peroid of time. it is a very lengthy book that took a long time to finish. the book was in some cases very dry and dense. the book was too descritive in the worng parts. but when i can down to the battles they were very amazingly thought out and they were very interesting. this is also a movie and I had seen the movie befroe the book but then after reading the book i found it to hold more infromation in it. also the book did a better job or interacting with the reader if i didnt know the sailing terms. because lets face it i didnt but the book made me feel like i had.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like behind-the-scenes books about making movies. This is a very good book of that genre. Good pictures. But it still doesn't make me want to watch the movie or even read the book.
chapters are
Setting Sail (treatment & development); The far side of the world (filming in Baja, Mexico); Below the Decks (behind the scenes); Jack Aubrey’s Navy (an authentic recreation); Mustering the Crew (interviews with the cast); Patrick O’Brian (putting genius into genre). Glossary of naval terms.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I own this book and have read it on and off over the years. I don't really understand all the ship crew stuff that it went into but I really enjoy how the author talks in depth about how much work went into the movie. It seems like a one of a kind book and might be a collectors item down the road as the movie seems to have a following. I think it should have won more awards. Directed by Peter weir (I've seen almost everything he's done) who's known for atmospheric type moods.

[Jess Trebanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had SO MUCH FUN with this book. Like seriously. It makes me grin every time I pick it up, and I always discover something new with each successive reading. The pictures are awesome, and the text is hugely informative. If you enjoy the movie and/or any of the O'Brian books it's based on, you'll enjoy this. Promise.

[Rick Brindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent companion to the film, giving great insights into how and why it was made, and also the tributes paid to Patrick O'Brien. The film itself seemed almost a documentary, and I actually enjoyed reading about it more than watching it. Excellent pictures throughout.

[Gene McAvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make sure you read this before you see the movie. The ending is better in the book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read if you liked the movie.

[Fangirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book, filled with great photos and plenty of additional information about making this great movie.

[Jamie Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book to add to my collection of books about the Aubrey-Maturin series. Pretty soon I'll have more companion books than there are books in the series.

[Julian Cribb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting account of the making of the movie. Incredible to realise all those graphic storm sequences were shot in a huge water tank - of course, there is no other way they could have done it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good look at the making of the movie "Master and Commander".

[Donna]

I Own it!!!!