And that marked superiority really has to do with one, key ingredient: Gore Verbinski. The director behind the first three Pirate films not only succeeded in ways that those responsible for On Stranger Tides (2011) and Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) could not, he also outdid many modern blockbuster helmers in a variety of areas.
What then elevates Verbinski's Pirates films are their immaculate realities, memorable action sequences and dynamic emotional journeys. "Immaculate Reality" was a cinematic term primarily used by Akira Kurosawa and later George Lucas to describe the worlds that they fabricated within their films. No matter how far removed in time or location, they ensured that their audience would accept those places as real through the depth, breath, detail and cohesion of their production design, costumes, locations, sound effects and music. Each of the Pirates locations overflow with production design detail and cinematic atmosphere that suck the viewer into them and communicate their grit and filth as well as their beauty and romance. Every corner of these films feel real, lived in and one of a kind.
Finally, Verbinski knows what this franchise is based upon — a theme park ride — and consequently ensures that the emotional journeys of each of his Pirates films are as varied and dynamic as a rollercoaster. The slow upward climb of an exposition scene is followed by the exciting downward plunge of a rousing action sequence. And the lightness and fun of certain characters is balanced with the intensity and drama of others. The director is crafting fun, popcorn flicks, yes, but also films about pirates — greedy and murderous criminals.
In the end, all of the Pirates sequels fall short of greatness, each of their plots more tangled than the Kraken's tentacles. Even so, Verbinski entries do escape the doldrums of mediocrity and blandness because of that filmmaker's cinematic eye, wonderfully bizarre style and "rollercoaster-ride storytelling."
deadline.com
thedisinsider.com
www.hollywoodreporter.com
