A film that was considered a disaster, but now it clearly deserves a second chance. Roman Polanski's Pirates didn't find its audience in 1986, but it was perhaps ahead of its time. Why did Stanley Kubrick call the film a masterpiece, and why should viewers give it a second chance?
A classic sea saga that didn't find an audience
Roman Polanski dreamed of making a real pirate film, full of adventures and references to classic plots. The story centers on the old sea wolf Captain Thomas Bartholomew Red, who is hunting for a Spanish galleon with treasures. But his plans collapse, and a series of unexpected events begins.
The director wanted to use the usual cliches of the pirate genre to show it in a more realistic way. However, viewers expected a dynamic adventure blockbuster, but got a grotesque and dark satire. The result is a box office failure and harsh criticism.
40 million for the film and 8 million for the galleon – was it worth it?
The film’s main pride was the real 60-meter galleon, which was built over several years. The ship cost 8 million dollars, and Polanski was proud that it was completely authentic. Later, it was used in other projects and even turned into a tourist attraction.
However, the film’s total budget reached 40 million dollars, making it one of the director’s most expensive projects. Unfortunately, the film failed at the box office, collecting only 1 million dollars in the US. It was a financial disaster for the studio.
After the film's release, critics were not stingy with harsh words. Roger Ebert called the film a disappointment, noting that Polanski had no love for the material. Other reviewers ridiculed the drawn-out plot, dark jokes, and gruesomeness.
But there was an unexpected admirer Stanley Kubrick, who allegedly called Pirates a bold and daring masterpiece. There is no documentary evidence of this, but the fact that the director admired the film makes you look at it differently.
Why Pirates deserves a second chance?
One of the film's greatest assets was its costumes, which were even nominated for an Oscar. The jackets, hats, and wardrobe details were made with stunning precision, which made the film visually magnificent. Even after all these years, its authenticity is striking.
In addition, the film was one of the first to attempt to make a realistic pirate story. If modern viewers rewatch it without expecting Pirates of the Caribbean, they will be able to appreciate the atmosphere, dialogue, and details of the era.
Pirates is a film that was ahead of its time, but did not find its audience. Perhaps now, when we have seen many similar adventure films, it will be able to reveal itself in a different way.
