I haven’t read Moby Dick (seriously) and now I don’t think I want to anymore. In The Heart of The Sea offers the “true” story that inspired Moby Dick and what a dick he really was.
Driven by the demand of whale oil so much that it was an industry on its own, Chris Hemsworth sailed off with a promise to bring thousands of barrels in return for the fulfillment of his dream to command his own ship. Naturally, whales are killed in this process and for this reason a single gigantic whale, the defender of the sea, exacts his revenge.
We really don’t know if this whale is a “he.” The way this whale acted he looked like an ocean bully committed in destroying all that is on his way. Not that he was unreasonable, sure, but he didn’t have to follow the entire crew all throughout the Pacific Ocean to make a point. They were already driven to human abomination. Just. Don’t. Kill. Whales.
Chris Hemsworth acting is the same for everything he’s ever done so far. In an action sequence, he’s Thor, and when he is quiet he is the Huntsman. The only commendable acting here is from Brendan Gleeson who is also the story teller.
Visual Effects were amazing, they were able to establish the whale as a character and he didn’t look ridiculous. The one thing that is so impressive about this movie is the cinematography and it deserves recognition. All the angles and lighting are spot-on and just pops.
If you’re worried to spend money on this movie, don’t be. It’s not as bad as you think it is. If you’re all for urban legends and mysteries this one is for you. Solid storytelling and top-notch cinematography, you will find a dependable pre Star Wars movie in the Heart of The Sea.
Grade: 3 stars.
Movies In A Nutshell 