Jack Sparrow’s Character And His Trickster Traits In The Movie

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is a 2003 action-adventure film that stars Jerry Bruckheimer and was directed by Gore Verbinski. It tells the story of two people who are entangled in the world of piratery. The film has the right amount of action, visual effects, good fights and interlaced plots. But most importantly, the story is narrated by a great cast that twists it in many different ways. Based on the Disney World’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride, this Walt Disney film was created. The film’s deeper meaning is beyond the simple ability to attract and keep the attention of the viewer, which is unlike the Disney Parks’ ‘fun’ rides. We can uncover deeper meanings by looking at the movie’s literary elements and enjoy it to its fullest extent. The writers and director use clever ways to convey information to the viewer. The film’s characters are often looking for antagonistic and specific goals. Johnny Depp is brilliant as Captain Jack Sparrow. His charismatic performance makes him the most memorable character. Jack Sparrow is Carlo Goldoni’s trickster archetype. The film shows these essential trickster traits through his exploits. In the character introduction scene, Jack Sparrow introduces us to his confidence (and sometimes overconfidence). Jack is seen bailing out the boat of water. Jack’s facial emotions show the seriousness and vulnerability of the scene. Jack seems confident and does not seem to be in any danger. Jack passes through a cave and sees the bodies of pirates. He also notices the warning sign. The director shows this by looking ahead to the future and direction. The camera’s placement within the frame gives Jack a point-of-authority, which is reinforced by his heroic stance. The camera is focused onto the mast of Jack’s boat, creating the illusion that it is larger than it really is. The lighting contrasts support this idea. Jacks face glows with light and helps to keep the attention on him. Jack appears to emerge from the darkness with the lighting in his bottom half, which gives him even more importance. The warmth of the light makes Jack feel ‘good’ and civilized. Jack is calm and orderly as his boat sinks. His expressions and gestures, which are squinted, indicate that he’s working on something. We see his agility and physical side as he steps onto a jetty. Arriving on time at the port, he questions the audience about his genius and how he can do it. We are immediately impressed by his ability to be a trickster as his timing, movement, and timing is similar to Commedia del’arte’sAlecchino. The camera follows him along the jetty, suggesting that he is the one in control. This camera angle was used by the director in order to trick and coerce Jack. The scene is just over one minute long and contains no dialogue. The staging and soundtrack by Klaus Badelt make it all work. The scene begins with Jack being introduced to us. While he is introduced as a trickster to us, we should be able to see the good in him. Jack and Will battle it out in battle. Jack appears as if from nowhere, holding his sword point at will. This is similar to the Alechhino, who has used surprise. The blacksmith shop is the perfect setting for staging a fight. The light is dimmed and muffled, evoking the gentle and slow music. The only warmth comes from the cracks in walls. This indicates that the location is remote and far from the hustle and bustle of the main street. Jack is seen looking curiously at Will in the over-the-shoulder shot by the director. The director uses an over-the-shoulder shot of Jack looking at Will. His expressions are clear and suggest that he is trying recall something. The shot switches to Will waving a sword at Jack. Jack displays Will’s excessive confidence as he uses clever wordplay to threaten Will about his plans to cross paths. As Jack makes his first move with his sword, the director decides to show Jack that he can fight when needed. Jack’s swordsmanship is a demonstration to the audience of his skill and ability. Again, the director contrasts his casual nature with his seriousness. This particular shot was used to demonstrate to the audience Jack is well-trained and experienced in his chosen field. Jack confidently moves towards the exit while the light strikes the roof. Will locks the door latch, and he is brought to a halt. The camera is placed in front of the sword and focuses on Jack’s face. His shocked and surprised expression is evident. This shot shows how close the sword was to Jack’s face. This shot captures Jacks reactions as well as the subtle lighting. Jack’s agility is also displayed when he is held from a rope but fights with the freehand. The lighting becomes darker, almost as if something is covering the light coming from the outside. Jack is holding a gun and withdraws the weapon. This shows the audience that he is willing to do whatever it takes and doesn’t care what the rules are. Jack is seen pointing his gun at Will. The shot switches over to a close-up view of Jacks face. The result can be seen in the panning-out shot. The scene in which Jack Sparrow and Will Turner (played well by Orlando Bloom) steel the interceptor ship is the best example of Jack’s improvisational thinking and improvisational skills. Jack and Will stand under a bridge. Jack’s expressions are clear that Jack is trying to analyze the positions of his targets. Jack once again shows his overconfidence by overlooking the smaller ship docked within the bay. He instead beckons for the interceptor. This is Jack’s point of view. This angle lets the audience see Jack’s face. We can see the men around the ship and determine how difficult this task will be. Jack is sure that Jack can accomplish this feat, but Will Turner (his partners) has doubts. Jack responds by saying “Don’t worry about your business boys, it’s not worth going. Will responds, “I would die for her.” Jack’s use of this wordplay has helped Will feel more confident. Jack shows that he has a lot of knowledge. We see this when he uses the only resources at his disposal and devises a plan for sneaking aboard the ship. He invents an underwater respirator using a nearby paddle and unique Newtonian principles. The camera angle is viewed from the water surface towards the jetty. The camera is then tilted to show Jack and Will underwater. The canoe is lit by the warm sunlight from above the water. This indicates that their plans might be possible. Next, the shot switches to Jack & Will’s interior. Will responds to this by saying “This can be madness or genius,” which Sparrow replied, “It’s amazing how many times those two traits coincide.” It is clear that Jack is confident about his plan. Will’s speed is slower than Jack’s. It seems like Jack has been in similar situations before. Alechhino’s large, confident steps are a similarity to his. The camera sees up into the water to get a closer view of the grand ship’s side, highlighting its size even more. The ship’s bottom is lit by a dark light, which indicates the dangers in the water. The sun shines a brighter light on the top, which is clearly visible. This shot is used by the director as a way to emphasize the grandness and grandeur of this ship. The music compliments the lighting. When the camera emerges from the ship’s bottom, the composer chose a slow, almost subtle and dark piece. The music shifts to a faster and more energetic pace as the ship tilts upward toward the light of Jack’s and Will’s climbing. Jack confidently and comically announces, as he steps onto the ship, that he will ‘takeover the ship’. Will is following his example. The audience is immediately aware that Jack is the one in control and making all the decisions. You underestimate Jack because of his appearance and character. They laugh and then say that the ship cannot be crewed with two men. Sparrow replies: “Son” and raises an arm. This line is repeated often by Jack throughout the movie. He uses it to remind himself of who he really is. The camera is placed on top of the gun barrel to capture the crew member’s confused expression. This shows that he is confident and doesn’t fear failure. The scene then cuts back to The Commodore in the dock. Here, he sees Sparrow & Turner trying to steal the unassailable, mediocre boat in broad daylight. The shot switches to inside a handheld microscope, which gives an enlarged view of what The Commodore can see. The crew are floating on a small boat while Jack and will prepare and launch the ship. This shot was used by the director to show that Jack has completed the task. The camera pans from Jack to will and Jack to Jack. Jacks orders will to raise the sails using exaggerated, almost absurd hand gestures. He is gently swaying. Director has taken this to mean that Jack is able to see the world through his eyes. Over-emphasis on certain movements is an analogy to Alechhino’s. The writers have taken these traits and added them to their Jack Sparrow character. The soundtrack slowly increases in tempo as the scene progresses, almost like it is anticipating the moment when they steal the ship. The warm light emanating from Jack’s bow at the ship’s bow is a sign that their plan is more likely to succeed. Jack’s smile and smirk further reassure the audience that all will be well. The shot switches between two ships, giving viewers a 360-degree view of both ships. This shot shows the camera gently moving, hinting at the audience that it is not too rough. Jacks signature walk continues as he effortlessly navigates the ship’s ropes. In gratitude for his freedom, he leaves the port and takes the opportunity to bow to the commodore. Sparrow’s comedy is brought to this scene by his act. He sails towards the fraying light on the horizon, which is hopeful and a sign of what lies ahead. Jack’s ability to think ahead is again demonstrated when Jack discovers that the rudder chains have been disabled in advance. This shot was taken from a high vantage point. The scene appears to be a Point-of-view shot from the bird’s nest. Jack maneuvers the ship through the water, directing it over the crew. Again, this is a Point-of-view shot. As the ship’s bow collides with the camera, the scene ends. The camera zooms in on the top of both the ship’s top and the sea. This is a medium shot. The shot’s corner is darkened and has a cool glow. The shot used in this instance is intended to allow the audience see the ship sail into the unknown. In contrast to the previous statements of the commodore, the first mate declares that this shot shows the ship sailing into unknown darkness. As you can see, Captain Jack Sparrow is a character I admire. We are able to see his trickster attributes and realize that he has a lot of knowledge in his field. Alechhino and Jack Sparrow are both memorable characters. It’s both complex and hilarious in this sense. Jack Sparrow’s character is something we can’t help but love. He has all the trickster qualities, but he also has civilisation. This film will age well.

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  • baileywilliams

    Bailey Williams is an educational blogger and school teacher who uses her blog as a way to share her insights and knowledge with her readers. She has been teaching for over 10 years and has a deep understanding of the school system and how to help students reach their goals. Her blog is packed full of helpful information and resources, so be sure to check it out if you're looking for help with your schoolwork!