Inside the theater, the booming sound of cannons and the tumultuous waves shook every audience member's nerves. In terms of visual effects and sound, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" utilized Hollywood's top-notch technology, making it impeccable. After more than two hours of screening, the film reached its climactic final battle.
The pirate coalition and the East India Company fleet had raised their cannons, ready for the decisive showdown.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" had a production cost of 300 million dollars. Besides the hefty paychecks for main actors like Matthew, Johnny Depp, and Keira Knightley, most of the budget was spent on special effects.
To make special effects appealing, there's no other way but to burn money.
This is the most unavoidable part of film production; the amount of money spent directly reflects in the special effects scenes.
On the big screen, the "Black Pearl" and the East India Company-controlled "Flying Dutchman" sailed into the giant whirlpool created by the goddess played by Eva Green. Both sides exchanged cannon fire as Captain Jack Sparrow on the "Flying Dutchman" bribed the guard of the chest containing Davy Jones' heart, which needed to be stabbed to kill the monstrous captain.
Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, having married at sea in the presence of Captain Barbossa, arrived on the "Flying Dutchman" to fight Davy Jones.
As in the previous films, Matthew's character was unstoppable. The sea creature crew was no match, and finally, Will Turner faced Davy Jones. Despite Davy Jones' ability to best Jack Sparrow, he struggled against Will Turner.
Although Matthew's role was noticeably reduced compared to "Dead Man's Chest," and his standout moments were fewer, the 300 million dollar investment in "At World's End" meant that Disney couldn't afford to let a major character's portrayal fall apart.
Neither the crew nor Disney dared to take such a risk.
Will Turner was strong, wild, agile, and skilled in swordsmanship, but still human. Davy Jones, having transcended normal humanity, was pushed into a corner by Will Turner's relentless attack, only to turn the tables by stabbing Will with his own sword.
Given the film's trend towards a more family-friendly direction and as part of Disney's attraction synergy, they couldn't let a beloved character like Will Turner die, even though they planned to shelve his character.
So, with Elizabeth Swann in despair, Jack Sparrow took Will Turner's hand and stabbed Davy Jones' heart, then escaped back to the "Black Pearl" with Elizabeth and the monkey.
As they returned to the "Black Pearl," the East India Company's flagship "Endeavour" was fast approaching.
The "Endeavour," a 60-gun warship, aimed to turn the "Black Pearl" into splinters.
Just as the two ships were about to engage, a massive wave rose in front of the "Black Pearl," revealing the reemerged "Flying Dutchman."
Will Turner stood in the captain's spot, shouting "Hoist the sails, turn!" alongside Jack Sparrow on the other side.
Both ships fired in unison, sending the "Endeavour" to the bottom of the cold sea.
The pirates celebrated.
In the finale, Will Turner took Davy Jones' place, becoming a separated lover with Elizabeth Swann, while Captain Jack Sparrow set sail once more into the vast Caribbean Sea.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer remarked during the test screening that pirates represent freedom and fearlessness, embodying a spirit unique to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. This spirit, with all its good and bad, is what captivates audiences and makes them admire and even fantasize about being pirates.
The pirate flag flew again in the Caribbean, setting sail towards a new beginning.
As long as it brings in enough profit, the pirate flag on the "Black Pearl" will never fall.
Hans Zimmer's stirring score concluded "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," marking the temporary end of the trilogy. Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann's roles were completed, ready to retire from the big screen.
The audience erupted in applause. Matthew stood and clapped, having seen the film at Disney's internal screening, now seeing it for the second time at the premiere.
This time, he watched more carefully, forming a subjective judgment based on his preferences.
His first impression after the premiere was that "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" was funnier, grander, happier, and bolder than the previous two films, successfully resolving the exits of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann.
However, the film was too long, over two and a half hours. Although not as excessively long as "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," its plot and pacing felt somewhat dragged out, especially the melodramatic romance between Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, which felt like a clichéd teen drama.
He couldn't help but shake his head; after all, the main audience for this film was teenagers.
From this perspective, Gore Verbinski and Jerry Bruckheimer probably handled it just right.
Because of the "Fast & Furious" series, Matthew had been studying film production recently. Although as a star producer he didn't need the professional skills of someone like Jerry Bruckheimer or Akiva Goldsman, he still needed to understand most of the producer's work.
For example, how to minimize risks in a 300 million dollar blockbuster?
Disney and Bruckheimer Films dared to invest so much in "Pirates of the Caribbean 3" primarily because it was a sequel, with the previous two being major hits.
A huge budget was the basic guarantee of success, followed by stars and special effects. Almost all main characters returned, and they even introduced the nine pirate lords gimmick.
Regarding special effects, many viewers in this era are willing to overlook a film's flaws for flawless special effects.
Moreover, the film didn't lack selling points beyond special effects and stars.
It had serious moments, loving moments, and naturally, hilarious moments akin to children's pranks.
Typical Disney style as always.
Having been in Hollywood for so long, Matthew knew that every director and crew had different styles and focuses. Some loved visuals, some loved intricate plots, some provided pure entertainment but did so in a well-rounded and meticulous manner.
"Pirates of the Caribbean 3" undoubtedly belonged to the latter category, a simple and pure teen-oriented blockbuster.
Seeing his character Will Turner's sea wedding with Elizabeth Swann and the final scenes, Matthew couldn't help but think of Yang Guo and Xiaolongnu.
As the applause faded, guests approached the front row to congratulate the cast and crew. Matthew shook hands, hugged, and accepted various congratulations, continually thanking people.
Everyone knew that unless the crew made a catastrophic mistake, "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" would surely be a box office hit.
While it might not be as crazy as "Dead Man's Chest," it would easily surpass "The Curse of the Black Pearl."
Moreover, the buzz from the preview screenings had already spread. Disney's reputation marketing was always top-notch, with many critics prepped to call it the best "Pirates of the Caribbean" film.
For insiders like Matthew, such slogans were taken with a grain of salt.
When "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" comes out, many will likely claim it as the best as well, and probably the fifth too.
This was Disney's usual marketing strategy.
After the premiere, heading to the press room, Matthew thought more about "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," especially its similarities with the "Fast & Furious" series.
A successful Hollywood blockbuster shouldn't be as confusing as the last two "Matrix" films but should be easily understood by people of different races, backgrounds, and cultural levels. Even those with no education should find it enjoyable.
"The Fast & the Furious" had to be straightforward. Anyone who dared to complicate the series with depth or convoluted plots would be fired!
For a commercial blockbuster, making the audience happy is the primary goal. As for depth, Hollywood never lacks people like the Wachowski siblings. Stereotypical folks like him and David Ellison should know their limits.
You can't expect most audiences to analyze a film's central theme, can you?
A classic film's brilliance lies in providing the same enjoyment to people from different backgrounds—whether it's joy, sadness, or awe.
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