100 Essential Films That Deserve More Attention - 53. Billy Budd

People embrace the enchanting glow of the big screen for all manner of reasons; to journey to faraway places they could only ever imagine, to experience the escapism of a captivating story, or maybe to indulge in an obsession with the world of cinema. For me, all three of these reasons apply - and many more - but first and foremost is the satisfaction of recommending obscure films to other like-minded individuals who adopt them as their new favourites.

With over 100 years worth of films to choose from, and many of these now available at the click of a button, it can be extremely difficult to narrow your choices down to pick a film to watch. Although cinema has been around for over four times longer than my life on this earth, I have spent what some may consider an unhealthy amount of these years delving into the history of films to discover some of the best hidden gems out there.

This series of articles aims to highlight the overlooked masterpieces that I have unearthed whilst exploring the forgotten recesses of cinema. Take a gamble on any one of these films and I guarantee that you will be eagerly awaiting all future instalments in this series. You may well have heard of a number of these films; my aim isn't merely to shine a spotlight on the most obscure films out there, but to share my enjoyment of those films which don't have the cult following I believe they deserve.

Billy Budd
Director - Peter Ustinov

Country - UK

Year - 1962

Runtime - 123 minutes

Peter Ustinov was famed for his terrific performances in front of the camera but his stints behind the camera have sadly been largely forgotten. His crowning achievement as a film director is the remarkable tale of Billy Budd, a thrilling showdown of good versus evil set on tempestuous high seas when England and France were at war in the late 1700s. Terence Stamp stars in the titular role as a naive young sailor who is commandeered from the merchant ship he works upon by a passing British war ship. His innocent and charming ways make waves with his new crew but also bring unwanted attention from the cruel master at arms, John Claggart (Robert Ryan), who uses any excuse to punish his subordinates and delights in flogging repeat offenders.

Budd's frank and optimistic outlook on life is instantly endearing. He may not be the most intelligent sailor but the Bristol born lad is hard-working and it is clear that his heart is in the right place, leading us to understand why his previous captain was so reluctant to let him go. Stamp's superb portrayal of Budd earned the young thespian an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, which is no mean feat when you consider it was his big screen debut alongside a number of well established and talent actors.

The interplay between Budd and Claggart is masterfully executed with both Stamp and Ryan delivering astonishing performances and lighting up the screen with their astute characterisations. Stamp's portrayal of Budd's optimism is a stark juxtaposition with Ryan's subdued take on the inherent evil that bubbles under the surface of Claggart. The scenes they share alone on the ship's deck at night offer a fascinating insight into the psychology of both characters whilst providing us with an unrivalled dramatic tension that has the power to leave audiences completely entranced.

The role of Captain Edwin Fairfax Vere is handled by Peter Ustinov, proving he was more than capable of tackling demanding performances alongside his duties as a director. Captain Vere's stoic and steadfast nature serves the crew well but he understands the need for Claggart's cruel practices to keep his men in line. When Billy and Claggart come to blows he is cornered in a very difficult position. Ustinov portrays the sobering effects this challenging predicament has on the captain with a real sense of anguish; he is torn between acting under the rules of the law, or on his and his officer's shared notion of justice.

Searing dramas where underlings question the authority of their leaders often explore the morality of the human condition. Billy Budd is a prime example of this and its storyline inspires hope as you are encouraged to empathise with Budd's plight. He tries to tackle the situation the only way he knows how - by acting with dignity and kindness - even when his fellow man is against him, and this places Budd in a precarious position.

By favouring small scale conflicts amongst a ship's crew over large scale swashbuckling set pieces, Billy Budd delivers a riveting human drama in a fascinating setting that still retains a grand sense of adventure. The acting is tremendous, the story is incredibly engaging, and the impressive cinematography of the ship traversing the ocean is utterly beguiling. This is a first rate British film that delivers plenty of thrills alongside the intricate and emotionally involving examination of ethics and righteousness. By the time the final scene fades into the distance you will have been on a heartwrenching and unforgettable journey that may even convince you to take stock of your own outlook on life.

If you take the time to watch Billy Budd then it would be awesome if you could also take the time to let me know what you thought of it, either by commenting below or tweeting me @filmbantha. Thanks, and enjoy!

For previous instalments in the series click here