Howard Pyle, Jack Sparrow & Pirate Movie Design
Famous American Illustrator Defines Appearance of Hollywood Pirates
The film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest contains allusions to images from the Golden Age of American Illustration, from the end of the 1800s, to the time up to the First World War. In particular, Pyle's illustration for Sinbad on Burrator lends its composition to Captain Jack Sparrow's escape from the islanders.
We Started to Run Back to the Raft for Our Lives, Howard Pyle, 1902
In August 1902, Pyle created an illustration for Sinbad on Burrator, published in Scribner's Magazine. Titled We Started to Run Back to the Raft for Our Lives, the illustration depicts a man running along a beach in the tide, being pursued by a group of islanders.
Captain Jack Sparrow Running from the Islanders.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest has a similar scene. Here, Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is running along a beach in the tide, being pursued by a group of islanders.
Similiarities Between the Two Images
In both images, the main character is in the foreground, running through the reflecting tide, with angry islanders in the background.
The Pyle painting's drama is created from the dark billowing smoke that appears over the hunched figure of the man being pursued. The close proximity of the islanders, who look as if they are ready to catch up with him, adds drama and danger to the situation. In fact, their heads are drawn above his, and indeed it looks as if the man is also being pursued by the dark rolling surf.
The Dead Man's Chest composition reflects more of a comedy and slapstick approach, despite the wide group of numerous islanders. The figure of Captain Jack Sparrow is physically taller than the islanders pursuing him. This perspective minimizes the threat.
Instead of being bent over as in Pyle's composition, the main figure of Sparrow is upright, with an exaggerated fear. Sparrow looks more like the Cowardly Lion running from the Wizard of Oz than a man in danger of his life.
Pyle's Enduring Appeal Surfaces
The popular Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy have other allusions to Howard Pyle and other illustrators, and may very well serve to introduce new generations to the timeless appeal of American Illustration.
References
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Captain Jack Sparrow Running from the Islanders.
- Pyle, Howard. The Book of Pirates. Mineola, New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 2000.
- Pyle, Howard. The Book of Pirates.
- Pyle, Howard. We Started to Run Back to the Raft for Our Lives. Sinbad on Burrator. Scribner's Magazine. August 1902.
We Started to Run Back to the Raft for Our Lives
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Captain Jack Sparrow Running from the Islanders.
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