the Dalaverse

Today I saw AWE for the fifth time, officially breaking my previous record of four viewings, set courtesy of "Titanic" in 1997. Honestly, I don't know how I got anybody to take me that many times, considering I couldn't drive and had no income.

Why yes, in fact I do have some things to discuss! Earlier today artaxastra pointed out to me that the shape of the island on which Will leaves Elizabeth is identical to the funny dip-hill formation of Shipwreck Island. I had never noticed this before, but confirmed it tonight: Sexy Fun Time Island and Shipwreck Island are most definitely the same (or SFTI is right next to SI). There's no sign of the distinctive shape to the island in the coda scene, though. Doesn't mean it isn't Shipwreck Island, but it isn't definitively so.

I paid particular attention to the interaction between Tai Huang and Elizabeth, mostly because of the drabble set ceria_taliesin recently posted to potc_dogwatch. I've mentioned before how Tai Huang waits for Elizabeth's permission before following Norrington out of the brig, and speculated that she won his loyalty by electing to remain with the crew of the Empress. Tonight I noticed Tai Huang giving her a look of appraisal and respect when she does this, bearing out this theory. Also, never made a particular connection during the "hoist the colors" scene - first Elizabeth says, "Gentleman, hoist the colors" to the Pearl's. Then she shouts it over her shoulder; I always figured it was just a general repeat, but she's actually speaking to Tai Huang, as the Empress is the next ship over - and they're the second to raise their flag. She has left Tai Huang in charge for the battle, but the Empress is clearly still Elizabeth's ship. Also? That scene still gives me the chills.

Also noticed for the first time the look of triumph exchanged between Elizabeth and Jack after the Pearl and the Dutchman successfully take down the Endeavour. And every time I watch the parlay scene, it makes more sense: every glance between Elizabeth, Will, and Jack is significant. And though none of them looks at Barbossa, he clearly knows what's what when he threatens to out their scheme if Jack lets the cat out about his plan to release Calypso.

Am I the only one who thinks it's a joke played on the fans that Greg Ellis is still listed as "Officer" in the credit? The writers brought him back; they obviously know his bloody name.

I really want somebody to do a Calypso/Davy Jones vid to "Never There" by Cake. It would be wacky and awesome.

Another question: did I come up with the thought that the tattooed writing on the submissive Jack who gets stabbed is from the Code on my own, or did I steal it from one of you guys? I honestly cannot remember if I read it somewhere.

Regarding the green flashes - I believe Ted and Terry explained the green flash that happens as Will/the Dutchman depart from Sexy Fun Time Island is some souls of the Dutchman returning. But this just doesn't make sense to me. First off, wouldn't the flash have happened when all their fishy stuff fell off? Second, aren't they not technically dead, as they were plucked from imminent death by Davy Jones - therefore how could their souls be returning from the other side, like they were on layaway or something? And third, um - where did they go if this is true? The Dutchman doesn't leave a boat with returned souls behind. I'm much more fond of the idea that it's James' soul returning, which may have nothing to do with Will/the Dutchman but just happened at the same time (Calypso would be responsible, I'm guessing). Or that the green flash actually signifies movement between the worlds and Gibbs' explanation is just one of the legends about it rather than incontrovertible fact. This leaves the green flash at the end open to interpretation as well.

Lastly, I would just like to say that one of the reasons I write in this fandom is the wonderfularray of supporting characters and the fact that they all get their moments - not just for comic relief, either. The Tai Huang stuff I mentioned above; Gibbs and Jack at numerous moments but especially the end (speaking of which, are we absolutely certain that's Tortuga? It looks questionable to me - as I recall, we've only seen Tortuga by night, and never the docks...); Ragetti being the one to say the words right; Pintel's "goodbye, poppet;" Cotton never leaving the helm for any reason whatsoever; Marty lashing himself to the mast; the female bodyguards (what else could they be?) of Sao Feng's who are killed by Mercer; the corsair (Iman?) doing his victory dance. Even bloody Jack the monkey hanging onto the sail balloon off the Dutchman; I don't actually think it's funny or spoils the moment, I'm genuinely relieved that he survives. I just - every performer in these films is committed to his role 100%, even the bit players, and that's an extraordinary thing. And Ted, Terry, Gore, hell maybe even Jerry Bruckheimer, I don't know - they're also responsible for these little moments that possibly go right over the head of the average viewer, but make my little world so much richer. That, tonight, is what I love the most.

That, and Geoffrey Rush's rolling eyes. The man gives the best eyerolling on the face of the earth. Geoffrey Rush:*eyeroll* :: Peter Gallagher:eyebrows.