Promise of Redemption: A James Norrington Character Study Picspam
Another picspam for the current challenge at picspammy. Partly dedicated to a dear friend of mine.
Pirates of the Caribbean once upon a time was the fandom for me. I still hold it very fondly in my heart but to this day, one of its characters remains just as close to me, remains one of my favourite fictional characters ever. Who is this character, you ask? James Norrington.
I didn't fall in love with James immediately but when I did, I was completely lost. Where every other character had their set goals and morals (or lack of them), James was stuck in limbo. He drove several of the plots with the choices he made and the fact that he's neither black nor white but one of the grayest characters is just one of the many things that I love about him. He's so complex and complicated and all over the place and constantly caught between a rock and a hard place.
I've never done a character study before, and certainly not in the form of a picspam, but if there's any character to study, it's James Norrington.
The Curse of the Black Pearl
First, I would like to give the description that the script gives for our very first introduction of James.
NORRINGTON, a dashing young man, Royal Navy to the core, glares sternly at Gibbs.
James: Think again, Miss Swan. Vile and dissolute creatures, the lot of them. I intend to see to it that any man who sails under a pirate flag, or wears a pirates brand, gets what he deserves: a short drop and a sudden stop.
Meet James Norrington. As the script has told you, he is a dashing young man, Royal Navy to the core. If it wasn't clear enough by his quote. James knows who he is in life and knows where his morals lie as well as his ambitions. That is the image we are presented with, at least, when we first meet him.
James: This promotion confirms that I have accomplished the goals I set for myself in my career. But it also casts into sharp relief that which I have not achieved. The thing all men most require: a marriage to a fine woman. You have become a fine woman, Elizabeth.
This scene is important to James' character for several reasons. One of his most distinguished evolutions in these films is his relationship with Elizabeth. Indeed, it is probably one of the most important relationships with him that the audience gets to witness and, yes, it is one of my favourite aspects of James' character. I adore his relationship with Elizabeth and while I have my qualms with it (which will be addressed later), I think this beginning reveal shows what kind of man James is. Or rather, what kind of man he wants to be.
Tentative and unsure, he reveals himself what he is at his core: a gentleman. Yet people tend to think in the beginning that's all he is. A stiff gentleman in uniform. However, those thoughts are quickly diminished when Elizabeth falls off and James is immediately willing to dive in after her. James is not afraid of sacrificing himself. As we will see later on, his priorities shift dramatically but here, in the beginning, he has achieved much and is painted in a noble way. Though perhaps also painted in a way to depict him as a thorn in the audience's side for not being quite as exciting as Will or Jack.
James: Taking stock: you've got a pistol with only one shot, a compass that doesn't point north ... and no ship. You are without a doubt the worst pirate I have ever heard of.
I love this scene because the moment he knows Elizabeth is all right and there's a pirate in his presence, his priorities shift. No longer is he dashing hero (though he is obviously uncomfortable with Elizabeth's close proximity to Jack and he does ask how she is towards the end of the scene) but instead the rigid Commodore that we have known him so far to be. His bitter feelings towards pirates are shown here with his vast knowledge of them, almost to imply that he may be obsessed with them and with catching every last one. Whether or not you agree with his motives, James has proven himself as a determined man who will not let anything get in his way. His character, while perhaps bothersome to some, is a strong one and he does not let anyone change who he is. Yet, of course.
Elizabeth: Commodore, I must protest. Pirate or not, this man saved my life.
James: One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness.
James: Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only man here who cares for Elizabeth.
Oh, this bit is such a blow to James' ego. That quote shows that he does care deeply for Elizabeth but it's his actions which would make most people hesitant to believe it. It doesn't help that Will sort of rubs it in his face that he's the better man by taking physical action to go after her, nonetheless with a pirate. All while stealing one of his ships. It's as if Will is trying to explicitly state that while James remains in Port Royal to logically rescue Elizabeth, Will takes the "rash" course of action, all while looking like the more heroic and dedicated of the two.
James: Better to see it at the bottom of the sea than in the hands of a pirate.
Jack: Norrington, think about it ... the Black Pearl, its captain and crew... the last pirate threat in the Caribbean. How can you pass that up?
James: By remembering that I serve others, not only myself.
Oh, how that changes in future films. However, James remains the staunch Commodore that we have come to know and love in this film and will not change, despite what his thrown at him.
Elizabeth: Commodore, I beg you -- please do this ... for me. As a wedding gift.
On the other hand, this scene also shows one of my biggest problems with Elizabeth and James' relationship, namely on Elizabeth's part. She is clearly using him here as the entire audience knows she will end up with Will. Tragically, our hero is too blinded by what she has just said to consider that. Not for long, however, as he soon withdraws his proposal and we once more see him sacrificing himself (and at least Elizabeth does recognize this). We see a rare side of James here - him as a lover. Unfortunately, it does not last for long and, despite my shipping preferences of James/Elizabeth, I do believe he's too good for her sometimes, especially in a scene like this. But then they go and do something like this:
James: You may seclude yourself in my cabin. I'm afraid we do not have any ladies' clothing aboard.
Elizabeth: Then I can wear men's clothing.
James: That would hardly be proper.
Elizabeth: Well, I am not going to stay hidden in a some cabin, I suppose it's going to be heaving bosoms and bare ankles for the remainder of the voyage!
Norrington is exasperated, but then can't help but grin - this is exactly why he loves her. She grins back at him - she's not going to change.
And then I fall for it all over again. Exasperated but grinning just like James.
James: I don't think that will be necessary. A day's head start. That's all he gets.
Alas, James is not the rigid Commodore we have all been led to believe he was! At the end of this film, I think everyone got the idea that James would not be as bad as he may have been made out to be. He was going to be that one we weren't sure of and were curious as to what would become of him. But this scene was one of my favourites for him because it showed him loosening up.
Dead Man's Chest
James: My story... it's exactly the same as your story, just one chapter behind. I chased a man across the Seven Seas. The pursuit cost me my crew, my commission, and my life.
Gibbs: Commodore?
James: No, not anymore, weren't you listening?
Oh dear. Our first mention of James in this film is Beckett asking for him in Port Royal and no one answering him. Thus, we are all left to believe whatever we may. It is not until Tortuga that we truly find out what has happened. And such a tragic thing happened. James became the man that he detested most, the man he hunted. A washed out, drunken scalawag. While intriguing, it is also heartbreaking at the same time because he had been so sure of himself and had accomplished so much. Now to become what he hates most? It could not have been easy for him, especially coupled with losing his crew. My heart slightly breaks thinking of him like this and thinking what could possibly be going through his mind.
Not to mention we get a subtle but sweet moment between him and Elizabeth and the care is obviously still there.
This, I believe, is the scene where I fell in love with James and he became my favourite character. Especially coupled with the previous scene. However, it is another unfortunate representation of Elizabeth's character.
Jack: Full pardon, commission as a privateer on behalf of England and the East India Trading Company. As if I could be bought for such a low price.
Ooh, that look James gets the moment he hears that! And suddenly we all know what's going through his mind and that his priorities have drastically changed since when we first met him. We also get a brief insight as to what his thoughts may have been while at Tortuga if he is so eager to do anything to gain his life back.
James: It's a curious thing. There was a time when I would've given anything for you to look like that while thinking about me.
Oh, James, that's what you say. Elizabeth, once again, has gotten on my nerves. Perhaps it is a scene that was never shown but I'm bothered by the fact that she never shows concern for him beyond that brief bit in the pigsty. I can't help but think that James has been a big part of her life and to find him in this state, she would have been worried more or at least curious as to how he came to be like this. But, again, perhaps she did and we just never saw it! Or maybe I just want every scene to be about James.
James is working with the pirates! Again, for his own needs, but it's probably more than he was willing to do in the first film. His time at Tortuga has clearly changed him but he's ready to move on from it. I love seeing this side of James - internally struggling, hating who he's become and willing to do anything to get back who he once was.
Jack: Ah, the dark side of ambition.
James: Oh, I prefer to see it as the promise of redemption.
And James proves he can fight with the men! And all those females were too busy swooning over Will and Jack to even bother thinking about James. He certainly proved everyone wrong, didn't he? And became that utter heartthrob with this film and the transition he made.
And we all knew what he was going to do the second he looked at that jar. But honestly, can you imagine how things would have changed if James hadn't made the decision to steal the heart and give it to Beckett? He drives so many parts of these films and gets so little credit for it. Granted, none of his little "pirate buddies" will be particularly happy with him as none of them are on good terms with Beckett but this is where that 'promise of redemption' comes in. James has decided, for once, to put himself first and I applaud him for that.
James: I took the liberty of filling in my name.
At World's End
And who has James become in the third installment of the trilogy? Lord Cutler Beckett's lapdog! The sheer disdain in his voice when he speaks to Beckett. Not quite the redemption he was looking for, I think. His plan has partly backfired on him but I don't think he necessarily regrets it. Instead, he sees this as just another obstacle to make it through. But it is obvious that this was not where he intended to be when he planned to 'get his life back'.
Oh, Elizabeth, I know you're mad at the bloke but could you have had a colder shoulder? She's not entirely to blame, not after what he did and the actions he put in motion and the things she's been through, but it is a bit harsh. Or perhaps I'm too biased for James.
Just that look on his face when he sees her alive and safe! He's overjoyed and relieved and it's that bright moment in the miserable life he's been forced to lead. I did feel bad for him in this moment but at the same time, he did deserve part of it. This is what the interesting characters get, I suppose. But that's what makes them interesting and why we love them so.
Oh, this scene is definitely hard for me to talk about. I haven't even seen it since last I saw this film in theatres, that's how bitter I am. Yet it remains to be, at the same time, one of my favourite scenes for James.
Elizabeth: What are you doing?
James: Choosing a side.
And choose a side he does, proving to himself, Elizabeth, and the audience that he is the man we have always believed him to be. He has finally made amends with himself and while I don't think he'd ever consider himself a pirate by any means, he's recognized who the good and bad guys are. No longer is everything black and white, good and evil to him. He's realized that people can be flawed but still have the right intentions. And for that I am so proud of him.
James: Our destinies have been entwined, Elizabeth...but never joined.
Plus, my inner shipping was as well completely giddy over this moment. The reason I love James/Elizabeth so much is because of the potential they had. Elizabeth, in several instances, proved herself as not being good enough for him. It was clear she did not love him in the way that he loved her. But I believe, in this moment, she realized that she could have loved him in such a passionate way. He was a man she could respect and swoon over. Yes, she still loves Will but I think she realized in this instance that had things gone differently, loving James like he loved her was not out of the realm of possibility. She asked him to come with her and it's that tragic scream that told me she may have fallen in love with him in that instance, even just a little, minuscule amount.
Then the worst happened and my heart broke just as much as Elizabeth's. It is my opinion that James was dealt one of the most embarrassing and unworthy deaths ever. For the complex and incredible character that he had become, to die at the hand of Bootstrap Bill in such a way was unforgivable in my eyes. It still is to an extent. At least, however, we were given the character of James Norrington at all.
You will be remembered. ♥
Pirates of the Caribbean once upon a time was the fandom for me. I still hold it very fondly in my heart but to this day, one of its characters remains just as close to me, remains one of my favourite fictional characters ever. Who is this character, you ask? James Norrington.
I didn't fall in love with James immediately but when I did, I was completely lost. Where every other character had their set goals and morals (or lack of them), James was stuck in limbo. He drove several of the plots with the choices he made and the fact that he's neither black nor white but one of the grayest characters is just one of the many things that I love about him. He's so complex and complicated and all over the place and constantly caught between a rock and a hard place.
I've never done a character study before, and certainly not in the form of a picspam, but if there's any character to study, it's James Norrington.
The Curse of the Black Pearl
First, I would like to give the description that the script gives for our very first introduction of James.
NORRINGTON, a dashing young man, Royal Navy to the core, glares sternly at Gibbs.
James: Think again, Miss Swan. Vile and dissolute creatures, the lot of them. I intend to see to it that any man who sails under a pirate flag, or wears a pirates brand, gets what he deserves: a short drop and a sudden stop.
Meet James Norrington. As the script has told you, he is a dashing young man, Royal Navy to the core. If it wasn't clear enough by his quote. James knows who he is in life and knows where his morals lie as well as his ambitions. That is the image we are presented with, at least, when we first meet him.
James: This promotion confirms that I have accomplished the goals I set for myself in my career. But it also casts into sharp relief that which I have not achieved. The thing all men most require: a marriage to a fine woman. You have become a fine woman, Elizabeth.
This scene is important to James' character for several reasons. One of his most distinguished evolutions in these films is his relationship with Elizabeth. Indeed, it is probably one of the most important relationships with him that the audience gets to witness and, yes, it is one of my favourite aspects of James' character. I adore his relationship with Elizabeth and while I have my qualms with it (which will be addressed later), I think this beginning reveal shows what kind of man James is. Or rather, what kind of man he wants to be.
Tentative and unsure, he reveals himself what he is at his core: a gentleman. Yet people tend to think in the beginning that's all he is. A stiff gentleman in uniform. However, those thoughts are quickly diminished when Elizabeth falls off and James is immediately willing to dive in after her. James is not afraid of sacrificing himself. As we will see later on, his priorities shift dramatically but here, in the beginning, he has achieved much and is painted in a noble way. Though perhaps also painted in a way to depict him as a thorn in the audience's side for not being quite as exciting as Will or Jack.
James: Taking stock: you've got a pistol with only one shot, a compass that doesn't point north ... and no ship. You are without a doubt the worst pirate I have ever heard of.
I love this scene because the moment he knows Elizabeth is all right and there's a pirate in his presence, his priorities shift. No longer is he dashing hero (though he is obviously uncomfortable with Elizabeth's close proximity to Jack and he does ask how she is towards the end of the scene) but instead the rigid Commodore that we have known him so far to be. His bitter feelings towards pirates are shown here with his vast knowledge of them, almost to imply that he may be obsessed with them and with catching every last one. Whether or not you agree with his motives, James has proven himself as a determined man who will not let anything get in his way. His character, while perhaps bothersome to some, is a strong one and he does not let anyone change who he is. Yet, of course.
Elizabeth: Commodore, I must protest. Pirate or not, this man saved my life.
James: One good deed is not enough to redeem a man of a lifetime of wickedness.
James: Do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only man here who cares for Elizabeth.
Oh, this bit is such a blow to James' ego. That quote shows that he does care deeply for Elizabeth but it's his actions which would make most people hesitant to believe it. It doesn't help that Will sort of rubs it in his face that he's the better man by taking physical action to go after her, nonetheless with a pirate. All while stealing one of his ships. It's as if Will is trying to explicitly state that while James remains in Port Royal to logically rescue Elizabeth, Will takes the "rash" course of action, all while looking like the more heroic and dedicated of the two.
James: Better to see it at the bottom of the sea than in the hands of a pirate.
Jack: Norrington, think about it ... the Black Pearl, its captain and crew... the last pirate threat in the Caribbean. How can you pass that up?
James: By remembering that I serve others, not only myself.
Oh, how that changes in future films. However, James remains the staunch Commodore that we have come to know and love in this film and will not change, despite what his thrown at him.
Elizabeth: Commodore, I beg you -- please do this ... for me. As a wedding gift.
On the other hand, this scene also shows one of my biggest problems with Elizabeth and James' relationship, namely on Elizabeth's part. She is clearly using him here as the entire audience knows she will end up with Will. Tragically, our hero is too blinded by what she has just said to consider that. Not for long, however, as he soon withdraws his proposal and we once more see him sacrificing himself (and at least Elizabeth does recognize this). We see a rare side of James here - him as a lover. Unfortunately, it does not last for long and, despite my shipping preferences of James/Elizabeth, I do believe he's too good for her sometimes, especially in a scene like this. But then they go and do something like this:
James: You may seclude yourself in my cabin. I'm afraid we do not have any ladies' clothing aboard.
Elizabeth: Then I can wear men's clothing.
James: That would hardly be proper.
Elizabeth: Well, I am not going to stay hidden in a some cabin, I suppose it's going to be heaving bosoms and bare ankles for the remainder of the voyage!
Norrington is exasperated, but then can't help but grin - this is exactly why he loves her. She grins back at him - she's not going to change.
And then I fall for it all over again. Exasperated but grinning just like James.
James: I don't think that will be necessary. A day's head start. That's all he gets.
Alas, James is not the rigid Commodore we have all been led to believe he was! At the end of this film, I think everyone got the idea that James would not be as bad as he may have been made out to be. He was going to be that one we weren't sure of and were curious as to what would become of him. But this scene was one of my favourites for him because it showed him loosening up.
Dead Man's Chest
James: My story... it's exactly the same as your story, just one chapter behind. I chased a man across the Seven Seas. The pursuit cost me my crew, my commission, and my life.
Gibbs: Commodore?
James: No, not anymore, weren't you listening?
Oh dear. Our first mention of James in this film is Beckett asking for him in Port Royal and no one answering him. Thus, we are all left to believe whatever we may. It is not until Tortuga that we truly find out what has happened. And such a tragic thing happened. James became the man that he detested most, the man he hunted. A washed out, drunken scalawag. While intriguing, it is also heartbreaking at the same time because he had been so sure of himself and had accomplished so much. Now to become what he hates most? It could not have been easy for him, especially coupled with losing his crew. My heart slightly breaks thinking of him like this and thinking what could possibly be going through his mind.
Not to mention we get a subtle but sweet moment between him and Elizabeth and the care is obviously still there.
This, I believe, is the scene where I fell in love with James and he became my favourite character. Especially coupled with the previous scene. However, it is another unfortunate representation of Elizabeth's character.
Jack: Full pardon, commission as a privateer on behalf of England and the East India Trading Company. As if I could be bought for such a low price.
Ooh, that look James gets the moment he hears that! And suddenly we all know what's going through his mind and that his priorities have drastically changed since when we first met him. We also get a brief insight as to what his thoughts may have been while at Tortuga if he is so eager to do anything to gain his life back.
James: It's a curious thing. There was a time when I would've given anything for you to look like that while thinking about me.
Oh, James, that's what you say. Elizabeth, once again, has gotten on my nerves. Perhaps it is a scene that was never shown but I'm bothered by the fact that she never shows concern for him beyond that brief bit in the pigsty. I can't help but think that James has been a big part of her life and to find him in this state, she would have been worried more or at least curious as to how he came to be like this. But, again, perhaps she did and we just never saw it! Or maybe I just want every scene to be about James.
James is working with the pirates! Again, for his own needs, but it's probably more than he was willing to do in the first film. His time at Tortuga has clearly changed him but he's ready to move on from it. I love seeing this side of James - internally struggling, hating who he's become and willing to do anything to get back who he once was.
Jack: Ah, the dark side of ambition.
James: Oh, I prefer to see it as the promise of redemption.
And James proves he can fight with the men! And all those females were too busy swooning over Will and Jack to even bother thinking about James. He certainly proved everyone wrong, didn't he? And became that utter heartthrob with this film and the transition he made.
And we all knew what he was going to do the second he looked at that jar. But honestly, can you imagine how things would have changed if James hadn't made the decision to steal the heart and give it to Beckett? He drives so many parts of these films and gets so little credit for it. Granted, none of his little "pirate buddies" will be particularly happy with him as none of them are on good terms with Beckett but this is where that 'promise of redemption' comes in. James has decided, for once, to put himself first and I applaud him for that.
James: I took the liberty of filling in my name.
At World's End
And who has James become in the third installment of the trilogy? Lord Cutler Beckett's lapdog! The sheer disdain in his voice when he speaks to Beckett. Not quite the redemption he was looking for, I think. His plan has partly backfired on him but I don't think he necessarily regrets it. Instead, he sees this as just another obstacle to make it through. But it is obvious that this was not where he intended to be when he planned to 'get his life back'.
Oh, Elizabeth, I know you're mad at the bloke but could you have had a colder shoulder? She's not entirely to blame, not after what he did and the actions he put in motion and the things she's been through, but it is a bit harsh. Or perhaps I'm too biased for James.
Just that look on his face when he sees her alive and safe! He's overjoyed and relieved and it's that bright moment in the miserable life he's been forced to lead. I did feel bad for him in this moment but at the same time, he did deserve part of it. This is what the interesting characters get, I suppose. But that's what makes them interesting and why we love them so.
Oh, this scene is definitely hard for me to talk about. I haven't even seen it since last I saw this film in theatres, that's how bitter I am. Yet it remains to be, at the same time, one of my favourite scenes for James.
Elizabeth: What are you doing?
James: Choosing a side.
And choose a side he does, proving to himself, Elizabeth, and the audience that he is the man we have always believed him to be. He has finally made amends with himself and while I don't think he'd ever consider himself a pirate by any means, he's recognized who the good and bad guys are. No longer is everything black and white, good and evil to him. He's realized that people can be flawed but still have the right intentions. And for that I am so proud of him.
James: Our destinies have been entwined, Elizabeth...but never joined.
Plus, my inner shipping was as well completely giddy over this moment. The reason I love James/Elizabeth so much is because of the potential they had. Elizabeth, in several instances, proved herself as not being good enough for him. It was clear she did not love him in the way that he loved her. But I believe, in this moment, she realized that she could have loved him in such a passionate way. He was a man she could respect and swoon over. Yes, she still loves Will but I think she realized in this instance that had things gone differently, loving James like he loved her was not out of the realm of possibility. She asked him to come with her and it's that tragic scream that told me she may have fallen in love with him in that instance, even just a little, minuscule amount.
Then the worst happened and my heart broke just as much as Elizabeth's. It is my opinion that James was dealt one of the most embarrassing and unworthy deaths ever. For the complex and incredible character that he had become, to die at the hand of Bootstrap Bill in such a way was unforgivable in my eyes. It still is to an extent. At least, however, we were given the character of James Norrington at all.
You will be remembered. ♥