MARITIME MAVERICKS the Men, the Method, and the Madness ... BLAME IT ON THE MOON
“It has often been said that the best bits are never fit to expose. That, of course, is merely a matter of taste. On the other hand, capturing that special essence is often frustrated by the sheer intrusion of the camera. How many times has a director complained that the magical moments strangely materialise during a film reload. This is often the reason for sacrificing spontaneity and opting for quasi-dramatisation. However, I discovered to my pleasant surprise that my subject - namely the crew of the “WESTERN PACIFIC” - defied any need for poetic license.
The Men
My Maritime Mavericks pranced and performed without an obvious care in the world. In fact, the film crew were considered an amusing diversion in their otherwise cliquey circus. However the viewer gradually realises that under those rascalish exteriors there lie submerged uncertainties. An enigma is born. Are they really free agents, or are they perhaps trapped in their own net - like fish out of water?
The Method
Despite their flippant attitude to the outside world, the crew of the WESTERN PACIFIC - a 120 foot tuna purseiner - are skilled operators of perhaps the most sophisticated method of fishing in the world. Because their prey is migratory, so must they be. As a result their lives are transient. This film follows them to the enchanting and tropical islands of Fiji. We explain why they must work under cover of darkness with a dramatic visual expose of this unique operation.
The Madness
It may have something to do with their age - or perhaps it’s the stimulants ... Outsiders and ex-crew insist it’s the alienation process that gets them in the end. The WESTERN PACIFICERS are adamant that it’s all because of the moon...and there’s a logical explanation. We find out why the MARITIME MAVERICKS only come ashore on the full moon.”
Taken from New Zealand Film Commission promo sheet.