Captain Jack Sparrow, Swashbuckler
Pirates of the Caribbean, 2003, Disney Productions, Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp)
STATS: Conniving, roguish, and charming, Captain of the Black Pearl.
THE LOOK: Approximately 5′ 9″, brown eyes, long brown dreadlocks, with a devilish grin, and something of an odd swagger. Often appears as if he needs a good scrubbing.
LEADING LADY: The Black Pearl. As a true captain of the open sea, Captain Jack (Johnny Depp) (as he is affectionately called by his rag tag crew of pirates), loves his ship above all things. When talking about the ‘Pearl’, he always refers to her lovingly. Although Captain Jack took it under consideration (once or twice), not even Miss Elizabeth Swan (Keira Knightly) can take the place of the Pearl. To Elizabeth, he says: “Darling, it just wouldn’t work you and I.”
The Pearl is easily recognized by her black hull and sails, which allow her to move through the night undercover. Once called the Wicked Wench, the name change came when Jack made a deal with Davy Jones to have her raised from the sea bottom. She’s also one of the fastest ships on the water.
BOTTOM LINE: Johnny Depp has created a lovable, memorable and funny character in Captain Jack Sparrow. His swagger and demeanor were copied from Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Depp has taken the character to new heights with every Pirate movie. In our pop culture, when ‘Pirate’ is mentioned, people see Captain Jack, with his wit, charm, and scoundrel attributes. But hidden under his selfish demeanor is a brave man who is willing to die for his Pearl, as seen in the second movie, Dead Man’s Chest.
Davy Jones: “He’s a Captain that will go down with his ship.”
A crewman: “Captain Jack has bested the devil.”
QUESTION OF THE DAY:
Why do we love Captain Jack, even when he’s at his worst and weakest? Do we all wish we could be so good at being bad, like Captain Jack?
April 1st, 2008
Lee 
in
Hero Files, Lee's Heroes, Swashbucklers |
Everyone loves a good hero, but what do readers, agents, editors, and writers love most? Join us as we delve under the covers and find out!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:10 am
Captain Sparrow definitely has freedom to be “bad,” and never seems to be particularly bothered by anything–mild consternation seems to be the most intense thing he feels when in danger. Now that is sure enviable. To be able to keep a smile on your face through danger and your own misdeeds!
April 1st, 2008 at 5:21 pm
Great Hero Profile, Lee! I can’t speak for anyone else, but I just love Johnny Depp. He’s got major charisma no matter what role he’s playing (with the possible exception of one or two). Captain Jack knows himself. I love when he and Orlando Bloom’s character are fighting and cheats. When Will Turner calls Sparrow on it, Depp, with his classic flair, says, “Pirate.” In that one word, he says SO much. Captain Sparrow is excellent at being bad, but underneath it, I think it is his passion for the sea and the Pearl that show us a piece of his heart.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
We love him because he’s hot. And funny.
Could another actor have pulled this off? Hmmm, not so sure about that.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Nice website!!