In the film Dead Man’s Chest, Will Turner expresses a desire to take the helm of the Black Pearl at a pivotal moment, yet the film falls short in explaining his motivations clearly. Despite each sequel in the Pirates of the Caribbean series encountering its own narrative challenges, the 2006 installment is notably hindered by its complex plot structure. In comparison, the subsequent film, At World’s End released in 2007, grapples with its own issues, primarily stemming from a rather bleak conclusion. However, the convoluted storytelling is chiefly what detracts from the experience of Dead Man’s Chest.
The original Pirates of the Caribbean film, which debuted in 2003, was lauded for its straightforward narrative. In contrast, Dead Man’s Chest weaves a intricate plot featuring over a dozen significant characters and at least five conflicting factions. Key characters include Jack Sparrow—who prioritizes his own interests—Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann, along with Elizabeth’s resentful former fiancé, Commander Norrington, the ominous Davy Jones and his ghostly crew, the East India Trading Company’s Chairman Lord Cutler Beckett, and even the resurrected Barbossa. Amid this crowded ensemble, Will’s precise motivations often get overshadowed.
The Unique Speed of the Black Pearl
Will’s Strategy Relies on the Pearl’s Speed
At a critical juncture in Dead Man’s Chest, Will Turner encounters his father, Bootstrap Bill Turner, portrayed by Stellan Skarsgård. Bootstrap is an undead crew member who has evaded death by becoming bound to Davy Jones and his cursed ship, the Flying Dutchman. Despite his father’s unfortunate predicament, Will resolves to negotiate Bootstrap Bill’s release. However, when these attempts fail, he seeks to commandeer the Black Pearl, believing it is the only ship capable of outrunning the Flying Dutchman.
Will’s decision to use the Black Pearl in an effort to rescue his father mirrors a form of poetic justice. Bootstrap Bill’s initial contract with Davy Jones stemmed from events aboard the Black Pearl, where he was thrown overboard during a mutiny led by Barbossa—a twist of fate that bound him to his cursed existence. While Will’s intentions are noble, the film never fully clarifies how he plans to utilize Jack Sparrow’s infamous ship to achieve this goal.
The Reality Hits During the Climax
The Black Pearl’s Speed Versus the Dutchman’s Pursuit
As the conflict escalates in Dead Man’s Chest, events spiral out of Will’s control. While he believes he can use the Black Pearl’s unmatched speed to evade the Dutchman—and by extension, the menacing Kraken—he fails to grasp the full extent of Davy Jones’s involvement. Jones harbors a profound investment in both Jack Sparrow and Bootstrap Bill, complicating Will’s plans. The Kraken’s singular focus on Jack Sparrow leads to Elizabeth’s desperate yet clever maneuver to sacrifice Jack, handcuffing him to the sinking ship in a bid to save both their lives.
Ultimately, Will’s aspirations to liberate his father clash with the grim reality of Bootstrap Bill’s cursed situation. The essence of Davy Jones’s curse implies that even if Will achieves his goal, Bootstrap Bill remains eternally tethered to the Flying Dutchman, complicating any chance of escape.
Analyzing Will’s Fateful Plan
The Binding Nature of Bootstrap Bill’s Contract
Even before Elizabeth’s sacrifice of Jack in the course of the film, Will’s plan to rescue Bootstrap Bill appeared inherently flawed. Primarily based on the availability of a crew, Will’s strategy neglects the fact that most of the Black Pearl’s crew had already perished at the hands of Davy Jones. More critically, the Dutchman’s crew possesses an unending resilience due to their undead status, hindering Will’s ability to outmaneuver them effectively. Moreover, Will’s ignorance concerning Davy Jones’s other forms of power, particularly the formidable Kraken, further complicates his attempts.
Considering these factors, the reality becomes evident in At World’s End: Bootstrap Bill and the crew remain irrevocably tied to the Flying Dutchman, making any hope for their liberation appear futile. The implications of their curse multiply the challenges Will faces, suggesting that even if all elements had aligned in his favor during Dead Man’s Chest, the likelihood of Bootstrap Bill rejoining him aboard the Black Pearl would have remained a distant dream.
All installments of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise are currently available for streaming on Disney+.