In the Heart of the Sea: Ron Howard is telling a story that is simple, somewhat common even; it is short in human drama, partly because the conflict between the main characters is low-key (they are also virtually indistinguishable as characters, except that one of them is labeled the hero, which weakens the situation). The main issue is that the film aims at many differing themes and hits none of them. The cast is capable (Brendan Gleeson may be the name that comes out on top). Indeed, the film is very well-done; special effects and the production design are all solid. Anthony Dod Mantle’s camerawork choices are conceptually sound, but a bit bothersome.