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Chris Hemsworth's rather underrated adventure gem, In the Heart of the Sea, has finally resurfaced on Netflix and is currently leading the movie chart in the United States. Directed by Ron Howard, the star-studded adventure drama about whaling does not have the best critical reception, but it is still a brilliant watch that was adored by fans upon its release.
However, as In the Heart of the Sea is a period piece that is set way behind the times we have witnessed, some things may be slightly confusing to a lot of the viewers. One of these things is the importance of whale oil and why the entire crew is willing to risk their lives to acquire it.
In gist, whale oil was one of the most important commodities in the 1800s, functioning in varied ways. The oil was the only source used in soap, oiling engines, and lamps, making it one of the most in-demand commodities. This also meant that whale oil was extremely expensive (and not so illegal), which is why so much of In the Heart of the Sea revolves around acquiring this crucial resource.
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In the Heart of the Sea is also based on the real story of the sinking of the American whaling ship Essex in 1820. This means that the way whale oil is represented in the movie is also accurate to what it meant in the 1800s.
What was Whale Oil used for?
Whale oil happened to be one of the most valuable commodities in the 18th and 19th centuries primarily because it could be used as a fuel for lamps. The use of whale oil in lamps was considered superior to every other available form of fuel, making it an invaluable commodity and an object of desire for most.
Moreover, whale oil was also used in industrial functions, including oiling some heavy types of machinery. In fact, before petroleum was established as a better alternative, whale oil remained one of the most crucial commodities of its time.
However, acquiring whale oil was hardly an ordinary endeavor and it is perhaps not the most morally right one either.
In the Heart of the Sea deals with the risks of whaling
As lucrative as acquiring and selling whale oil was back in the 1800s, it was still a very dangerous procedure that often caused fatal accidents.
The process involved sailing to the sea, harpooning and killing the whale, and cutting off the blubber from the carcass while the whale was in the water. This blubber would then be used as the source to extract oil.
This entire endeavor included a lot of risks, including the risk of having to fight off a gigantic whale. This frequently led to accidents and deaths in the past, which made this such a daunting task.
Even in In the Heart of the Sea, the group is faced with a huge albino bull sperm whale, which pushes them to the edge of devastation. However, human desire and human greed pretty much have the power to justify any threat as long as it is for financial or physical motives. Hence, the business of whale oil went on for quite a while before it was finally deemed to be morally wrong.
In the Heart of the Sea is now available for streaming on Netflix.
