They talk about how the linear screenplay they wrote differs from the more “impressionistic” approach that director Gore Verbinski took during the editing process. They mention that The Curse of the Black Pearl was intended be a stand-alone film and with the sequels they tried to tie everything together. Elliott and Rossio touch upon their desire to flesh out some of the backstory from the first movie, like “Bootstrap” Bill’s tale. They also attempt to clarify the convoluted plot and explain their intentions. These guys aren’t the most dynamic speakers but this is a fairly decent track that you’ll probably only listen to once.

Elliott and Rossio fill the time by hitting all of the requisite elements. Naturally, story elements, themes, and character motivations dominate the discussion, but they also include some anecdotes on working with the actors and from the shoot on set or location. They point out callbacks to the first film, as well as bits that will pay off in the third film which had yet to be released when they recorded this track. They reveal some aspects that were cut or tweaked for time, or input from the studio or producers.