CRIMSON TIDE RATING: 8 / 10 --> Great movie
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PLOT: An American submarine is set out to sea after instability in Russia leads to the possible threat of a nuclear attack. Nuclear devices aboard, the crew is suddenly poised to launch the missiles after an emergency message advises of an imminent Russian strike. Unfortunately, the last message received is cut off halfway, so the crew is suddenly unsure of their mission. The Captain of the ship believes that they should launch the missiles, while the XO thinks they should wait for confirmation. Tensions rise and mutiny abounds.
CRITIQUE: Thrilling, entertaining, claustrophobic, interesting, tense, are only a few of the words that I can use to describe this successful submarine thriller solidly anchored by the superior performances from two of today's top actors in the prime of their form, Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman. Despite an overload of technical terms, this film still managed to capture my attention and interest with a plausible situation, credible actors (Mortensen rocks!), an environment about which I knew very little and spitlets of comic relief. The buildup of the film was also managed quite dramatically with a burgeoning tension as it moved along at a rapid pace. Who would have thought that a film set almost entirely in a submarine could capture my attention to the point that it did? Credit goes to director Tony Scott for this accomplishment and the effectiveness of the story. This film is not about action either, it's basically about being in a situation where two people may be right, but a decision has to be made, and the fate of a billion people may lie in its wake. Pretty tense, no?
All in all, this film is an excellent nacho-plate movie, waiting to be enjoyed by groups of people who enjoy high-energy, macho thrillers brimming in mood, excellent actors and a unique environment.
Little Known Facts about this film and its stars: Gene Hackman's role was originally offered to Al Pacino. Blink or you'll miss 'em roles: Pay close to attention to this film and you will see actor Ryan Phillippe in his first motion picture role as Seaman Grattam, Steve Zahn in one of his first roles as William Barnes and Rick Schroder (?), that's right l'il Ricky Schroder, in one of his few screen roles, as Lt. Paul Hellerman. Schroder's character has to follow one of the grimmest orders in the entire film. Pay close attention. There is also an uncredited cameo by Jason Robards at the end of this film. Quentin Tarantino was an uncredited "polish" writer for this film, managing to include such pop-fare as the whole "Silver Surfer" debate, and surely the "Star Trek" references as well. Another Tarantino-ism can be found in the character name "Russell Vossler" which is a reference to Rand Vossler, a friend of Quentin's from his days working at the Video Archives video store. Vossler was also used in PULP FICTION. It was one of the names on the marquee of Bruce Willis' boxing match. Director Tony Scott once directed an entire film out of Quentin's own script called TRUE ROMANCE (10/10). One of my favorite films of all-time. Other well-known screenwriters were also used to punch up the script including Robert Towne and Steve Zaillian who also contributed key scenes, including the "Von Clausewicz" scene having to do with the essential nature of war, which Towne apparently added. The name of the submarine in this film is the "Alabama". The University of Alabama's football team is called "The Crimson Tide", and their coach's nickname is "Bear", which is the name of the Alabama's captain's dog in this film. Coincidence or major conspiracy?? :) Among the many factual errors in this film, the Lippizane horses do have some Spanish descent, but are essentially bred at the Austrian Imperial Stud at Lippiza.
Review Date: October 12, 1999 Director: Tony Scott Writer: Michael Schiffer Producers: Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer Actors: Denzel Washington as Lt. Cmdr Hunter Gene Hackman as Captain Frank Ramsey George Dzundza as C.O.B. Viggo Mortensen as Lt. Pete Ince Genre: Thriller Year of Release: 1995 --------------------------------------- JoBlo's Movie Emporium http://www.joblo.com --------------------------------------- (c) 1999 Berge Garabedian
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