CRIMSON TIDE (1995) A film review by Steve Kong Copyright 1997 Steve Kong
Taking a look at some of the movies that Tony Scott has put out (Top Gun, Days of Thunder, The Last Boy Scout) it's hard to accept that Crimson Tide is his movie. It is even harder to accept that this is a Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson production. As you look at the visual style of Crimson Tide, it is obvious that this is a Tony Scott movie, and it is obviously a Bruckheimer and Simpson production. Fortunately, though the visual style reflects the directorial and production people, the film itself does not.
Why do I say that it is hard to accept that Crimson Tide is a Tony Scott movie initially? Because Crimson Tide is so intelligent, so character focused, and the action so tight. In previous Tony Scott movies, such as Top Gun, the action was wildly over-the-top and the characterization mere one-dimensional. But, this anomalous movie from Tony Scott shows that he can do a movie that is all gloss but still filled with characters that we care for and are truly dimensional and layered.
Gene Hackman is Captain Frank Ramsey the captain of the nuclear submarine Alabama. His XO, executive officer, is out with appendicitis, and he needs a new one. Why? Because his boat is about to set sail to take care of some hostile rebels in Russia. The new XO that Ramsey picks is Lt. Commander Hunter, played by Denzel Washington. These two men are almost exact opposites. Ramsey is a simple man that follows orders without having to know why. Hunter, a Harvard trained officer, wants to know why before doing something. This puts the men at odds when trouble arises. And trouble arises when they are forced to consider firing their nuclear missiles. And it is a broken message that puts the men at odds. Should they fire their missiles? Or should they get confirmation?
Early in Crimson Tide, it boldly mentions other great sub movies as if to taunt the audience to compare itself to them. And, if one were to compare Crimson Tide to the movies mentioned, The Enemy Below and Run Silent, Run Deep, it would stand proudly next to them. Instead of putting out a completely mindless action movie, where the two men battle it out with flying bullets and fists, Crimson Tide is the battle of will between the two men. The film makes the audience think with the two men, about the consequences of their actions, and who is really right. Though I was more sympathetic and understanding to Washington's Hunter, Hackman's Ramsey was not wrong at all either.
Washington gives a great performance as Hunter. He presents Hunter as a strong willed man, who is not afraid to take a stand against even a superior when he believes that he is right. Hackman also does a great job with Ramsey. Hackman gives a layered performance, putting a happy easy going exterior to Ramsey, but showing the darker interior from time to time. It is the performances of these two that carry Crimson Tide. But, the supporting cast also gives great performances. These include Matt Craven, Rocky Carroll, Danny Nucci, and Lillo Brancato. The strongest supporting actor in Crimson Tide would be a toss up between Viggo Mortensen (who you can catch right now in G.I. Jane) and George Dzundza.
By all means, Crimson Tide is one of the most enjoyable films made. It is well directed, well acted, and well scripted. Tony Scott knows how to build up emotions throughout the film, and does it well. The film will not only make you think, it will entertain you while making you think. Sure, this doesn't feel like a Tony Scott film at first, but you'll get used to it. And I hope Tony Scott can put out more great films like Crimson Tide. Don't miss this one.
!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=! steve kong boiled@earthlink.net spy on me at: http://home.earthlink.net/~boiled/steve-cam.html movie reviews: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Lot/2259/ "try not. do. or do not. there is no try." - yoda !=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!=!
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