Director: Tony Scott
Starring: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman and Viggo Mortensen
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved the appreciation of Gene Hackman. Ever since his rise to recognition in the 1990’s, Hackman has become a beloved icon. When its powerful submarine leaders, frustrated fathers or evil sheriffs, Hackman has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Hackman’s strength as an actor has always been his strong presence. He is one of those rare actors that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles with limited screen time. Through ability to portray characters that are compelling, he built a legacy that’s lasting. However, recently Hackman’s career came to a sudden closure when he passed away. Hackman’s death was a huge loss for the film industry. In the wake of his heartbreaking death, Hackman left behind many unforgettable movies that are definitely worth watching.
I’m a huge fan of Hackman and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Crimson Tide” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 1995, Tony Scott’s movie has stood the test of time as a classic. Packed with breathtaking production-design, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best submarine movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an amazing performance by Gene Hackman, who embodies a submarine captain facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Crimson Tide” a classic is universal appeal. Unlike most movies about submarines, the film tackles bold themes that everyone can relate to. A captivating submarine classic, there are many strong reasons why “Crimson Tide” is a movie worth seeing.
Set during the Cold War, “Crimson Tide” tells the story of a submarine which is cast aside. Gene Hackman portrays Capt. Frank Ramsey, a dedicated lieutenant determined to guide his submarine to victory. A dedicated captain, he has always held strong beliefs about powers of diving into underwater explorations. However, Ramsey’s life drastically changes when he is assigned a new partner causing disaster. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) is a strong leader with conservative beliefs about warfare which clash with Ramsey. Ron’s desire to protect his submarine clash with Ramsey’s intentions to participate in warfare. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Ramsey is forced to wonder whether it’s possible for him to truly manage a submarine facing disaster. Faced with a dilemma, Ramsey questions his place in the Cold War era.
Tony Scott has always been fascinated with themes of leadership. A fantastic filmmaker, Scott has often made engaging movies about leaders facing disaster. His iconic movie “Top Gun” captures the lives of aviators enduring tension. With “Crimson Tide”, however, Scott made his first submarine movie. It was Scott’s first attempt to capture the lives of submarine captains facing catastrophe but he succeeds immensely. Using captivating cinematography, Scott conveys a submarine captain embarking on a journey to find his identity. Scott expertly uses handheld camera capturing the tensions submarine captains are facing. For instance, handheld camera peck elevate the argument scene. During this intense scene, Ramsey has an intense argument with Hunter causing his life to face tragedy. Through handheld camera, Scott captures captains enduring an intense dilemma. Handheld camera is often a tricky technique to use in films. As Clint Eastwood’s “Unforgiven” suggested, handheld cameras elevate spaghetti westerns. Nevertheless, it works well. Through captivating visuals, Scott caprices tensions that submarine captains are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Crimson Tide” that deserves appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well made. Scott’s decisions to shoot the film in a real submarine setting is risky but works immensely. For instance, the real submarine setting enhances the accident scene. During this intense scene, Captain Ramsey faced an anxious situation when his submarine is put into an accident causing tension. Using real submarine settings, Scott captures tensions captains are facing. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Hans Zimmer’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie an intense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that captains of submarines are forced to bear. Through powerful production, Scott captures commemorated submarines which experience tension.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Crimson Tide” is a submarine thriller which is compelling. The film is beautifully written, and effectively employs dramatic monologues to capture the lives of submarine captains that face adversity. Throughout the movie, Scott successfully uses dramatic monologues to capture submarine captains that experience adversity. For instance, dramatic monologues enhance the submarine speech scene. During this memorable scene, Captain Ramsey gives a rousing speech to members of his submarine facing tension. Through dramatic monologues, Scott creates a portrait of submarine captains audiences can relate to. Monologues are tricky techniques to use in films. As Wes Anderson’s “The Royal Tenenbaums” proved, monologues elevate dysfunctional family dramas. However, it works immensely in this film. Through a bold screenplay, Scott captures submarines facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Gene Hackman delivers one of his best career performances as Frank Ramsey. Hackman first earned appreciations for playing detectives in crime dramas. With “Crimson Tide”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a submarine captain that experiences adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the star unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most iconic role. Hackman often excels at depicting emotional characters enduring pressure, and “Crimson Tide” showcased his strengths as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, determination and grief of a navy captain facing tension. It’s a bold performance from one of the most commemorated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Gene Hackman, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Denzel Washington is dazzling, capturing dedication of a navy captain seeking to guide submarines facing tension. Viggo Mortensen is wonderful, bringing sorrow to a navy captain that seeks to be a hero. Finally, James Gandolfini deserves appreciation. As a submarine leader, he brings tension to the movie.
Finally, “Crimson Tide” will earn appreciation of everyone for capturing submarines that are pushed aside. Unlike most submarine movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, grief and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be fans of submarines to appreciate it. It delivers an inspirational message about leadership that resonates with everyone. Therefore, “Crimson Tide” is one of those rare submarine films that everyone would adore.
Fans of Gene Hackman would definitely enjoy “Crimson Tide” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating submarine classic, it honours an actor that has built a legacy that’s iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about submarine captains facing tension on seas, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that built a lasting legacy through portraying compelling characters with larger-than-life personalities in movies that are worth celebrating months after his heartbreaking death caused tragedies.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 