Crimson Tide (1995)

Directed by: Tony Scott | 116 minutes | action, drama, thriller | Actors: Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, Rocky Carroll, Jaime Gomez, Michael Milhoan, Scott Burkholder, Danny Nucci, Lillo Brancato, Eric Bruskotter, Rick Schroder, Steve Zahn, Marcello Thedford, RJ Knoll

This film shows that a submarine is a perfect setting for a thriller. The fact that you are, as it were, locked up and have nowhere to go, provides extra tense moments when the enemy approaches and a confrontation takes place. A field of tension arises between the crew members that must be designed to withstand high pressure.

At the helm is director Tony Scott, an experienced hand in the business, who has already made many well-known films as a director. His works include ‘True Romance’, ‘Days of Thunder’ and ‘Top Gun’. Tony Scott has the potential to turn this movie into a huge spectacular blockbuster. However, he opts for a character thriller, in which the character developments of the characters in combination with their environment should provide the necessary tension. The protagonists are not given time to tell a life story in detail. They are well-known and renowned actors, who are instructed to drag the viewers into the story and the development of the characters from that moment on.

Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman are those actors who, when they’re in their prime, are capable of this. Denzel Washington can play various characters from the bad guy (‘Training Day’ and ‘Man on Fire’) as well as the good guy in ‘Crimson Tide’. His character, Ron Hunter, is convinced of his right in the conflict with Captain Frank Ramsey and is guided by his moral considerations. Gene Hackman (“Unforgiven” and “The Firm”), who is at least as good and versatile as Denzel Washington, plays the part of Ramsey. Ramsey, on the other hand, believes that some decisions must be made, even though they can lead to the start of a war. Both Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman manage to drag you into their personal motivations and the battle between the two gets harder and nastier. It’s not about choosing a side in this battle, it’s about how the battle is fought. The film’s strength lies in the decisions Hunter must make. On the one hand it is noble to stand up for your ideals, but how far can you go to realize them?

‘Crimson Tide’ is a strong film that makes you slide to the edge of your seat, but not an absolute hit. Tony Scott has to turn the tide for that.