Crimson Tide 1995 Film Directed by Tony Scott
On The Eve Of World War 3 Two Men Clash Over The Fate Of The World
Sep 5, 2009
Crimson Tide follows a scenario in which Russia is politically unstable, the military are joining an ultranationalist, Vladimir Radchenko (Daniel von Bargen) and have captured a nuclear instillation. If the United States attempts to confront him, then he will launch nuclear weapons against the US. The USS Alabama, an Ohio-class submarine under the command of Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) is sent on patrol and if necessary launch its nuclear weapons in a pre-emptive strike.
Crimson Tide's Plot and Characters
Frank Ramsey, one of the most decorated combat officers in the Navy, interviews a potential replacement for his Executive Officer. His first choice is Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) a man with an extensive education in military history and tactics but without any combat experience. Once onboard the submarine it becomes clear that the two officers have very different approaches to command, Hunter is more cautious whereas the captain is more impulsive. There is a great defining moment when the audience can see the first real crack in the working relationship of the two men being formed.
During their patrol, the submarine is given the order to launch its missiles. The crew prepare for launch when a second message starts to come through; however, the Alabama is attacked by an Akula-class submarine loyal to Radchenko cutting off the transmission before the whole message is received.
What follows is the clash of officers as Hunter refuses to confirm the order to launch, and Ramsey struggles to maintain his authority over a man he views as being unable to make the tough decisions. The rest of the crew get caught in the tense situation as both officers fight the other in their attempt to do what they think is the right.
Ramsey is a seasoned officer and obviously feels threatened by Hunter. Hackman portrays the captain as been totally convinced in his orders and following them to the letter. He has the experience that Hunter lacks. Hunter’s by-the-book bounces perfectly off the hardened captain, who is obviously not used to anyone questioning his decisions onboard his ship. In between the crew, some loyal to Ramsey, and others following navy regulations struggle inside the claustrophobic atmosphere of the sub. The situation is made worse by the damaged communications and the presence of an enemy sub hunting them down.
The Claustrophobia Of The Alabama
Director Tony Scott keeps the tension at breaking point. The Russians are fuelling their missiles and if the Alabama doesn’t act fast then it might be too late. The crippled submarine preparing to launch nuclear weapons, without communications, and the crew at each other’s throats each accusing the other side of mutiny is one of the most terrifying prospects imaginable.
The supporting cast (which includes James Gandolfini and Viggo Mortensen) are a joy to watch within the tense atmosphere of the sub. Especially as those loyal to the captain disregard the chain of command to free their captain. Ramsey's supporters try to take the ship from Hunter whom they consider being too soft to launch the nuclear weapons.
The cast of any film does not really get any bigger. Two giants of cinema, and Academy Award Winners, Hackman and Washington work effortlessly together to create one of the best films in years, the setting may be fictional, but does echo of the Cuban Missile Crisis adds to its realism.
9/10
Crimson Tide is an excellent and tense drama with the portals of clashing personalities played brilliantly by Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington.
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