ADDITIONAL DIALOGUE: Quentin Tarantino, Robert Towne & Steven Zaillian (uncredited)

Over the past 50 years, Hollywood has churned out their fair share of submarine thrillers. In the late 1950s, we had RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP and THE ENEMY BELOW. In 1981, director Wolfgang Peterson made what is probably the finest one of the genre, DAS BOAT, aka THE BOAT. In 1989, we had THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER with Sean Connery, which many people loved-not me, though. In 2000, there was U-571 which focused on a German U-boat from WW2. And, finally, in 2004, we had K-19: THE WIDOWMAKER, which was based on a true story and starred Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson. One of the best, however, is CRIMSON TIDE, the underwater rouser from producers Don Simpson & Jerry Bruckheimer, and director Tony Scott. All of them had brought us the immensely popular TOP GUN, though CRIM SON TIDE makes the former look like a wuss by comparison. Both of them have macho characters in a military setting, though CRIMSON TIDE doesn't get bogged down in heavy-handed romance and egotistic nonsense. The last thing that CRIMSON TIDE needs a romance when you are dealing with nuclear missiles being fueled! In the words of Gene Hackman's character, "They are fueling their missiles…we don't have time to f*ck around!"

The Cold War may be over, though the relations between U.S. and Russia are straining quickly. The Russian president is threatening war, and the U.S. is ready to answer by sending the U.S.S. Alabama into harm's way. Before the sub can deploy, however, Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman, UNFORGIVEN, RUNAWAY JURY) must get himself a new Executive Officer (or, XO in Navy terminology). Enter Lt. Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington, TRAINING DAY, AMERICAN GANGSTER). Graduate at the top of his class, Harvard alumni, served on several commands (including one as XO), he seems to be the ideal candidate. However, both have different perspectives when it comes to war. Capt. Ramsey is the one with over 20 years of experience, committed to following orders, and never allows emotions to affect his judgments. Lt. Cmdr Hunter, however, has limited combat experience, feels that war is the true enemy and shouldn't be initiated unless there is no other choice. The major conflict comes when the Alabama receives an EAM (read: emergency action message) stating that the Russians are fueling their nuclear missiles, triggering the start of World War III. As a result, Capt. Ramsey does his duty and prepares to launch his missiles at the Russian empire.

Amazingly enough, the Navy did not support making the film. Why is that? Answer: this film depicts the worst case scenario that could ever arise. What I think is hilarious is that all the shots of the Alabama deploying and submerging were done without the Navy's permission. Director Tony Scott and his crew actually shot everything from a helicopter as the ship was moving! All of the interiors were obviously done on soundstages. Though, to give the production designers and set decorators credit, they did in fact make them look like areas on a real submarine for the most part. The phones, mikes, passageways, hatches, and galley all look remarkably authentic. Without the Navy's support, the filmmakers relied on retired military advisors to give the film the right look. Despite the obtrusive Hollywood elements such as Jack Russells, fish tanks, and Pac-Man-like sonar systems, the crew overall did a miraculous job. Oh, yes, and the uniforms are all dead-on, right down to the creases in the officer khakis and the medals/ribbons above the pockets. Believe me when I say that I actually wore those blue coveralls for years while being deployed out at sea.

With all those inaccuracies out of the way, CRIMSON TIDE remains incredibly entertaining. The filmmakers succeed in making you feel like you are exhibiting claustrophobia and anxiety on an actual submarine. The effect is so real that you can actually feel the sweat coming down the characters' faces. Director Scott is mostly known for his hyperkinetic stylistics, which are all present in his other films such as DAYS OF THUNDER, THE FAN and DOMINO. Quite frankly, I think most of Scott's films are pure crap, but CRIMSON TIDE is different. It's his best film because it embraces realism over excess. Wisely, he tells most of the story in angled close-ups and lets his actors carry the film. Never, not once, does Scott go over the top and rely on visual indulgences. As a matter of fact, CRIMSON TIDE is a relatively calm film when you compare it to others on the Simpson-Bruckheimer resume. These are the guys who are responsible for extremely violent action films like THE ROCK, CON AIR, and the BAD BOYS films. Unlike those other films however, CRIMSON TIDE is much more intelligently written and executed. Instead of relying on ridiculous action scenes, this one almost plays like a stage play…albeit one with waves upon waves of tension.

One of the things which made my theater experience so exhilarating was the score, courtesy of Oscar-winner Hans Zimmer (THE LION KING). Instead of opting for patriotic resonance, Zimmer decides to churn out an intense melody full of pounding drums and violin strikes. However, he does employ the Navy Hymn several times, most recognizable over the closing credits. I love the soundtrack so much that I own it myself; those who own the film and have good audio systems, should agree that the score is extraordinary and-literally-pulse-pounding. While Zimmer didn't get nominated for an Academy Award nomination, there were nods for the Sound and Sound Effects Editing, which I feel were deserved. A third nomination was given to Chris Lebenzon for his editing work, and I will touch upon that even more later.

For the record, while I did sympathize more with the actions of Washington's character, it was Hackman that I think stole the film. Sure, he is one of the great actors of our time, though this is one of his most compelling roles. Needless to say, I bought him 100% as a Navy submarine Captain. Every time he gets angry and yells at Washington ("I'm the commander of this f*cking ship…Give me the god-damn key!"), it always sends chills through my body. Somehow, he is able to suggest insanity without being really insane, and his withered facial expressions give the character just the right amount of veteran stress. As for Washington-who is really the newcomer here-he gives a performance that may not be as strong as Hackman's, but we still root for him every second. That's not to say his character is entirely right in his decisions but, personally, I would have stood behind him. The casting of both these excellent actors together should provide enough reason to watch the film, and it's primary reason why this film was such a hit in the summer of 1995. At the time, there were a number of individuals in the rest of the cast who were unknown, but are now quite recognizable.

Whatever DVD you get, however, the video quality is top-notch. The 2:35 anamorphic widescreen print retains the rich colors (there are blues, greens and reds everywhere) and darkness of the sub's corridors with clarity and sharpness. No edge enhancement was detected at all. Audio-wise, the Hans Zimmer score explodes in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. I'm telling you all right now that your sub-woofers are going to get a major workout while the film is playing! When it comes to extra features, the DVD sinks. They are only on the "extended cut" version, and consist of two promotional featurettes which have interviews of some of the cast and crew filmed in 1995. Both are mercifully short, though you get to learn a few things. Whether you go with the theatrical or extended cut, you are still going into a super-charged thriller with powerhouse performances across the board. While some women might be turned off at the lack of female characters (or a love story), I humbly believe that they will enjoy CRIMSON TIDE just as much as men; all women I know surely did. However, if you want to see Ryan Phillippe naked, you will unfortunately have to go elsewhere, lol. Thanks for reading, and have a great day! Chris :)