Crimson Tide

Directed by Tony Scott, Crimson Tide details the chaos that unfolds aboard a U.S. nuclear missile submarine after its Captain (Gene Hackman’s Frank Ramsey) and Executive Officer (Denzel Washington’s Ron Hunter) disagree over a potential course of action. Filmmaker Scott, working from a screenplay by Michael Schiffer, delivers a predominantly stirring endeavor that grows more and more compelling (and engrossing) as it unfolds, as the picture’s compulsively watchable atmosphere is heightened by its emphasis on the fascinating nitty-gritty of submarine life and its surfeit of magnetic, charismatic performances – with, in terms of the latter, Hackman and Washington’s predictably spellbinding efforts mirrored by a top-notch supporting cast that includes George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, and James Gandolfini. And while the movie’s opening stretch, which is concerned with individual crises and mishaps, is quite watchable, Crimson Tide ultimately progresses into a midsection and third act that is, for the most part, impressively tense and electrifying – with the enthralling second half triggered by a virtually iconic (and completely captivating) confrontation between Hackman and Washington’s respective figures. The propulsive vibe paves the way for a thrilling, satisfying climax that cements Crimson Tide‘s place as a top-tier Scott production, and it goes without saying, certainly, that the whole thing stands as one of the best and most impressive examples of the submarine-thriller genre.

***1/2 out of ****