Review of Crimson Tide (1995) by Rj M — 16 Sep 2008

One of the last productions from the team of Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (Simpson died not too long after), this is one of their absolute best. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington, two of America's finest actors, go head to head in this merciless action thriller about a mutiny on board a US Navy submarine.

Hackman is the old school war horse, and Washington is the educated new breed of Naval officer. Their differences surpass the boiling point when during a confrontation with an enemy submarine, their communications are cut off, and they may be under orders to launch their nuclear arsenal.

Washington, the executive officer, wants confirmation, but Hackman's captain is determined to follow the orders already in hand. What follows is not only a battle of wills, but of acting skills. The two leads are surrounded by a mountain of supremely talented character actors, including a pre-Sopranos James Gandolfini.

Director Tony Scott makes every bit of use of the confined quarters of the sub, creating a very claustrophobic setting that ratchets the tension created in the movie to the breaking point. The scene where Washington attempt to relieve Hackman of his command is one of THE great acting scenes in the whole action genre.

Hans Zimmers masterful score adds a sweeping scope to the action. The action scenes are absolutely nail biting. The amazing thing about the movie is that it can be viewed two ways. It all depends on which character you side with.

Neither man is totally right or wrong. Both men can be viewed as heroes or villains, although both are doing what they believe is the right thing. It's a paradox not often seen in a genre where motivations are very black and white.

It's just another layer to what is, in my opinion, the greatest submarine movie of all time.