Review of Crimson Tide (1995) by David A — 08 Feb 2009
Arguably Tony Scott's best movie (and Jerry Bruckheimer's smartest), "Crimson Tide" is a breathless thriller that derives its tension almost entirely from the conflict between its characters.
There are few to no gunshots or explosions, but the writing is incendiary, adding plenty of verbal pyrotechnics to what could otherwise have been a rather dull party. The premise, built around a truly confounding ethical dilemma, is intriguing, and we are drawn in by it even when the characters are involved in such seemingly inconsequential situations as a dinner conversation.
In fact, these scenes are the best in the movie, leaving room for Hackman and Washington to play off each other, and for us to form our own opinions about the issues in discussion. Visually, Scott is very similar to his brother Ridley, using color schemes and tricks of light similar to the ones he employed in "Alien.
" The result is a movie that is as deftly made as it is deftly written; a rare action film that prefers brains to brawn.
This review of Crimson Tide (1995) was written by David A on 08 Feb 2009.
Crimson Tide has generally received positive reviews.
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