Review of The Abyss (1989) by Scott S — 28 Nov 2009
The Abyss (1989) -- [8.0] -- This unique underwater sci-fi/thriller from James Cameron (Terminator, Aliens) is an ambitious, uneven film with thinly-drawn stereotypes and a pretentious alien subplot, but you know what? I like it anyway.
Cameron is a master of staging action and drama, never more evident than in the scene where Ed Harris fights to resuscitate Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio after watching her drown in front of his face. Harris and Mastrantonio bring admirable depth to their stock characters, and Leo Burmester is charismatic in a supporting role.
"The Abyss" creates a compelling claustrophobic atmosphere of paranoia, and is good for several moments of suspense and character confrontation, even if the final act becomes a little too much like "Close Encounters Under the Sea".
Great work from cinematographer Mikael Salomon and composer Alan Silvestri. "The Abyss" also deliver one of the cornerstones of digital visual effects, the watery pseudopod sequence, which paved the way for later pioneering uses of CGI in films like "Terminator 2" and "Jurassic Park".
This review of The Abyss (1989) was written by Scott S on 28 Nov 2009.
The Abyss has generally received positive reviews.
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