‘Crimson Tide’ With Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan
May 12, 2020
auto_awesome
Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, and Viggo Mortensen discuss the rewatchability of the thrilling movie 'Crimson Tide'. They delve into the intense dynamic between the iconic actors, the racial tension in the film, and Denzel Washington's transition to mainstream action thrillers. The hosts also analyze the career trajectory of Gene Hackman, the Oscars in 1995, and compare 'Crimson Tide' to other movies released that year. They highlight the powerful scenes of mutiny and intense confrontations, as well as the opening and closing title cards' lasting relevance. The chapter concludes with a discussion of casting choices and the urgency of a rewrite request for a key scene in the film.
Intense overlapping dialogue and sparring contribute to the film's dramatic tension.
Viggo Mortensen's powerful confrontation scene adds to the film's iconic moments.
Comparisons to other submarine movies highlight the exploration of war and tensions among crew members.
Deep dives
Hackman takes the boat back
Includes an iconic extra second half stare by Denzel at Vigo.
Final confrontation
Hackman hitting Denzel, Hackman going full racist, and the dramatic reveal of the final message.
The first Denzel-Hackman meeting
Intense overlapping dialogue and the start of their sparring.
Vigo's big scene
Vigo's powerful moment confronting Denzel and delivering iconic lines.
Denial and regret: Val Kilmer's missed opportunity
Val Kilmer was originally offered one of the headlining roles in the movie, but he declined. In hindsight, Kilmer admitted that it was one of the few films that he wished he had agreed to be in. The role offered to him was not specified, but he believed it wasn't big enough for him. This missed opportunity raises questions about potential casting changes and what might have been.
The allure of submarine movies and their intense performances
Crimson Tide is often compared to other submarine movies, such as The Hunt for Red October. Both films explore the nature of war and the tensions that arise among crew members in confined spaces. Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman deliver strong performances, but it's worth noting that Robert Towne was called in to rewrite dialogue to create more conflict between their characters. The film's intense atmosphere, memorable quotes, and the presence of a Jack Russell Terrier add to its appeal.
The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Sean Fennessey, and Chris Ryan do not concur, and therefore must stage a mutiny to rewatch Tony Scott’s thrilling 1995 film ‘Crimson Tide,’ starring Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, and Viggo Mortensen.