Blank Check with Griffin & David The Hunt For Red October with Jamelle Bouie
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Mar 10, 2024 
Host of 'Unclear and Present Danger' Jamelle Bouie joins to discuss 'The Hunt for Red October'. Topics include Alec Baldwin's portrayal of Jack Ryan, submarine settings in movies, and impassioned pleas for a Highlander patreon series. Connery impressions abound.
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McTiernan's Throwback Vision
- John McTiernan envisioned THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER as a throwback to classic submarine and Cold War thrillers like "The Caine Mutiny" and "Seven Days in May."
- He focused on drama and conversation over typical high-octane action, making the movie feel more serious and intellectually engaging.
Navy's Recruitment Challenge
- The US Navy supported the film as a recruitment tool for submarine service to rival the success of Top Gun for pilots.
- However, submarine service lacks Top Gun's flashy appeal, making recruitment challenging despite the film's realistic portrayal.
Baldwin's Nerdy Jack Ryan
- Alec Baldwin's portrayal of Jack Ryan is that of a nervous, eager intellectual who overcompensates to prove himself.
- This contrasts with other actors, as Baldwin plays Ryan as an awkward grad student type rather than an effortless hero.