This is a special edition of Classic Reviews. As we mentioned on The Double, today is Quentin Tarantino's birthday. Gene and Roger devoted a show to Tarantino's influential film PULP FICTION called PULP FACTION: THE TARANTINO GENERATION and I thought it would be an interesting look back. But first, a look at Tony Scott's CRIMSON TIDE, a film the features some scripting by Tarantino. Though written by Michael Schiffer (COLORS, LEAN ON ME), Tarantino was brought in to punch up a key scene with Denzel Washington. Take it away boys...
CRIMSON TIDE (1995) - ****
Hunter: Denzel Washington
Ramsey: Gene Hackman
Zimmer: Matt Craven
Cob: George Dzundza
Directed By Tony Scott. Written By Michael Schiffer, Based On A Story By Schiffer And Richard P. Henrick. Running Time: 116 Minutes. Rated R
It’s no secret that I am huge Tony Scott fan. He has a visual style that carries an action film unlike anybody else in the business. Match that skill with a very complex script and that equals one of his best films. While the situation is simply explained, a first officer attempts a mutiny on a submarine to prevent the captain from carrying out unconfirmed orders to launch nuclear missiles, the way the film debates the arguments of both sides is smart and to some extent sympathetic to each side of the argument. Denzel Washington turns in a great performance, but this is Gene Hackman’s film. He towers above the cast and has a controlling presence as the grizzled captain. Though this film has very well staged action scenes, including a white knuckle scene as the submarine losses power and sinks to hull crushing depths, it is the dialogue and skilled direction that allow this film to go beyond your average action picture. Thumbs WAY up!
See you on forty deuce,
G
