Dead Calm (1989)

After a tragedy, John Ingram and his wife Rae are spending some time isolated at sea, when they come across a stranger who has abandoned a sinking ship.

Director:

Phillip Noyce

Writers:

Terry Hayes (screenplay), Charles Williams (novel)

Stars:

Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, Billy Zane

5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Nicole Kidman	...	Rae Ingram
Sam Neill	...	John Ingram
Billy Zane	...	Hughie Warriner
Rod Mullinar	...	Russell Bellows
Joshua Tilden	...	Danny
George Shevtsov	...	Doctor
Michael Long	...	Specialist Doctor
Lisa Collins	...	'Orpheus' Cruise Girl
Paula Hudson-Brinkley	...	'Orpheus' Cruise Girl
Sharon Cook	...	'Orpheus' Cruise Girl
Malinda Rutter	...	'Orpheus' Cruise Girl
Benji	...	Dog (as Benji U.D. A.D.)

Storyline

An Australian couple take a sailing trip in the Pacific to forget about a terrible accident. While on the open sea, in dead calm, they come across a ship with one survivor who is not at all what he seems.

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Plot Keywords:

sailboat | female nudity | nudity | psychological thriller | psychological | 

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Taglines:

In the middle of nowhere there is nowhere to hide.

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Genres:

Horror | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 April 1989 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dead Calm: A Voyage Into Fear

Filming Locations:

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Box Office

Budget:

$10,400,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,463,551, 9 April 1989, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$7,825,009

Company Credits

Production Co:

Kennedy Miller Productions,Lynx Location Services

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min 83 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

For the scene where Hughie rips off Rae's shorts, Billy Zane really did rip off Nicole Kidman's shorts through his own sheer strength without any alterations made to the shorts to make them easier to rip.

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Goofs

****SPOILERS****Near the end when Rae pulls John up over the side of the boat he is dripping wet. As soon as she gets him on deck and is hugging him, his hair and clothes are obviously dry.

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Quotes

Hughie Warriner: How do I smell?
[no answer]
Hughie Warriner: Thanks for your honest opinion.

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Crazy Credits

The producers wish to thank the owners of 'Storm Vogel' for the use of their yacht as the 'Saracen' and Keith Williams, the staff and management of Hamilton Island.

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Connections

Referenced in Shivers (1995)

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Soundtracks

No-Mad
Written & Performed by Tim O'Connor
Copyright © 1988 Kennedy Miller Productions Pty. Ltd.

User Reviews

Excellent thriller

I really felt in suspense throughout Dead Calm. Sam Neill as the everyman and Nicole Kidman as his recovering wife were wholly believable as grieving parents taking a vacation to move past their tragedies. Billy Zane as the disturbed third wheel (see Titanic, Head Above Water) in the relationship was also very effective in his role. The suspense builds throughout and leads to a very memorable climax. Recommended, 7/10.