Crimson Tide (1995)

On a U.S. nuclear missile sub, a young First Officer stages a mutiny, to prevent his trigger happy Captain from launching his missiles, before confirming his orders to do so.

Director:

Tony Scott

Writers:

Michael Schiffer (story), Richard P. Henrick (story)

Stars:

Gene Hackman, Denzel Washington, Matt Craven

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 5 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Denzel Washington	...	Hunter
Gene Hackman	...	Ramsey
Matt Craven	...	Zimmer
George Dzundza	...	Cob
Viggo Mortensen	...	Weps
James Gandolfini	...	Lt. Bobby Dougherty
Rocky Carroll	...	Lt. Westergaurd
Jaime Gomez	...	Ood Mahoney (as Jaime P. Gomez)
Michael Milhoan	...	Hunsicker
Scott Burkholder	...	TSO Billy Linkletter
Danny Nucci	...	Danny Rivetti
Lillo Brancato	...	Russell Vossler (as Lillo Brancato Jr.)
Eric Bruskotter	...	Bennefield
Ricky Schroder	...	Lt. Paul Hellerman (as Rick Schroder)
Steve Zahn	...	William Barnes

Storyline

When some Russian rebels takes control of some ICBM's, the Americans mobilize. Among the vessels sent is the nuclear sub, the Alabama. But before they leave they need a new X.O. and among the choices is Commander Hunter, who hasn't seen much action. But the ship's Captain, Ramsey OK's him. While on the way, there was an incident and Hunter disagreed with how Ramsey handled it, it's evident that Ramsey doesn't think much of Hunter because Hunter was college educated while Ramsey worked his way up. They're given orders to attack but when they were in the process of receiving another order, the ship's communications were damaged, so the entire message was not received. Ramsey decides to continue with their previous order while Hunter wants to reestablish contact first. That's when the two men butt heads that ends with Hunter relieving Ramsey. Later when some men die, some of the officers feel that Hunter is not up to the task so they team up to retake control. But Hunter has taken ...

---

Plot Keywords:

submarine | u.s. navy | 1990s | submarine captain | naval base | 

---

Taglines:

In the face of the ultime nuclear showdown, one man has absolute power and one man will do anything to stop him

---

Genres:

Action | Drama | Thriller | War

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 May 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Marea roja

Filming Locations:

Burbank City Hall - 275 E. Olive Ave, Burbank, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$53,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$18,612,190, 14 May 1995, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$91,400,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$66,000,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min 123 min (extended)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Since the U.S. Navy would not cooperate with the filming, the French Navy allowed the use of one of their Triomphant Class ballistic missile submarines, along with the aircraft carrier Foch for several scenes.

---

Goofs

Nuclear weapons are only authorized when readiness is at DEFCON 1, not 2.

---

Quotes

Capt. Ramsey: Short of the outbreak of World War Three, the ship sinking, or being attacked by a giant octopus, I'd like to be undisturbed for the next thirty minutes.
Hunter: I'll see to it, sir.

---

Alternate Versions

Additional scenes in the new extended cut:

• Slightly longer scene at Hunter's daughter's birthday party.
• We see Zimmer saying goodbye to his wife/girlfriend at the base.
• A scene with COB getting a haircut and telling a dirty joke.

---

Connections

References The Hunt for Red October (1990)

---

Soundtracks

DANCING IN THE STREET
Written by Ivy Jo Hunter, William Stevenson, Marvin Gaye
Performed by Martha & The Vandellas (as Martha Reeves and the Vandellas)
Courtesy of Motown Records Company, L.P.
by arrangement with PolyGram Special Markets

User Reviews

Red Alert, Red Alert, Red Alert, Red Alert....

Tense little action thriller on par with "The Hunt for Red October" has a nuclear submarine commander (Gene Hackman) and his new second-in-command (Denzel Washington) getting in a chess match of words and wits ala "Mutiny on the Bounty". Russian rebels may be about to launch nuclear missiles at any moment. Commands come through for Hackman to detonate the weapons from their ship, but then another message after that one which is incomplete splits the entire crew. Hackman thinks it is time to take control with aggression while Washington believes that this is way too important without knowing everything there is to know. A wide range of characters on the submarine (which includes Viggo Mortensen, Steve Zahn, James Gandolfini, Rick Schroeder, George Dzundza) must decide which of the all-world performers they are going to side with. The screenplay is mediocre really, but Hackman and Washington know how to overcome that and director Tony Scott keeps the pulse of his audience in high over-drive. Definitely an acceptable piece from the genre. 4 stars out of 5.