The submarine thriller Crimson Tide (1995) is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Quentin Tarantino. The psychological duel between Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington impresses with suspense in a confined space, but is a civilized affair even by the standards of director Tony Scott (True Romance). Included Tarantino also put his stamp on this film, which you can currently watch with a subscription to Disney+ *. With consequences.
That’s what the Disney+ submarine thriller is all about
Crimson Tide is set in a post-Soviet world where, like James Bond 007 – GoldenEye, the former empire has become a hotbed of instability. In this version, fictional Russian rebels have taken over missile positions in Kamchatka. The United States deploy the USS Alabama nuclear submarineto respond to the nuclear threat. On board are Captain Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) and his new first officer, Lieutenant Commander Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington). While Ramsey proves to be a battle-ready hardliner, Hunter is determined to avoid war at all costs.
Disney
Crimson Tide
The screenplay is officially and according to the credits by Michael Schiffer (Project: Peacemaker), however Quentin Tarantino hired to spice up the dialogue. Incidentally, this is immediately recognizable, for example in the so-called Silver Surfer speech. In the, a subordinate justifies a dispute with Washington’s character – which escalated through a comic discussion. Pop culture references of this sort rarely find a place in thrillers set on nuclear-powered war machines, but Tony Scott and Tarantino had previously collaborated successfully on True Romance.
Why Tarantino and Denzel Washington fell out over Crimson Tide
Tarantino’s collaboration with leading actor Denzel Washington was less successful. Washington was one day confronted with the revised dialogue and objected to the use of racial slurs. He then confronted Tarantino in front of everyone. According to a contemporary report in the film magazine Premiere, Tarantino wanted to clarify the matter in a one-to-one conversation, but Washington replied: “No, […] we’re discussing it now.” Tarantino was reportedly so embarrassed by this that he didn’t forgive Washington.
However, the two have now reconciled. Washington explained in a 2012 GQ interview:
I buried the hatchet. I went to see him ten years ago. I told him, ‘Look, I’m sorry.’ You just have to let that go. Do you want to walk around with it for the rest of your life? He seemed relieved. Crimson Tide isn’t worth watching just for the Tarantino dialogue
Of course, Crimson Tide thrives on its two excellent leading actors, but what is most impressive is how much dynamic director Tony Scott conjures out of a hat in the floating steel tube. His love for playful camera angles and expressive lighting visually transform the thriller into an experience that doesn’t need to hide from competitors like Hunt for Red October. Oblique angles and juicy flashing warning lights rarely looked as stylish as in this film.
Disney
Crimson Tide
Add to that the depth of quality of the cast, with supporting cast like Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings), James Gandolfini (Sopranos) and Rocky Carroll (NCIS). Crimson Tide is one of the classics of 90s cinema, as produced by Jerry Bruckheimer in particular. And you can always watch Gene Hackman, who has been enjoying his film pension for 20 years.
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