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| Macdonald's film works like a familiar charm. |
Directed by Kevin Macdonald
Produced by Charles Steel and Kevin Macdonald
Written by Dennis Kelly
Starring Jude Law, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn and David Threlfall
A
Submarine thrillers are in short supply these days, and Macdonald's film is a fine return to the genre. After Robinson (Law), an undersea salvage captain, is fired, he learns of a sunken German U-boat with gold that could be worth over $100 million. Robinson and two friends/colleagues secure financing from a mysterious millionaire, and they assemble a group of British and Russian crewmen to complete the dive and recover the gold in an old Russian submarine. Once they're beneath the surface, the tension mounts, as Robinson informs the crew that every man, after the millionaire gets his cut, will have an equal share of the profits. The millionaire's executive (McNairy) is against this, and it does create more friction between the crew members, especially between the volatile Fraser (Mendelsohn) and the Russians. When everything goes wrong, the gold might prove to be the last priority, as the very lives of the crew are at stake.
Naturally, a film like this is not particularly original, nor will it be remembered at the end of the year. That said, it's a swift, claustrophobic thriller that sticks the course. Despite an unnecessary plot twist, Macdonald is able to keep the plot moving, and any familiar elements of the genre are welcome in such an atmospheric piece. The stakes are high in this film, as it explores greed and the value of life. The confinement of a submarine is a perfect device to tell such a tale. Of course, the cast and production team do a fine job as well. Law is as reliable as ever, even managing to adopt a convincing Scottish accent. Mendelsohn is in danger of typecasting, but he doesn't let that get in the way of his characters, as he proves with another fierce, grounded performance. The rest of the cast are mostly non-English speaking actors, and they all do solid work. On top of that, the arresting cinematography, sharp editing, and rich score create a fantastic underwater experience. It won't be getting any awards attention, but Black Sea is an early gem from 2015.
Oscar Potential: None
I remember seeing the trailer for this one a few months ago. I haven't seen it, though it's caused a lot of trouble for me on the Internet Movie Database. Basically, I saw the trailer and was surprised by the lack of gender diversity (and there is absolutely no reason why this film couldn't have had a strong female lead), and pointed it out on the board only to be met with a wave of infuriating replies. You can see the thread here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2261331/board/nest/235216156, and I've already made at least one post in response to one of these absurd remarks (http://hitchcocksworld.blogspot.ca/2014/10/it-is-possible-to-have-female-character.html), because how DARE I point out inequalities and encourage better representations of women in film.
ReplyDeleteOkay, that's my rant out of the way. I guess I should have known at least one of the bloggers on my list would be covering this one sooner or later. Nice post.
Thanks. Love your post. I think the male characters in this film grew up in an environment that didn't have as many women in submarines, so it makes sense that Law's character hired men for the job. I love movies about women, but this one works without a strong female character. That said, I'd fully support one or more female characters on the submarine. Apart from being progressive towards gender equality, it would add an interesting dynamic that's lacking in most submarine movies.
DeleteI've been anxious to see this since Law was cast. I'm ready for his comeback! I also love seeing more of Mendelsohn, but I hope he doesn't become the Oscarless Waltz, in that he's always cast for the same part. It would be a real shame, despite his obvious knack for that character.
ReplyDeleteHa, I doubt this is part of Law's comeback. (Seriously, the trailer was EVERYWHERE, but the film opened almost NOWHERE. I only saw it since it played at a rundown discount theater near me for a week.) Genius could be part of that, though. Mendelsohn can do wonders with those characters, but hopefully he gets more opportunities for diverse ones.
DeleteReally enjoyed this one. Wonderful sense of tension and suspense. A very interesting twist of the "heist" film (especially if you're aware of the differences between it and the "caper" variety).
ReplyDeleteNice distinction. Glad you enjoyed this one as well.
DeleteI was intrigued by the trailer but missed the cinema release. I'm keen on renting this one Josh, I quite like the cast here.
ReplyDeleteHope you get to see it, Ruth. I loved the atmosphere, and the cast is very good.
DeleteOkay, yeah, I need to see this one ASAP. The cast is amazing, but I was on the fence about it. Great review here.
ReplyDeleteThanks man. There's no piracy, but it feels like a film that could play well for those who loved Captain Phillips. I really enjoyed it.
DeleteVery good film.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I loved it.
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