This tense submarine thriller stars Gene Hackman as the veteran captain and Denzel Washington as his well-educated XO. Viggo Mortensen has a strong supporting role as the clean-cut weapons officer, Peter “Weps” Ince.
When a message transmission is cut off, the officers on the USS Alabama must decide whether to launch nuclear missiles or wait for further orders. The Captain and XO reach different conclusions. Mortensen’s Lt. Ince is caught between his trusted commanding officer and an equally trusted good friend, and his decision will influence whether the United States launches a nuclear missile. The tension he feels is reflected more in his face than in his dialogue, and the camera makes good use of Mortensen’s skill.
Articles about Crimson Tide
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The Guy Can’t Help It
In this interview prior to his trip to Italy, Viggo discusses the difficulty of staying in character while filming two very different roles simultaneously (Portrait of a Lady and Daylight). He also shares thoughts about Crimson Tide and other prior movies, and about the challenges of balancing films with his private life. Great photos by Bruce Weber. -
To Be Viggo
Patricia Arquette, who was Viggo Mortensen's co-star in Indian Runner, leads Viggo through a free-form interview on gardening, acting, life goals, and liposuction. About Crimson Tide, Viggo says, "It was nice to play a guy with a job and a family, rather than a guy with a big ax to grind. And scary too, because in a role like that you have to fit in, whereas you don't if you play a sociopath. In this role, I couldn't hide behind violence or fake teeth."
Film Soundtrack
The film was scored by Hans Zimmer, who won a Grammy Award for the main theme, which makes heavy use of synthesizers in place of traditional orchestral instruments.
1. Mutiny
2. Alabama
3. Little Ducks
4. 1SQ
5. Roll Tide (Includes Hymn “Eternal Father, Strong To Save”)