Crimson Tide (1995) review

This is basically Tony Scott’s Dr. Strangelove (1964). Both films revolve around the terrifying idea that nuclear catastrophe can come down to military procedure, imperfect communication, chain of command, and human judgment. Dr. Strangelove turns that fear into absurd dark comedy, while Crimson Tide traps the same kind of nightmare inside a submarine and plays it completely straight. One incomplete message suddenly becomes a debate where either decision could potentially be disastrous. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Denzel get undermined this much for such a huge chunk of a film. He is usually the commanding presence in his movies, but here, Captain Ramsey constantly pushes him aside. I really feel for Denzel’s character, Lt. Commander Hunter, because as an executive officer, part of his responsibility is to question the risk before they act. I’m a risk manager too, and my guidance for precaution sometimes gets brushed off simply because people don’t want to add another step to the procedure. So I really understand his frustration of knowing that slowing down and verifying something might actually matter. But I feel for Captain Ramsey too. He is doing his job based on experience, quick impulse, and muscle memory. He already said earlier that he is a simple man. Basically, he follows the order he was given and trusts the system and chain of command. Hunter wants certainty before taking an irreversible action, while Ramsey believes hesitation itself could create an even bigger risk. Both men believe that hesitation or action could kill millions. Another Tony Scott banger. Two commanding men, one incomplete message, and a decision where being wrong is not an option.