Dead Calm (1989) is one of the most underrated suspense films in recent history and one of the best films of the 1980's. It is one of those films like Deliverance (1972) that make you never want to go on a boating trip again.
Dead Calm works as a great suspense film in many of the same ways as Alien (1979) did, and many comparisons can be drawn. Dead Calm's tag-line is "In the middle of nowhere there is nowhere to hide." Alien's tag-line is "In space, no one can hear you scream." The feeling of isolation and helplessness in the vast open ocean, or outer space in Alien, adds to the terror of this film. Also like Alien, Dead Calm is a story about an uninvited guest that wreaks havoc on a cramped ship. On the boat there is a limited amount of space, so there is an element of claustrophobia. Dead Calm is also similar to Alien because the film is centered mainly around a strong and oppressed female character. Sigourney Weaver relied upon her wits and courage to survive, similar to Kidman's role in this film. Also like Alien, Dead Calm features a lot of silence which adds to the drama, reality and tension.
All things considered, Dead Calm is truly a well made and entertaining suspense film. The performances by the then unknown Sam Neill, Nichole Kidman and Billy Zane, are quite impressive. Billy Zane's performance as Hughie Warriner, the charming yet psychotic stowaway, is the best of his career. The direction by Phillip Noyce is quite impressive also. Dead Calm features perhaps some of the best photography on the high seas. The musical score featuring a primal, exhausted and guttural breathing sound is quite chilling and is used very effectively. Though I have made comparisons to Alien, Dead Calm is original and stands well on its own. There is nothing 'Calm' about Dead Calm, it is truly a great suspense film. The story never drags, there is plenty of mystery and heart pounding action.
Highly recommended.
Dead Calm works as a great suspense film in many of the same ways as Alien (1979) did, and many comparisons can be drawn. Dead Calm's tag-line is "In the middle of nowhere there is nowhere to hide." Alien's tag-line is "In space, no one can hear you scream." The feeling of isolation and helplessness in the vast open ocean, or outer space in Alien, adds to the terror of this film. Also like Alien, Dead Calm is a story about an uninvited guest that wreaks havoc on a cramped ship. On the boat there is a limited amount of space, so there is an element of claustrophobia. Dead Calm is also similar to Alien because the film is centered mainly around a strong and oppressed female character. Sigourney Weaver relied upon her wits and courage to survive, similar to Kidman's role in this film. Also like Alien, Dead Calm features a lot of silence which adds to the drama, reality and tension.
All things considered, Dead Calm is truly a well made and entertaining suspense film. The performances by the then unknown Sam Neill, Nichole Kidman and Billy Zane, are quite impressive. Billy Zane's performance as Hughie Warriner, the charming yet psychotic stowaway, is the best of his career. The direction by Phillip Noyce is quite impressive also. Dead Calm features perhaps some of the best photography on the high seas. The musical score featuring a primal, exhausted and guttural breathing sound is quite chilling and is used very effectively. Though I have made comparisons to Alien, Dead Calm is original and stands well on its own. There is nothing 'Calm' about Dead Calm, it is truly a great suspense film. The story never drags, there is plenty of mystery and heart pounding action.
Highly recommended.