A Periscope Peek into History with 'Greyhound'
When you hear 'Tom Hanks' and 'World War II', your mind probably jumps to films like Saving Private Ryan — a staple in the world of epic war dramas. But hold onto your sailor hats, because 2020’s 'Greyhound', directed by Aaron Schneider and based on a C.S. Forester novel, offers an entirely different battlefield — the rolling Atlantic. In this thrilling war drama, we dive into the frothy waves of the North Atlantic where our beloved Captain Hanks orchestrates a taut, tense war at sea. Let’s set sail on this movie review and see if it navigates smoothly or capsizes under its ambitions.
The Chess Game Beneath the Waves
Several months after the U.S. entry into World War II, Hanks plays an inexperienced U.S. Navy commander entrusted with safeguarding an Allied convoy. Their nemesis? A menacing pack of German U-boats. The plot feels like a high-stakes chess game played on the blue ridges of the ocean, each move careful and calculated, with life-and-death stakes. The film’s beauty lies in its commitment to authenticity — the tension is palpable, the suspense builds like an incoming torpedo.
The film depicts the harrowing re-realities of maritime warfare where instead of clear battle lines, you have vast expanses of bleak, unyielding water. It’s all about the pursuit — the evasion, the fear lurking beneath the waves. It takes place over just a few days, creating a near-real-time tension that will keep your popcorn almost falling into your lap.
Acting That Commands Attention
Tom Hanks once again flexes his charismatic prowess, bringing to life the disciplined yet inexperienced Commander Ernest Krause. His performance is a masterclass in portraying subtext — empathy, anxiety, and determination woven into his every expression. Hanks wrote the screenplay himself, which might explain why the lead role exudes a familiarity and depth only an actor of his caliber can muster.
But it’s not a solo journey. Stephen Graham provides ample support as the savvy and stalwart right-hand man. Their chemistry, like a well-oiled machine, adds a layer of personal stakes in the mechanical rhythm of warfare. While Elisabeth Shue only graces the screen briefly, her presence lingers as a poignant reminder of what’s at stake, elevating the narrative beyond its metallic confines.
A Cinematic Symphony of the Sea
When it comes to direction, Aaron Schneider orchestrates a symphonic sensation of sound and visuals. His meticulous attention to detail immerses the audience on the high seas. From the clanging of bells to the relentless ticking of sonar, the soundscape forms a character of its own — telling its story of tension and survival. The cinematography captures the vastness of the ocean, turning the endless blues into an arena of impending doom.
A minor stumble, however, comes from the thin exploration of characters beyond Krause. The fast pace, while thrilling, leaves little room for deeper dives into the crew's inner lives, which could have added more heart to an already engaging narrative.
The Legacy of Naval Epics
Comparisons are often drawn to Wolfgang Peterson’s Das Boot or even Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, not just in genre but also in nail-biting suspense and precise crafting. Yet Greyhound finds its own voice amid these titans, blending the deft storytelling of Hanks with the cinematic expertise of Schneider. Unlike its predecessors, it wraps its tension in a concise 90-minute runtime — a brisk yet satisfying combat tale.
Then again, could any film truly live up to the grandeur of 2001: A Space Odyssey’s cosmic solitude yet reflect on humanity’s conflicts? Perhaps 'Greyhound' joins a lineage of war films that dare to ask uncomfortable questions.
All Aboard the Action-Packed Voyage!
If you’re a fan of naval combat, historical accuracy, or simply the enigma that is Tom Hanks, don’t let 'Greyound' sail past you unnoticed. It’s a compact dose of cinema brilliance that grips you tightly with its oceanic clutches from start to finish. Unplug, unwind, and dive into this must-watch war film. The convoy awaits your order!