Yet another real life disaster film released during Oscar season?
But do not fret fellow film fanatics! Deepwater Horizon is a visceral engaging feast told with the uttermost respect for those who lost their lives in the 2010 disaster.
For those not aware, this film tells the real life story of the biggest oil spill in American history. Regular blue collar worker Mike Williams (Mark Wahlberg) reports for duty on the oil rig named Deepwater Horizon. Accompanied by his boss Jimmy Harrell (Kurt Russell), they begin work on what seems like any other normal day.
Alas, the efforts of Donald Vidrine (John Malkovich), who ignores safety regulations ends up leading to a blowout, which causes a catastrophic explosion and leads to the deaths of 11 people.
This type of “average joe” role is what Mark Wahlberg was made for. He skillfully portrays a family man caught up in events beyond his control, as well as immense courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Clearly no expense has been spared in order to bring to life the terrifying scenes of flame and destruction and Peter Berg moves his camera with expert confidence.
While the film is obviously dominated by the male gender, it’s female roles are not to be sniffed at, with Gina Rodriguez and Kate Hudson being given a decent amount to do in roles that could have easily been underwritten.
While this film may seem like a mindless disaster flick, that could not be further from the truth as the $100 million or so has wisely been spent honoured the sacrifice of these men while also making an entertaining action extravaganza.
Overall Score:
Circle of Cinema 
It goes without saying that good safety perforomance and good production performance go hand in hand…but this is just a Hollywood blockbuster!
A Hollywood anticlimax disaster film would be a box office flop.
So it’s okay to advocate safety and the preservation of life in real life but it’s also a okay to do a sequel of itchi the killer 🙂
LikeLike