Deepwater Horizon

It took me a while to see this movie in the theater but once I did, I was impressed by how it told this true story. I will do my best not to state my opinion on the issue regarding the environment or who’s to blame. This blog is meant to judge the movie. I will ask those environmentalists who see this film to remember that the focus of the movie is on the people who lived through the disaster. The movie makes mention that the resulting oil spill was the largest in US history but we all know that story. Few people know this one, hence why the film "Deepwater Horizon" was made. While watching the film, I took note of the cinematography, sense of realism, acting and screenplay. The sound editing was nominated for an Oscar by the way. Despite its good points however, this movie doesn't feel like one you need to see more than once.

The loving relationship Mike has with his family is very well established. This is accomplished through the performance of the actors and a well-written opening sequence. "Deepwater Horizon" also sets up the disaster with a foreboding feeling introduced as the characters make their way to the rig. The bird strike, the shots from the ocean floor and musical score do their part in keep the audience on edge. I enjoyed how the movie documents the work of these people such as how the travel to the job site. The filmmakers did a good job in telling the story so that those not in the industry could follow what was going on. Again, the screenwriters get the credit here because a lot of the scenes before the explosion were entertaining to watch. There were a couple of the Oscar nominated CGI shots that were very dramatic such as the huge explosion of the rig and the shock wave on the ocean floor. I also like how we go from chaos to a quiet night at the Louisiana Coast Guard dispatch office. That peace doesn't last long as the calls begin to come in. As with all disaster movies, the show keeps you in suspense as to whether the characters will survive. Because this is a true story however, you feel genuine anxiety. I personally wasn't sure which supporting characters were going to make it but what "Deepwater Horizon" does well is to create appeal for many of the characters so that you hope for their survival.

As mentioned, the performances of the actors were impressive. The casting of the characters also is noteworthy. Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell and John Malkovich did their jobs very well with Wahlberg in particular pulling off a very realistic persona of an average guy. The media covered the resulting oil spill but not so much the ordinary men involved in this disaster, some of which lost their lives. Although the movie has great characteristics and you enjoy it, "Deepwater Horizon" leaves you without a desire to see it again. Once seems to be enough unfortunately. Good movies entertain you for one night but amazing movies entertain you every time.

3.5 Stars out of 5