The Bedford Incident - C4 Films
Discussion
Saw this last night and thought it superb. Infinitely better than the similar plot/character dynamics in Crimson Tide. Sidney Poitier and Richard Widmark vs Denzil Washington and Gene Hackman as the protagonists.
What was most striking (spoiler alert) was that it foretold some of the aspects of the USS Vincennes shooting down Iran Air 655 killing 300 people (and again poignant given the USN/IDF build up with Iran happening behind the Gaza conflict).
Thought Richard Widmark's performance was brilliant, playing the hard driving authoritarian Captain with nuance. Occasionally showing affection for his sonar operator and taking a hand in developing the young officer while also being a complete Captain Ahab psycho. Then going all vulnerable and racked with self doubt when Sidney Poitier grills him.
Best for me was the human factors communication errors. Pity my work colleagues who I am going to make watch excerpts from this film in my next Human Factors briefing! Keen to hear from any commercial shipping or military people on their opinions on the types of leadership and followership displayed.
Not perfect, U Boat veteran was unnecessary, special effects cheesy (icebergs were obviously polystyrene blocks!) and Sidney Poitier was wasted (Denzil Washington gets a far better part in Crimson Tide), but overall, best film I've watched for months!
What was most striking (spoiler alert) was that it foretold some of the aspects of the USS Vincennes shooting down Iran Air 655 killing 300 people (and again poignant given the USN/IDF build up with Iran happening behind the Gaza conflict).
Thought Richard Widmark's performance was brilliant, playing the hard driving authoritarian Captain with nuance. Occasionally showing affection for his sonar operator and taking a hand in developing the young officer while also being a complete Captain Ahab psycho. Then going all vulnerable and racked with self doubt when Sidney Poitier grills him.
Best for me was the human factors communication errors. Pity my work colleagues who I am going to make watch excerpts from this film in my next Human Factors briefing! Keen to hear from any commercial shipping or military people on their opinions on the types of leadership and followership displayed.
Not perfect, U Boat veteran was unnecessary, special effects cheesy (icebergs were obviously polystyrene blocks!) and Sidney Poitier was wasted (Denzil Washington gets a far better part in Crimson Tide), but overall, best film I've watched for months!
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