Dead Calm (1989)

 Well-done suspense
This is a well-done suspense thriller, small, very competent cast. Good direction. Sam Neil and Nicole Kidman do a terrific job. The photography is a bit uninspired, but consistent throughout. March 3, 2008

 They make the most out of what they have
I didn't know what to expect out of this film, if anything much. Though Nicole Kidman, Sam Neil and Billy Zane are all very recognizable actors, this film was set before their rise to stardome. These are not only the three main characters in the film, but after the first 10 minutes, basically the only 3 charcaters in this film. The setting is in seclusion out in the open ocean - 2 small ships. One is the fancy little yaught that the Neil and Kidman characters are vacationing on, and the other, in the process of sinking, with a fleeing Billy Zane who comes abaord the couple's yaught. The husband (Neil) tries to salvage the sinking ship while Zane rests up, but when he wakes, his true self comes to life as the films' villain, kidnapping the wife (Kidman) and stealing the yaught.

The limited setting of a small yaught kept me wondering how interesting and up-to pace the plot would actually be. Surprisingly, there are some little twists and surprising events along the way, mostly trying to figure out this villain - who he really is and what his intentions are. He's obviously psychotic, yet at the same time very weird and unusual. And while the suspenseful thrills aboard the yaught take place between Kidman and Zane, Neil is in a very tight spot, trapped inside the other ship quickly sinking. In the end, like many thrillers, it's all not over till its over. The climax finally picks up the greatest pace and came to a satisfying conclusion.

Though there is only so much you can do with a film like this, the creators did a decent job of making the most out of it. An original setting for a thriller makes this worthy of checking out, but overall, its mildly entertaining at most.

Acting - 4
Characters - 4
Story - 3.5
Suspense - 4
Overall - 4
January 4, 2008

 Well directed and good casting. Great Movie
After Nicole Kidman and her husband, Sam Neill, lose their young son in a tragic automobile accident, they decide to take a long cruise on their yacht to clear their minds.
The cruise is going well until a survivor,Billy Zane, of a sinking ship is rescued by the couple.
Once on their yacht, Neill finds it necessary to go and investigate the ship, leaving Kidman and Zane back on the yacht, alone.
Zane leaves Neill and takes the yacht the other direction. When Kidman finds that this man on their ship is a madman, she realizes that her life is in danger.
After an attempt is made to make contact with her husband by radio is not succesful, she tries everything, she can think of to get their boat back to Neill, on the ship, which is sinking.
Her last straw is to cooperate with Zane and so when he comes to her and kisses her,and strips her, she knows that this is going to happen, she goes along with it out of fear and lets him rape her.
The rape scene is quite graphic but illustrates his savage desire for her. Finally after he's done, she manages to free herself of his constant presence.
After much fighting and cat and mouse activity Kidman is able to knock him out and push his body off of the boat.
Now, with the yacht in her control she turns it around to go back and finds her husband.
Now that they are together again she feels safe. As her husband gives her a shsmpoo, they talk about breakfast. When Neill goes to fix it, guess who comes aboard the yacht? Right! Zane... remember him? He wasn't dead, he's back. as Kidman and Zane scuffle, Neill comes to the rescue and does Zane in forever. No on knows about this but Nicole Kidman, Sam Neill, and you and I. October 18, 2007

 Action Packed Chiller!!!
I actually bought this movie based on my knowledge of seeing it years back. Certain parts were still fresh in my memory even before I watched it for a second time. I think the fact I bought this movie based on an old perception of it, and proving my perception correct on second watching should entice anyone to make it part of their collection. Aimed at all ages and genders. A heartbroken mother, a husband & a castaway with a serious bad attitude, at sea, should sum up this movie. August 24, 2007

 Dedicated Wife
You never hear much about this movie when people speak of Nicole Kidman I think this is one her very best roles, she is sweet, dedicated and a true heroine. She is cute in the movie as the wife who never gives up trying to save her husband and she never loses her temper being the victim she keeps her calm.................. April 10, 2007

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