REVIEW: Deepwater Horizon

Courtesy of Summit Entertainment

Deepwater Horizon is a movie for people who think Michael Bay is too subtle. Director Peter Berg, apparently in a jingoistic mood lately (between this and Lone Survivor), practically drapes every frame of the film in the American flag and makes sure the BP logo is always prominent on the villains’ expensive shirts.

But these visual representations of patriotism and white-hot rage are fitting for this true story, which depicts – with gradually increasing dread – the tragic events leading up to the nation’s largest man-made disaster. There’s not a lot of gray area here, and there are plenty of reasons to be furious.

On April 20, 2010, the offshore oil-drilling rig Deepwater Horizon exploded due to a combination of faulty equipment, cost-cutting measures and executives who prioritized profits over safety regulations. The blowout killed 11 crewmen and ignited a fireball visible from 40 miles away. In the aftermath, 210 million gallons of oil flowed freely into the Gulf of Mexico over the course of 87 days.

The film (from a screenplay credited to Matthew Michael Carnahan and Matthew Sand) focuses primarily on three crew members – played by Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell and Gina Rodriguez – and their efforts to initially save and ultimately escape the doomed rig.

Even though they’re based on real people, the actors don’t portray characters as much as types. Wahlberg is the clear hero, right in all situations and prepared to risk his life to save others. Russell is the gruff veteran and father figure. Rodriguez is the rookie. (Kate Hudson is the other high-profile performer; however, since she plays the wife of Wahlberg’s character, she’s mostly relegated to talking on the phone and looking worried.)

Berg devotes roughly half the film’s running time to introducing various crewmen (using plenty of recognizable character actors as cinematic shorthand for their personalities) and familiarizing viewers with the rig’s layout. That way, when calamity strikes, we mostly know who everybody is (though it sometimes gets confusing in the chaos) and how far away from safety they are. In that sense, Deepwater Horizon is structured a lot like a horror movie.

Although the film isn’t as narratively complex as I would’ve preferred, Berg’s take on the disaster is powerfully acted and thrilling to watch. Plus, since Russell is one of my favorite actors, it’s great to see him excel in a role that’s right in his wheelhouse. I wonder if Summit Entertainment could drum up support for a Best Supporting Actor nomination. It could be a perfect “he’s due” moment.

Deepwater Horizon is rated PG-13 for prolonged intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language.

Grade: B