The Abyss Reaction

[jhiggy23]

SPOILERS


So, I just finished watching James Cameron's "The Abyss" for the first time. I had seen bits and pieces before, but never the full 171 minutes. I think it was an incredible movie and give it 3 1/2 stars out of 4. There was an unbelievable sense of realism (the aliens excluded, of course) and mood that was created. In a way, I was reminded of the original Alien, in the way that Cameron uses camera techniques to follow the crew throughout the corridors. It also goes without saying that the seens in the depths of the water are both harrowing and beautiful at the same time.

I am a bit undecided about the ending, and I am sure this is where the bulk of the discussion will focus. After watching the film, I thought of a few different ways that Cameron could have ended it. The only one that I think may have been as good as the actual one, is for Ed Harris's character to literally die, in the presence of the light from the aliens. I understand why this did not occur, as it defies Hollywood convention, and Cameron was admittedly intending to tell an entirely different story. However, I think that it could have been effective if done right.

The actual ending I do not have much of a problem with. Yes, it was a bit hokey, but there are many instances in great movies in which things were much hokier than this. Actually, I thought the scenes in the alien "ship" were quite beautiful and while a bit cliche, were also uniquely creative. I admit that I enjoyed watching Ed Harris and the wife embrace at the end, because I actually cared a lot about both characters and wanted them to be with each other. As Peter Travers of Rolling Stone wrote in his review of the film, it is the human aspects of the film that propel it into exceptional territory. I agree with him, although the wonders of the deep certainly contribute to this excellence.


Please post responses and reaction for the film--general film discussion

[Steve]

You should probably be aware that having watched the 171 minute version, you watched a very different movie from the theatrical version. Most of the time a "director's cut" is just adding a few minutes here and there back into the film. The footage added back into this film completely changed it. I encourage you to go back and watch the theatrical version for comparison.

[Mahatma]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

SPOILERS


There was an unbelievable sense of realism

Woot??!!Did you watch the ending?Ask someone with diving experience about that

[neos_peace]

I can completly agree al the posts on here. I too agree that if you watch the extended version you wil get an entire diffferent xperince from it. This is one that I can't wait for on Blu.

[ambientcafe]

Among my top three 'JC' films (along w/Aliens & Titanic), I've owned this on Laserdisc & dvd. As with other fans of this groundbreaking, two decade-old film who have long pleaded; The Abyss is severely overdue for an anamorphic release, let alone a BD version. I also agree with 'fireman325's comment regarding the 'Director's Cut'....I'm partial to the 'Theatrical Cut' my own self.

''Sixty knots? No way, Barnes. The Reds don't have anything that fast!''

[The Gnome]

GREAT MOVIE!! I havent watched it in forever and you re-sparked my intrest!!! I didnt think it was on BD??? Is it?? Or did you watch the DVD???

And to piggy-back on the other posters, the two different endings change alot!! Damn I need to dig this one out and re-watch this!!

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by neos_peace

I can completly agree al the posts on here. I too agree that if you watch the extended version you wil get an entire diffferent xperince from it. This is one that I can't wait for on Blu.

I agree.

Rich

[evnash]

One of my favorite films...I much prefer the directors cut over the regular release. is there and date for the Blu release yet?

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Woot??!!Did you watch the ending?Ask someone with diving experience about that

haha easy Mahatma, I'm not saying things such as coming back to life two separate ways, underwater aliens, and the endings are realistic. Nor am I saying that the actual diving itself is realistic. By realistic, I mean that the film is akin to Alien, in which the human emotions allow oneself to be taken in by the film, granting it a distinct sense of realism, as if you were there.

[jhiggy23]

Fireman and others, thank you for your (constructive) responses. I was aware that the directors cut is 25 minutes longer and changes the ending. I received the film via netflix, and as such, received the extended edition. In doing som research, I found out what the differences are and I must say, reading it on paper and seeing it are two different things. Since I have read what the ending of the theatrical version is but not actually seen it, I will defer opinion until I have undergone the experience. Let's hope the blu includes both versions. Btw, in watching the film upscaled last nite on my blu player, I thought it was one of the best upscales I have seen, and the sound was also quite good. (much better than the dismal Glory blu-ray on both levels) I think that it will be a great blu when it comes out.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by The Gnome

GREAT MOVIE!! I havent watched it in forever and you re-sparked my intrest!!! I didnt think it was on BD??? Is it?? Or did you watch the DVD???

Originally Posted by evnash

One of my favorite films...I much prefer the directors cut over the regular release. is there and date for the Blu release yet?

No it's not out on blu-ray yet, and no release date has been announced. It never even had an anamorphic release on DVD.

[TheZoof]

I love this movie as well. I watched the dvd again about 3-4 months ago. It was just wonderful.

My wife also loved it too.

[Sussudio]

Loved this movie, it's my favorite of Cameron's. Amazing sci-fi/action blended with romance. Seems like that's always what he does best

[repete66211]

I too really enjoyed this movie--great characters, great drama, good story progression--until the very end. Deus ex machina to the rescue!

[Sponge-worthy]

Originally Posted by repete66211

I too really enjoyed this movie--great characters, great drama, good story progression--until the very end. Deus ex machina to the rescue!

That's the film's only stumble: Cameron's

[Show spoiler]Close Encounters

underwater. I like the overall idea behind it, but its execution is just too neat yet kinda goofy at the same time.

[jhiggy23]

generally not a fan of deus ex machina...but i think i can let it slide for this film

[repete66211]

Originally Posted by jhiggy23

generally not a fan of deus ex machina...but i think i can let it slide for this film

The Abyss is still a good movie. I don't think the use of deus ex machina ruins it. However, I am unable to think of any other movie that epitomizes the definition of deus ex machina. Perhaps Adaptation, but in that case it's done ironically.

[sfmarine]

I prefer the theatrical over the extended version.

[jhiggy23]

Originally Posted by sfmarine

I prefer the theatrical over the extended version.

Thanks for stating your preference...that seems to be a general consensus among posters, despite Ebert's belief that it greatly improves the movie. I am interested to see what my opinion is, as generally I think director's/extended cuts are better (apocalypse now redux being an example, the new world being another). I agree with the previous poster that I did not think the ending ruined it for me. There are many examples of deus ex machina being invoked, and I do agree that generally it leads to a "cop out" ending. The sense of wonderment for me a day later is still in place.

[Steve]

I'm in the other camp, as I prefer the extended version.