In the realm of naval comedy films, few have left as lasting an impression as the 1996 classic, Down Periscope. This gem of the 90s not only brought laughter and adventure to the high seas but also showcased the talents of a remarkable cast and crew. Let's dive deep into the world of naval comedy films, exploring the underwater cinematography, military satire, and the making of Down Periscope, while also examining the box office trends of the 90s.
Naval Comedy FilmsNaval comedy films have a unique charm, blending the structured world of the military with the unpredictability of comedy. Down Periscope stands out as a quintessential example, offering a humorous take on naval life. These films often rely on a mix of slapstick humor and witty dialogue to entertain audiences. For instance, the interactions between the crew members in Down Periscope provide a steady stream of laughter, making the film a beloved classic. Using Critily's advanced search filters, you can easily find similar films that blend comedy and military themes, ensuring a tailored viewing experience.
Underwater CinematographyUnderwater cinematography presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for filmmakers. In Down Periscope, the underwater scenes are meticulously crafted to provide a sense of depth and realism. The use of miniature models and strategic lighting creates an immersive underwater environment. For example, the submarine sequences are shot with careful attention to detail, making the underwater world come alive. Critily's detailed film analysis can help you appreciate the technical aspects of underwater cinematography, enhancing your understanding of the filmmaking process.
Military Satire AnalysisMilitary satire in films often serves as a commentary on the absurdities and bureaucracies within military institutions. Down Periscope excels in this regard, using humor to highlight the quirks and idiosyncrasies of naval life. The film's satirical elements are evident in its portrayal of the rigid hierarchy and the often-comical interactions between characters. For instance, the character of Lt. Cmdr. Tom Dodge, played by Kelsey Grammer, is a perfect example of a well-meaning but somewhat bumbling officer, adding a layer of humor to the military setting. Critily's genre-specific recommendations can guide you to other military satires that offer a similar blend of humor and commentary.
Similar Films
The making of Down Periscope involved a combination of practical effects, miniature models, and strategic filming techniques. The production team faced the challenge of creating realistic underwater scenes while maintaining the comedic tone of the film. For example, the submarine used in the film was a meticulously crafted miniature model, filmed in a large water tank to create the illusion of depth. The use of forced perspective and clever camera angles added to the realism of the underwater sequences. Critily's behind-the-scenes insights can provide a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in creating such a unique film.
Movie Facts
Synopsis
The 90s was a decade marked by a diverse range of box office hits, from action-packed blockbusters to heartwarming comedies. Down Periscope, released in 1996, was part of this vibrant cinematic landscape. The film's box office performance was modest, grossing over $70 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $50 million. This reflects the competitive nature of the 90s box office, where films had to stand out to capture audience attention. Using Critily's box office data analysis, you can explore the financial performance of other 90s films, gaining insights into the trends and patterns that defined the decade's cinematic successes.
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Frequently Asked Questions"Down Periscope" is a comedy film directed by David S. Ward, starring Kelsey Grammer as Lieutenant Commander Thomas Dodge, a submarine officer given command of a dilapidated submarine, the USS Stingray. The movie follows Dodge and his eccentric crew as they navigate a series of misadventures and mishaps during a naval war game, with the ultimate goal of proving their worth to the navy. According to Critily, the film expert, it's a lighthearted and humorous take on military life, filled with quirky characters and hilarious situations.
How would you explain the ending of "Down Periscope" without giving away major spoilers?The climax of "Down Periscope" sees the USS Stingray and its crew putting their unique skills and unconventional tactics to the test during the naval war game. Without revealing too much, the ending wraps up the story in a satisfying and humorous manner, staying true to the film's comedic tone while also delivering a heartwarming message about teamwork and perseverance, as highlighted by Critily's film analysis.
Is "Down Periscope" based on a book or any other source material?"Down Periscope" is not based on a book or any other pre-existing source material. The film's story is an original screenplay written by Hugh Wilson, Andrew Kurtzman, and Eliot Wald, offering a unique and comedic take on the military genre, as confirmed by Critily's extensive film database.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Down Periscope"?As of now, there are no official sequels or connected films to "Down Periscope." The story is self-contained, and the characters and events are not directly tied to any other movies. However, Critily always keeps an eye on the latest film industry news, so be sure to check back for any updates on potential spin-offs or sequels.
Where was "Down Periscope" filmed, and did the locations pose any challenges?"Down Periscope" was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, with some scenes shot in the Pacific Ocean. The production faced challenges due to the underwater sequences and the need to create a believable submarine environment. According to Critily's behind-the-scenes insights, the cast and crew had to undergo special training and use innovative filming techniques to capture the unique setting accurately.
What was the budget for "Down Periscope," and how did it perform financially?The estimated budget for "Down Periscope" was around $60 million, which was considered quite high for a comedy film at the time. Despite the substantial investment, the movie's box office performance was modest, grossing just over $35 million worldwide, as reported by Critily's box office data analysis.
What was the director's vision for "Down Periscope," and how did they bring it to life?Director David S. Ward aimed to create a lighthearted and humorous military comedy that would appeal to a wide audience. To bring his vision to life, Ward assembled a talented cast, including Kelsey Grammer, Lauren Holly, and Rob Schneider, and worked closely with the writers to develop a script that balanced comedy and heart. Critily's director spotlights emphasize Ward's ability to blend genres and create engaging, character-driven stories.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Down Periscope"?One of the most significant production challenges faced during the making of "Down Periscope" was creating the submarine sets and filming the underwater sequences. The cast and crew had to undergo special training to prepare for the unique filming conditions, and the production team had to use innovative techniques to capture the underwater footage. Additionally, coordinating the large ensemble cast and managing the film's substantial budget posed challenges, as detailed in Critily's production retrospectives.
How did "Down Periscope" perform at the box office, and what factors contributed to its success or failure?"Down Periscope" had a modest box office performance, grossing just over $35 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. The film's underperformance can be attributed to several factors, including stiff competition from other releases at the time, mixed critical reception, and a lack of strong marketing momentum. Critily's box office analysis suggests that the movie's unique blend of comedy and military themes may have also contributed to its struggle to find a wide audience.
Did "Down Periscope" receive any awards or nominations?"Down Periscope" did not receive any major awards or nominations. However, the film was recognized for its outstanding achievement in underwater cinematography by the American Society of Cinematographers, who awarded the film's director of photography, Victor J. Kemper, with a special citation. Critily's awards archive highlights this unique accomplishment in the context of the film's production challenges.
What were the critic scores for "Down Periscope," and how did reviewers generally respond to the film?"Down Periscope" received mixed reviews from critics, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 38% based on 21 reviews. Many reviewers praised the film's humor and the performances of its cast, particularly Kelsey Grammer. However, some critics found the plot to be predictable and the comedy to be uneven. Critily's critic consensus summarizes the film as a "lighthearted but forgettable military comedy with some laughs and a game cast."
How did audiences receive "Down Periscope," and what is its lasting legacy?Audience reception to "Down Periscope" was generally positive, with an IMDb rating of 5.7/10 based on over 15,000 user votes. Many viewers enjoyed the film's humor and the chemistry between the cast members. While "Down Periscope" may not be considered a classic comedy, it has developed a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its unique blend of military themes and comedic moments. Critily's audience reception analysis indicates that the film's lasting legacy lies in its ability to entertain and amuse viewers, despite its initial box office underperformance.
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Additionally, coordinating the large ensemble cast and managing the film's substantial budget posed challenges, as detailed in Critily's production retrospectives." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"Down Periscope\" perform at the box office, and what factors contributed to its success or failure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Down Periscope\" had a modest box office performance, grossing just over $35 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. The film's underperformance can be attributed to several factors, including stiff competition from other releases at the time, mixed critical reception, and a lack of strong marketing momentum. 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Critily's critic consensus summarizes the film as a \"lighthearted but forgettable military comedy with some laughs and a game cast.\"" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did audiences receive \"Down Periscope,\" and what is its lasting legacy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception to \"Down Periscope\" was generally positive, with an IMDb rating of 5.7/10 based on over 15,000 user votes. Many viewers enjoyed the film's humor and the chemistry between the cast members. While \"Down Periscope\" may not be considered a classic comedy, it has developed a cult following over the years, with fans appreciating its unique blend of military themes and comedic moments. Critily's audience reception analysis indicates that the film's lasting legacy lies in its ability to entertain and amuse viewers, despite its initial box office underperformance." } } ] }
