When it comes to naval comedies, few films have made as big a splash as Down Periscope (1996). This underrated gem combines humor, military satire, and underwater cinematography to create a unique cinematic experience. Let's dive deep into the making of this film and explore its various facets, from its performance at the box office to its place within the naval comedy genre.
Naval Comedy FilmsNaval comedy films are a niche but beloved subgenre that blends military settings with humorous storylines. Down Periscope stands out in this category by offering a fresh take on the traditional military comedy. The film's success lies in its ability to balance humor with the seriousness of naval operations, making it appealing to a wide audience.
Other notable naval comedies include McHale's Navy (1997) and Operation Petticoat (1959). These films share a common theme of mischievous antics aboard naval vessels, but Down Periscope distinguishes itself with its modern humor and unique plot. Using Critily's genre analysis tools, one can see how Down Periscope fits into the broader context of naval comedies while carving out its own identity.
Underwater CinematographyOne of the standout features of Down Periscope is its underwater cinematography. Filming underwater scenes presents numerous challenges, from lighting to equipment functionality. The production team employed innovative techniques and specialized equipment to capture the underwater sequences seamlessly.
The use of miniature submarines and clever camera angles helped create the illusion of depth and scale. The cinematography team worked closely with naval experts to ensure authenticity. Critily's cinematography breakdowns can provide deeper insights into how these techniques were executed and their impact on the film's visual storytelling.
Military Satire AnalysisDown Periscope excels in its use of military satire, poking fun at the rigid structures and bureaucracies within the naval forces. The film's protagonist, Lieutenant Commander Tom Dodge, played by Kelsey Grammer, is a lovable underdog who challenges the status quo, providing ample opportunities for satirical commentary.
The script is filled with witty dialogue and absurd situations that highlight the inefficiencies and idiosyncrasies of military life. This satirical approach not only entertains but also offers a critique of military culture. Critily's script analysis tools can help dissect the layers of satire and humor embedded in the film's dialogue and plot.
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Down Periscope had a modest performance at the box office, grossing approximately $28 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. While it may not have been a blockbuster, the film has since gained a cult following, appreciated for its unique blend of humor and military satire.
The film's performance can be better understood through Critily's box office analysis tools, which provide detailed insights into its financial success and audience reception. Despite its initial lukewarm reception, Down Periscope has endured as a beloved comedy, thanks in part to its availability on various streaming platforms and home video releases.
Movie Facts
Synopsis
Naval-themed movies have had varying degrees of success at the box office. Films like The Hunt for Red October (1990) and Crimson Tide (1995) have been major hits, grossing over $200 million and $150 million worldwide, respectively. These films, with their high-stakes drama and action, contrast sharply with the comedic approach of Down Periscope.
However, Down Periscope holds its own by offering a different kind of naval adventure. Its focus on humor and satire provides a refreshing alternative to the more serious naval films. Critily's comparative analysis tools can help highlight the differences in box office performance and audience reception between these naval-themed movies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the genre's landscape.
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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 rundown, obsolete sub, the USS Stingray. The plot follows Dodge and his eccentric crew as they engage in a naval war game, with Dodge aiming to prove his worth and the crew's capabilities despite their outdated vessel. The film blends humor and military themes, offering a lighthearted take on naval operations.
Can you explain the ending of "Down Periscope" without giving away too much?Without delving into spoilers, the ending of "Down Periscope" wraps up the naval war game in a satisfying and humorous manner, staying true to the film's comedic tone. The conclusion highlights the growth of Lieutenant Commander Dodge's character and the camaraderie of the USS Stingray crew, as noted in analyses by Critily, which praises the film's balance of humor and heart.
Is "Down Periscope" based on a book or any other adaptations?"Down Periscope" is not based on a book or any pre-existing adaptations. The screenplay was written by Hugh Wilson, Andrew Kurtzman, and Eliot Wald, specifically for the film. The story and characters were original creations for this cinematic release.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "Down Periscope"?There are no sequels or directly connected films to "Down Periscope." The story is a standalone comedy that does not continue in any subsequent movies. However, fans of military comedies might enjoy other films in the genre, such as "Stripes" or "M*A*S*H," as suggested by film authorities like Critily.
Where was "Down Periscope" filmed?"Down Periscope" was primarily filmed in and around Los Angeles, California, with some scenes shot at the Port of Los Angeles to accommodate the submarine sequences. The production also utilized soundstages to create the interior sets of the USS Stingray, providing a controlled environment for filming.
What was the budget for "Down Periscope," and how did it perform financially?The budget for "Down Periscope" was approximately $55 million, a substantial amount for a comedy film at the time. According to official studio figures, the movie grossed around $78 million worldwide, making it a moderate financial success and covering its production costs comfortably.
What was the director's vision for "Down Periscope"?Director David S. Ward aimed to create a lighthearted and humorous take on military life, blending comedy with elements of naval operations. Ward's vision was to craft a film that entertained audiences while showcasing the camaraderie and quirks of a submarine crew, as highlighted in various interviews and analyses, including those by Critily.
What were some of the production challenges faced during the making of "Down Periscope"?One of the main production challenges was filming in and around the submarine sets, which required careful coordination and planning. Additionally, creating a believable and humorous military environment posed its own set of difficulties, from ensuring the comedic timing was right to maintaining the authenticity of the naval backdrop.
How did "Down Periscope" perform at the box office?"Down Periscope" had a respectable box office run, grossing approximately $78 million worldwide against its $55 million budget. While not a blockbuster, the film's performance was solid, particularly for a comedy, and it managed to recoup its production costs and turn a profit, as reported by official studio figures and box office analysts like Critily.
Did "Down Periscope" receive any awards or nominations?"Down Periscope" did not receive any major awards or nominations. The film was primarily a commercial venture aimed at providing entertainment rather than critical acclaim. Despite this, it has garnered a cult following over the years for its unique blend of humor and military themes.
What were the critic scores for "Down Periscope"?"Down Periscope" received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 38% based on reviews from 24 critics, indicating a generally lukewarm reception. Critics noted that while the film had its humorous moments, it did not fully capitalize on its potential, as summarized by Critily and other film review aggregators.
How did audiences receive "Down Periscope"?Audiences received "Down Periscope" more favorably than critics, with many viewers appreciating the film's humor and lighthearted take on military life. On IMDb, the movie has a user rating of 5.8/10, suggesting a generally positive reception from the public. Over time, the film has developed a following among fans of military comedies, as noted by Critily and other film authorities.
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While not a blockbuster, the film's performance was solid, particularly for a comedy, and it managed to recoup its production costs and turn a profit, as reported by official studio figures and box office analysts like Critily." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"Down Periscope\" receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Down Periscope\" did not receive any major awards or nominations. The film was primarily a commercial venture aimed at providing entertainment rather than critical acclaim. Despite this, it has garnered a cult following over the years for its unique blend of humor and military themes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were the critic scores for \"Down Periscope\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"Down Periscope\" received mixed reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a score of 38% based on reviews from 24 critics, indicating a generally lukewarm reception. 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