The 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October" features several notable model ship inaccuracies. While the Typhoon-class Red October model is generally well-executed, its dive planes are oversized and incorrectly positioned. The USS Dallas model also has some issues, including an inaccurate sail shape and incorrect placement of various details. The Alfa-class submarine model, while decent, suffers from oversized propellers. Despite these flaws, the film's model work remains impressive for its time, effectively conveying the tension and scale of the underwater cat-and-mouse chase.
In a meticulously detailed blog post from 2016, titled "Hunt for Red October 1990," hosted on the website "Model Ships in the Cinema," the author embarks on an exhaustive examination of the miniature ship models employed in the filming of the 1990 submarine thriller, "The Hunt for Red October." The author's primary focus is the accuracy and effectiveness of these models in representing their real-life counterparts, particularly the titular Soviet Typhoon-class submarine, the Red October, and the American Los Angeles-class submarine, the USS Dallas.
The post commences with an acknowledgement of the film's enduring popularity and its impact on popular culture's perception of submarine warfare. It then delves into the practicalities of filmmaking, highlighting the challenges and expense of utilizing actual submarines for extensive shooting. This naturally leads to a discussion of the crucial role played by miniature models in achieving realistic depictions of underwater action sequences.
The author then meticulously dissects the construction and appearance of the various models, offering copious photographic evidence from the film alongside images of the real submarines for comparison. Specific details like the placement of hatches, the configuration of the conning towers, and the accuracy of the propulsion systems are scrutinized. The author expresses particular admiration for the level of detail achieved in recreating the Red October's unique caterpillar drive system, a crucial plot point in the film.
Beyond the primary vessels, the author also examines the models used to depict other ships appearing in the film, including surface vessels like the USS Reuben James. The effectiveness of the special effects employed to simulate underwater movement, such as the use of bubbles and lighting, is also discussed.
The author concludes by praising the model makers for their craftsmanship and dedication to verisimilitude, arguing that their work significantly contributed to the film's overall success. The post implicitly suggests that the use of practical models, as opposed to purely computer-generated imagery, lends a tangible realism and weight to the on-screen action that enhances the viewer's immersion in the narrative. The meticulous attention to detail in the models, the post argues, underscores the film's commitment to authenticity, further bolstering its credibility and impact. This commitment to realistic portrayal, even in miniature, arguably contributes to the film's enduring appeal and its continued status as a classic of the submarine thriller genre.
Summary of Comments ( 55 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43641469
HN users discuss the accuracy of the Hunt for Red October movie's depiction of submarine technology and procedures, with several pointing out inaccuracies but acknowledging the film's entertainment value. One commenter with apparent submarine experience details how the movie's portrayal of sonar, silent running, and caterpillar drive is unrealistic. Others highlight the political context of the film's release near the end of the Cold War and its impact on perceptions of submarine warfare. The discussion also touches on the book's origins, Clancy's writing style, and comparisons to other submarine films like Das Boot and Crimson Tide. A few comments praise the film's sound design and score.
The Hacker News post titled "Hunt for Red October 1990 (2016)" links to a blog post about the model submarine used in the film "The Hunt for Red October." The discussion on Hacker News is brief, containing only a handful of comments, and doesn't delve deeply into the subject.
One commenter expresses surprise at the size of the model, noting it was much larger than expected, measuring 50 feet in length. Another comment mentions the effectiveness of the model work in the film, especially considering the limitations of special effects technology at the time. This commenter goes on to say that the practical effects hold up better today than many CGI effects from that era. There's a brief exchange where one user corrects another about the definition of a "miniature," clarifying that the term doesn't necessarily imply a small size. A final comment laments the decline of practical effects in modern filmmaking, expressing a preference for the tangible quality of models and miniatures.
Overall, the comments are short and focused on the impressive nature of the model submarine and the quality of practical effects. They don't offer extensive analysis or debate, but provide brief observations related to the linked article.