by Ray Keating
The Keating Files – August 29, 2020
The film Greyhound – written by and starring Tom Hanks, and directed by Aaron Schneider – ranks as strong storytelling on the big … oh, wait … on your favorite streaming device.
When storytellers manage to convey real suspense and emotion; the significance of the tale (you know, why this matters); character essence (including why we should care); and, especially when dealing with historical events, respect for the material, that is a noteworthy accomplishment. Hanks and his fellow storytellers do exactly this in Greyhound.
This movie tells the story of the Battle of the Atlantic during World War II by focusing on one U.S. destroyer, led by Captain Ernest Krause (Hanks), on a particular crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. The Battle of the Atlantic refers to the convoys of ships carrying supplies and personnel from the United States to Europe in support of the war effort. These convoys were protected by the U.S. Navy, and hunted by Nazis U-boats.
The film is based on the novel The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester, but stays true to the Battle of the Atlantic. The movie focuses on a two-day portion of a 37-ship convoy’s crossing in February 1942, specifically, the part of the journey in the middle of the Atlantic when convoys were vulnerable due to the lack of air cover.
This is Krause’s first command and crossing. His ship – the U.S.S. Keeling, nicknamed Greyhound – is the lead destroyer protecting the convoy.
After hearing the words of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the very start of the film, the viewer is introduced to Krause as he is kneeling in his cabin. He is saying part of Martin Luther’s morning prayer: “Dear Lord, let your holy angel be with that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.” We also see a card hanging on his mirror that says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8.” So, along with a few other moments, the filmmakers establish that Krause is a man of faith. This is done ably and not in an overhearing, heavy-handed way; it’s simply part of telling the story of who this man is. (Filmmakers calling themselves “Christian filmmakers” might want to take note.)
As a commander, Krause is put to the test as a “wolf pack” of Nazis U-boat submarines pursue the convoy. Tense, often edge-of-your-seat action is central to this military thriller at sea. Excellent visual effects and the right music convey the hunt going on between Greyhound and the U-boats, and how the roles of the hunter and the hunted shift during battle.
But there’s much more. The viewer sees Hanks in a powerfully unstated performance wrestling with no-win decisions whereby whichever direction the captain chooses, lives will be lost. The weight of command is made clear, including the toll it takes on Captain Krause mentally and physically. At the same time, the viewers see the silent strength and resolve of Hanks’ character.
Greyhound embraces the details of a battle at sea during World War II, but it doesn’t get lost in those details. Instead, a very human story shines through, along with perhaps a newfound respect for those who fought the Battle of the Atlantic.
The film ends (small spoiler alert!) in fitting fashion. Hanks’ character returns to his cabin after being up for more than two days, and with bloody feet. He kneels once again and prays part of Luther’s evening prayer: “I thank you, my heavenly Father, that you have graciously kept me this day. Into your hands I commend myself, my body and soul. Amen.”
Do I have any complaints? Just one. Elizabeth Shue plays Evelyn, the love that Hanks’ character left behind at home. We see her in brief flashbacks that turn out to be far too brief. A bit more on this front would have added to Hanks’ character and the sacrifices made during wartime. Indeed, I had the feeling that more was filmed, but wound up on the cutting room floor.
It also seems necessary to say something about seeing Greyhound via the Apple TV+ streaming service rather than in theaters. Clearly, this movie would have been even more enjoyable on the big screen given its focus on naval warfare. Also, along with Mulan arriving on Disney+ on September 4, Greyhound is an early test case in bypassing theaters for streaming with a major film. Of course, both cases are resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, but those making and enjoying movies are watching for clues as to where the movie business might be headed.
Sony had originally scheduled Greyhound to be theatrically released in the U.S. on May 8 and then it was moved to June 12. With the pandemic persisting, it was reported in May that Apple paid Sony $70 million for 15 years of streaming rights for the film, with Sony retaining distribution rights in China. There would be no theatrical release in the U.S. for Greyhound. As for Apple TV+, Greyhound stands out on a service that has, at this point, little else. Indeed, given the very limited menu of original material, Apple TV+ offers every incentive for the movie consumer to sign up for the one-week free trial, enjoy Greyhound, and then cancel the service before being charged. Apple has a great deal of work ahead to present consumers a respectable selection of content.
My final point is a tip of the hat to Tom Hanks for ably taking on some significant and focused historical roles that treat the subject with respect. In addition to this movie, I am reminded of his work with Steven Spielberg in Bridge of Spies (2015).
Check out Greyhound, you will not be disappointed.
__________
See recent...
__________
Ray Keating is a columnist, novelist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur. You can order his new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York from Amazon or signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Keating’s latest novel is The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which is the 12thbook in the series. There is a big sale on signed books and sets at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month. Also, the best way to fully enjoy Ray Keating’s Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries is to join the Pastor Stephen Grant Fellowship! For the BEST VALUE, consider the Book of the Month Club. Check it all out at https://www.patreon.com/pastorstephengrantfellowship
Also, tune in to Ray Keating’s podcasts – the PRESS CLUB C Podcast and the Free Enterprise in Three Minutes Podcast
Check out Ray Keating’s Disney news and entertainment site at www.DisneyBizJournal.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment