The 1990 Film That Roger Ebert Called “So Implausible”
In the annals of cinematic history, there are certain films that stand out for their sheer audacity, their ability to push the boundaries of storytelling and suspension of disbelief. And then there are those films that, despite their intentions, simply fail to convince the audience that what they are seeing is even remotely plausible. One such film is the 1990 action thriller “The Hunt for Red October,” directed by John McTiernan and starring Sean Connery as a Soviet submarine captain who defects to the United States.
From the outset, “The Hunt for Red October” is a film that strains credulity. The plot, which revolves around a rogue Soviet submarine captain who attempts to defect to the United States with a new, stealth-capable submarine, is so far-fetched that it’s almost laughable. The characters are equally unbelievable, with Connery’s Captain Marko Ramius being a particularly wooden and unconvincing protagonist.
Unrealistic Plot and Characters
The implausibility of “The Hunt for Red October” is most evident in its plot. The idea that a Soviet submarine captain would be able to defect to the United States with a new, state-of-the-art submarine is simply not credible. The Soviet Union was a closed society, and its military was one of the most secretive in the world. It’s hard to believe that a submarine captain would be able to get away with such a defection, especially given the fact that he would have to navigate through heavily guarded waters.
The characters in “The Hunt for Red October” are equally unbelievable. Connery’s Captain Ramius is a one-dimensional character who is never fully developed. He’s supposed to be a brilliant strategist and a skilled submariner, but his actions often seem illogical and reckless. The other characters in the film are equally shallow and underdeveloped.
Unconvincing Setting and Action Sequences
The setting of “The Hunt for Red October” is another major problem. The film is set in the Cold War era, but it doesn’t capture the tension and paranoia of that time period. The action sequences are also unconvincing, and they often seem more like a video game than a real-life submarine battle.
Overall, “The Hunt for Red October” is a film that is full of implausibilities. The plot is far-fetched, the characters are underdeveloped, and the setting and action sequences are unconvincing. As a result, the film fails to engage the audience and leaves them feeling like they’ve wasted their time.
Roger Ebert’s Criticism
Roger Ebert, one of the most respected film critics of all time, famously called “The Hunt for Red October” “so implausible that it’s almost laughable.” Ebert went on to criticize the film’s plot, characters, and action sequences, calling it “a waste of time.” Ebert’s scathing review certainly did not help the film’s reputation, and it remains one of the most notorious examples of a film that was panned by critics.
Tips for Avoiding Implausibility
If you’re a writer, there are a few things you can do to avoid creating implausible stories. First, make sure that your plots are believable. Don’t try to come up with something that’s too far-fetched, or your audience will lose interest. Second, develop your characters fully. Give them believable motivations and make them relatable to the audience. Third, create a setting that is consistent with the story. Don’t try to create a world that’s too different from our own, or your audience will have trouble suspending their disbelief.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, here are some expert advice from successful writers on how to avoid implausibility:
- “Write what you know.” If you’re not familiar with a particular subject, do your research before you start writing.
- “Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback.” Get feedback from other writers, editors, and even friends and family. They can help you identify any plot holes or inconsistencies.
- “Revise and rewrite.” The best way to avoid implausibility is to revise and rewrite your work. Look for any plot holes or inconsistencies, and make sure that your characters are fully developed and relatable.
FAQ
Q: What is implausibility?
A: Implausibility is something that is not believable or likely to happen.
Q: What are some of the causes of implausibility?
A: Some of the causes of implausibility include far-fetched plots, underdeveloped characters, and unrealistic settings.
Q: How can I avoid implausibility in my writing?
A: You can avoid implausibility in your writing by doing your research, developing your characters fully, and creating a setting that is consistent with the story.
Conclusion
Implausibility is a major problem in storytelling. It can ruin a story and make it impossible for the audience to suspend their disbelief. By following the tips and advice above, you can avoid implausibility and write stories that are believable and engaging.
Are you interested in learning more about implausibility in storytelling? If so, I encourage you to do some research on the topic. There are many helpful resources available online.
