The Hunt for Red October : Blu-ray Review

The Movie Itself is directed by John McTiernan.

It wasn’t long ago that John McTiernan’s name actually meant something in Hollywood — and I do mean that with the utmost respect. He’s responsible for some of my favorite action films of all time: Die Hard, Predator, Die Hard: with a Vengeance, and The Hunt for Red October. Obviously, the latter will be the focus of this review, but I wanted to meditate a second on this accomplished director, and his diverse body of work.

His resume is slim, but packed with instant classics, as well as a few misfires: Rollerball, Basic, Last Action Hero. Despite his failings, he is arguably one of the best action directors of all time. Some may level criticisms at his style, claiming that it is dated and predominantly 80’s, but with one look at Die Hard or his other films, and I’m sure you’ll agree that the same film could pass for a recent release — fashion and the age of the actors aside. In other words, it’s not nearly as dated as other 80’s hits.

For the most part, I believe his films continue to thrive due to his neutral, and objective approach to lensing the story. There isn’t an abundance of elaborate camera movements, or a hyper-stylized veneer to the picture. It’s merely action captured on celluloid. Only, with McTiernan’s films, the action is always superb. This is what helped set him apart from his peers and this is why his films continue to accrue new fans to this day.

The Hunt for Red October is no exception. As the first of the Jack Ryan films, it benefits from having a blank slate, and as such, the film had the unique opportunity to set the tone for the franchise. Sadly, this was Alec Baldwin’s first and final outing as the CIA analyst, but he handles the role well. He might lack the hardened stare of Harrison’s jaded Ryan, but when we see the young Alec Baldwin at the turn of the decade — and subsequently the beginning of his film career — it’s hard to imagine a better fit for the role. Baldwin brings a genuine sense of wonderment and intrigue to the role, which appears lost on the older/later incarnations of the character. All in all, Baldwin’s Jack Ryan is entirely believable, capable and quite simply a thrill to behold. And of course, let’s not forget the ever-captivating Sean Connery in an unforgettable role as Captain Marko Ramius.

It’s a shame that Baldwin hasn’t returned to the role, but then again, there’s no shortage of Jack Ryan novels, and Baldwin seems to be regaining much deserved respect with the raging success of 30 Rock. Perhaps in time, we’ll see Baldwin — and even McTiernan — revisiting the Jack Ryan series. I’d be more than curious to see how it turns out.