Not as claustrophobic or psychologically haunting as the German film "Das Boot", this film is still an intriguing war time drama with plenty of action. Richard Widmark is perhaps too confident in his role as Captain Murrell, as there is rarely the hint that the Americans are at risk, particularly after the clever maneuver to avoid the first two German torpedoes. Even though it made me wonder how naval commanders could be so in tune to their opponents' strategy, that was one of the elements of the story that kept things interesting right up to the finale.
Another reviewer rightly mentioned the point of Von Stolberg (Curt Jurgens) consistently returning to a heading of one hundred forty degrees; steering off course during maneuvers would have required the use of a different vector to get back on track. That had me wondering too, perhaps it was done to emphasize Von Stolberg's intent to remain on course for home port. Alternatively, citing different degree headings would probably have wound up confusing the viewer, so having the two captains stay consistent with the same direction probably made sense.
The movie serves as a fairly effective anti war statement, both commanders express sentiments in that regard. Von Stolberg's conversation with Heinie (Theodore Bikel) laments that the technology aboard the sub has not only taken human error out of war, but the human as well. Later in the film as the confrontation escalates, Murrell acknowledges the impersonal nature of his mission - "I don't want to know the man I'm trying to destroy". Both men have been hardened and disheartened by war. It's one of the reasons Murrell and Von Stolberg are able to have mutual respect for each other as warriors when circumstances conspire for them to meet on a personal level.
Another point bears mentioning relative to comparisons with "Das Boot", interestingly, Von Stolberg demonstrates a low regard for Hitler in a number of instances just like Jurgen Prochnow's character did in the other film. In the scene showing the Nazi slogan on board the sub, 'Fuhrer Befiehl Wir Folgen', Von Stolberg summarily throws a coat over the word 'Fuhrer' to demonstrate his contempt. His reactions to officer Kunz, who never misses a chance to glorify the Fuhrer, also indicate that he's no fan of the old Schickelburger.
For a production dating back to 1957, the movie holds up well in the action department, the scenes of the American vessel attacking with depth charges are especially effective, and without the use of computer enhancement. Certainly as picture making technology and realism in film advanced, subsequent movies like "Das Boot" (1981) and "The Hunt For Red October" (1990) offer a lot more tension and adrenaline rush. Even though comparisons among them might not be entirely fair for that reason, you can still manage a pretty good thrill ride from "The Enemy Below".
Another reviewer rightly mentioned the point of Von Stolberg (Curt Jurgens) consistently returning to a heading of one hundred forty degrees; steering off course during maneuvers would have required the use of a different vector to get back on track. That had me wondering too, perhaps it was done to emphasize Von Stolberg's intent to remain on course for home port. Alternatively, citing different degree headings would probably have wound up confusing the viewer, so having the two captains stay consistent with the same direction probably made sense.
The movie serves as a fairly effective anti war statement, both commanders express sentiments in that regard. Von Stolberg's conversation with Heinie (Theodore Bikel) laments that the technology aboard the sub has not only taken human error out of war, but the human as well. Later in the film as the confrontation escalates, Murrell acknowledges the impersonal nature of his mission - "I don't want to know the man I'm trying to destroy". Both men have been hardened and disheartened by war. It's one of the reasons Murrell and Von Stolberg are able to have mutual respect for each other as warriors when circumstances conspire for them to meet on a personal level.
Another point bears mentioning relative to comparisons with "Das Boot", interestingly, Von Stolberg demonstrates a low regard for Hitler in a number of instances just like Jurgen Prochnow's character did in the other film. In the scene showing the Nazi slogan on board the sub, 'Fuhrer Befiehl Wir Folgen', Von Stolberg summarily throws a coat over the word 'Fuhrer' to demonstrate his contempt. His reactions to officer Kunz, who never misses a chance to glorify the Fuhrer, also indicate that he's no fan of the old Schickelburger.
For a production dating back to 1957, the movie holds up well in the action department, the scenes of the American vessel attacking with depth charges are especially effective, and without the use of computer enhancement. Certainly as picture making technology and realism in film advanced, subsequent movies like "Das Boot" (1981) and "The Hunt For Red October" (1990) offer a lot more tension and adrenaline rush. Even though comparisons among them might not be entirely fair for that reason, you can still manage a pretty good thrill ride from "The Enemy Below".