There are many things you could say about James Cameron, but there’s one thing we keep thinking – That dude is crazy.
“The Abyss” is a monumental achievement in live-action adventure filmmaking. Filled with one stunning underwater sequence after another, the film remains a landmark in physical stunt work and the kinds of things that can be achieved “in-camera.” Oddly enough, “The Abyss” is also cited as an influential early adopter of computer generated effects. The snakelike water blob still looks pretty cool! But the practical effects and production design make “The Abyss” a science-fiction classic.
Much like Cameron’s later success on “Titanic,” the achievements of “The Abyss” came with a huge level of mental and physical anguish for Cameron and his collaborators. Stars Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio don’t even talk about their experiences on the film. Basically, the set was miserable and everyone almost drowned at some point in production.
The Abyss 1989 podcast – OMRM
The Old Millennials discuss whether “The Abyss” was worth the trouble to make it. How many diving scenes are too many? How many terrible things go wrong before it just gets exhausting? Do the aliens need to be in this movie? Where’s all the sea life? Is that Chris (expletive deleted) Elliott?
We also take a deep dive (ta ha) into the film’s lengthier director’s cut. Which giant title waves reign supreme? It’s “Abyss” vs. “Deep Impact” baby!
Tyler also dissects two of 1989’s other deep sea science fiction adventures, as well as what the hell happened with 1998’s “Sphere.”
Old Millennials also discuss:
Check out related past episodes of Old Millennials Remember Movies podcast
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