Introduction Under Siege
"Under Siege" is a 1992 action thriller film that delves into the world of espionage, counter-terrorism, and high-stakes politics. The story revolves around Lieutenant Commander Quinton 'Quint' McHale, a former Navy SEAL who has been honorably discharged from service. After his departure from the military, Quint finds himself working as a chef on the USS Missouri, a battleship that is currently serving as a museum. The film begins with Quint's life taking an unexpected turn when he discovers a cryptic message hidden in one of his cooking recipes. This leads him to uncover a plot by a group of heavily armed mercenaries who plan to seize control of the ship and hold its passengers for ransom. As Quint works to unravel the mystery behind the sinister plot, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of intrigue involving government agencies, corrupt officials, and rogue agents. With his unique skills honed from his military background, Quint must use his cunning and resourcefulness to outwit the terrorists and save the day. "Under Siege" is an adrenaline-fueled ride that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and redemption, set against a backdrop of high-stakes action and suspense.
Plot and Themes Under Siege
"Under Siege" is a 1992 action film directed by Andrew Davis. The story takes place on a nuclear-powered battleship, USS Missouri, which is anchored in San Francisco Bay. The main character, Casey Ryback (played by Steven Seagal), is a master chef who is also a former Navy SEAL. He visits his father, Admiral James A. Ryan (played by Biff McGuire), at the USS Missouri to spend some time together before his father retires from the military. However, their reunion is disrupted when a group of heavily armed mercenaries, led by Roberts (played by Tommy Lister Jr.), infiltrate the ship and take several hostages. They plan to steal the ship's nuclear warheads and sell them on the black market. Ryback decides to take matters into his own hands and begins to fight back against the mercenaries using his combat skills and wits. Along the way, he also helps some of the hostages escape and causes chaos for the attackers. The movie explores several themes, including: 1. Patriotism: Ryback's actions are motivated by a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to his country and its military. 2. Revenge: The film also has elements of revenge, as Ryback seeks to punish those who have hurt him and others in the past. 3. Self-reliance: Throughout the movie, Ryback proves that he can accomplish what needs to be done without relying on others. Overall, "Under Siege" is a tense action thriller with plenty of exciting sequences and memorable characters.
Performance and Direction Under Siege
"Under Siege" is a 1992 action thriller film directed by Andrew Davis, starring Steven Seagal as John McClane. Here's an evaluation of the performances of the actors and direction: **Steven Seagal (John McClane)**: As usual, Steven Seagle delivers a solid performance as the protagonist of the movie. He brings his signature blend of charm, wit, and physicality to the role. However, his one-dimensionality does become somewhat tiresome at times. **Erika Eleniak (Tracy Whitney)**: Erika Eleniak is beautiful and charming on-screen, but her acting skills are somewhat limited. She struggles with more dramatic scenes, which makes her character feel a bit shallow. **Tommy Lister Jr. (Krill)**: Tommy Lister Jr. is menacing as the villainous Krill. He brings a level of intensity to his performance that makes him believable as a ruthless criminal. **Dennis Hopper (Harry Temple)**: Dennis Hopper has a memorable cameo as Harry Temple, the warden of the prison where McClane finds himself trapped. His over-the-top antics add some much-needed humor to the film. **Andrew Davis (Director)**: Andrew Davis does an excellent job of pacing the action scenes in "Under Siege". The movie's climax is particularly well-executed, with a thrilling sequence of events that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. However, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, which takes away from the overall impact of the story. **Visuals**: The film's visuals are impressive for its time, with sleek production design and clever use of lighting to enhance the mood of each scene. **Soundtrack**: The movie's score by Jerry Goldsmith is a highlight of the film. It perfectly captures the sense of tension and danger that pervades the story. Overall, "Under Siege" is an enjoyable action thriller with some memorable performances and impressive direction. While it has its flaws, it remains a fun watch for fans of the genre.
Technical Aspects Under Siege
The 1992 action film 'Under Siege' directed by Andrew Davis is known for its intense action sequences, explosive stunts, and high-tech gadgets. Here are some of the key technical aspects that contributed to the movie's success: Cinematography: * The film was shot on a combination of 35mm and 16mm film stock. This allowed for the use of different cameras and lenses, which provided a distinct look and feel. * Cinematographer Stephen Campanelli used handheld camera techniques to create a sense of realism during the action scenes. He also employed Steadicam shots to smooth out the movement and create a more fluid visual experience. Sound Design: * The sound design in 'Under Siege' was handled by Bill W. Cook, who is known for his work on films like 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' and 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'. * Cook used a combination of field recordings and Foley effects to create realistic sounds for the action scenes. For example, he recorded the sound of bullets hitting different materials to create the distinctive ricochet effect. Visual Effects: * The visual effects in 'Under Siege' were handled by the special effects company, ILM (Industrial Light & Magic). They created a range of practical and digital effects to enhance the film's action sequences. * One notable example is the destruction of the USS Missouri battleship. ILM used a combination of miniatures and CGI to create the sequence. The team built a miniature version of the ship and then destroyed it using explosives. They also used CGI to extend the ship and add smoke and debris effects. Action Choreography: * The film's action sequences were choreographed by Yuen Woo-ping, who is known for his work on films like 'The Matrix' and 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. * Woo-ping used a combination of wire work, stunt driving, and practical stunts to create the intense action sequences. He also worked closely with actor Steven Seagal to ensure that the stunts were performed safely. Editing: * The film was edited by Frank J. Urioste, who is known for his work on films like 'The Untouchables' and 'Above Suspicion'. * Urioste used a combination of fast-paced cuts and slow-motion shots to create a sense of tension during the action sequences. He also employed a range of camera angles and movements to add visual interest. Score: * The score was composed by Gary Chang, who is known for his work on films like 'Total Recall' and 'Universal Soldier'. * Chang used a combination of electronic and orchestral elements to create a high-tech sound that complements the film's action sequences. He also incorporated the iconic theme song 'Under Siege' performed by Kool & the Gang. Overall, the technical aspects of 'Under Siege' were carefully crafted to create a fast-paced and intense action experience. The combination of cinematography, sound design, visual effects, action choreography, editing, and score all contributed to the film's success.
More Details Under Siege
"Under Siege" is an action thriller film released in 1992, starring Steven Seagal as Lieutenant Commander Casey Ryback, a U.S. Navy chef who must protect a battleship from a group of heavily armed mercenaries. **Cast:** * Steven Seagal as Lieutenant Commander Casey Ryback * Tommy Lee Jones as Commander Wesley McClane * Gary Busey as Dege * Erika Eleniak as Jordan Tate **Production Companies:** * Golan-Globus Productions * Carolco Pictures **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The film was originally intended to be a TV movie, but Steven Seagal's popularity led the producers to upgrade it to a theatrical release. 2. The battleship used in the film is actually the USS Missouri, which was present during World War II and was also the site of the Japanese surrender that ended the war. 3. Tommy Lee Jones was originally meant to play the role of Dege, but he ended up playing Commander McClane instead due to Gary Busey's scheduling conflicts. 4. Steven Seagal performed many of his own stunts in the film, including the iconic scene where he jumps over a table during a fight. 5. The film's famous "Whoa!" line, uttered by Seagal during the final battle, was ad-libbed and has since become one of his signature catchphrases. **Box Office:** "Under Siege" was a commercial success, grossing over $156 million worldwide on a budget of around $40 million. It also spawned two sequels, "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory" (1995) and "Under Siege 3: Hard Target II" (2005), neither of which starred Steven Seagal. **Criticisms:** While the film received generally positive reviews from critics, some have criticized its lack of realism and over-the-top action scenes. Additionally, some have accused the film of promoting an overly macho and violent portrayal of masculinity through its protagonist, Casey Ryback.
Conclusion Under Siege
The conclusion of 'Under Siege' is a thrilling ride that wraps up the story in a satisfying manner. The film's strongest aspect is its action sequences, which are well-choreographed and intense. The set pieces on the Aegis vessel are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the capabilities of the ship and the skills of its crew. The plot is engaging, with a strong sense of tension and urgency driving the story forward. The characters are well-developed, with standout performances from Steven Seagal and Erika Eleniak. Their chemistry on-screen adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the film. However, 'Under Siege' also has its weaknesses. The dialogue can be cheesy at times, and some of the supporting characters feel like cardboard cutouts. The plot relies heavily on convenient coincidences and contrivances to move the story along. Overall, I would give 'Under Siege' a solid 4 out of 5 stars. While it may not be perfect, the film's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. It is an entertaining action movie that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.