The Abyss (1989)

My Review

Science fiction goes under the deep blue sea in “The Abyss.” James Cameron directed and wrote the screenplay about the story of a SEAL team sent to rescue a U. S. nuclear submarine that sank in the Cayman Trough. The 140 minute movie goes by very quickly, with surprises around every corner. Pre-“Titanic” Cameron seems at the top of his game here.

Cast members rise to the occasion and deliver good performances including Ed Harris, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Michael Biehn, J. C. Quinn, Leo Burmester, Kimberly Scott, and Chris Elliot. The watchable “The Abyss” was a modest hit at the box office for producer Gale Ann Hurd and 20th Century Fox. It was filmed in South Carolina, Missouri, and California.

The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, winning one for Best Visual Effects. Non-winners were Best Art Direction, Best Sound, and Best Cinematography (Mikael Salomon).