GENE HACKMAN AND 'THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE' - A RETROSPECTIVE

Ernest Borgnine (left) and Gene Hackman in a tense scene in The Poseidon Adventure.

I was truly saddened when I heard of the recent passing of Gene Hackman. He had a film career of such length and depth that news of his death felt like the passing of an era as well as of a single individual. A plethora of analyses and justifiable praise of his acting was published upon news of his death. There isn't much I could add to those commentaries that would be novel, so I thought instead I would share a few thoughts about one of my favorite Gene Hackman movies - The Poseidon Adventure.

Released in December 1972 and directed by Ronald Neame, The Poseidon Adventure was the highest-grossing film of 1973. It is easy to see why. The concept of the film was incredibly audacious, especially in an era before CGI. An old and unsafe ocean liner is turned upside down by a tidal wave in the midst of a New Year's Eve celebration. A small band of passengers crawl and climb upwards into the bowels of the ship to seek rescue.

Hackman has the interesting role of Reverend Scott, a rebel priest. Early in the film before catastrophe hits Scott has a conversation with another minister in which Scott states that in the face of an emergency, self-help and action are more important than prayer. It won't be long before Scott has an opportunity to put this somewhat Nietzschean philosophy into practice.

Scott is the leader of a small band of passengers making their way upwards in the overturned massive ship. Other cast members seeking escape include include Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, Stella Stevens, Roddy McDowall, Red Buttons and Carol Lynley. Hackman's performance as the group's leader is dynamic and commanding.

The cast of The Poseidon Adventure. From left to right, Roddy McDowall, Pamela Sue Martin, Jack Albertson, Shelley Winters, Gene Hackman, Stella Stevens, Ernest Borgnine, Carol Lynley, Arthur O'Connell and Red Buttons.

The movie is also interesting because it is the first blockbuster which John Williams scored. Williams' music is note perfect. The opening chords in the lower brass at the beginning of the film create an instant atmosphere of ominous dread.

During the production of The Poseidon Adventure Hackman's career was in full flight. He had just won the Best Actor Academy Award for his portrayal of New York Detective Popeye Doyle in The French Connection. Released a year apart, The Poseidon Adventure and The French Connection solidified Hackman's leading man status which he would enjoy until he retired from the film business in 2004.

There is a certain similarity between The Poseidon Adventure and The French Connection. Although Hackman is the star of both films, he in essence has co-starring status with the phenomenal production design and effects of The Poseidon Adventure and the wonderful direction and cinematography of The French Connection. (The director of The French Connection was William Friedkin and the cinematographer was Owen Roizman). I have never seen another movie capture the gritty energy and atmosphere of New York City as well as The French Connection. Both films, especially The Poseidon Adventure, should be re-released from time to time on theater screens to appreciate the full effect of the productions.

So I am saddened that Gene Hackman is no longer with us. Like autumn leaves, we all eventually fall. But perhaps there is some hope. To paraphrase a famous general, Old actors never die, they just fade into digital pixels.

-Paul Hansen