GREYHOUND
Dir: Aaron Schneider (12 93 mins)
Tom Hanks brings focus to the hardships endured in the Battle for The Atlantic during World War II in this CGI heavy but entertaining war film, anchored as ever by his performance. Based on the novel The Good Shepherd by CS Forrester, the film follows several days on board the Greyhound as it enters the Black Pit, the area of the Atlantic Ocean where ship convoys containing men and supplies could not be protected from the air. This made it a hunting ground for German U-boats, and the Greyhound and British warship the Eagle find themselves protecting their 37 ship convoy from the ‘Grey Wolf ‘ and five other U-boats as they surround them.
Hanks is debut commander Ernest Krause getting his first ship after a life in service and the film is mostly seen from his perspective as the naval jargon and chain of command is followed, between constant bursts of CGI action. The U-Boats are a threatening presence, circling like sharks and taunting the Greyhound over the radio and the cat and mouse attacks are thrillingly staged. The film offers little depth of characterisation though, a prologue where Hanks exchanges Christmas gifts with his girlfriend is woefully underwritten and a thankless part for Elisabeth Shue.
Stephen Graham pops up as second in command with ruler skills and the interchangeable cast of naval officers on the bridge make little impression. Hanks, also the screenwriter, bombards us with detail, how sonar worked, propeller signals, German diversionary tactics but keeps characterisation scant, although there is one affecting moment when the man who has brought him food, Cleveland (Rob Morgan) meets his end and his mutilated body is awkwardly given to the deep.
Like Saving Private Ryan, and TV series Band of Brothers and The Pacific which Hanks also produced the film shows the actors’ deep respect for the sacrifices of the soldiers of Word War II and their everyday bravery.
A few cheesy moments aside, this remains a gripping story of conflict told with dynamism and economy.
****
Available on Apple Tv
Words: Keiron Self
