Movies and Films
This is the forum for Movie and Film discussions. Again, our topic is naval warfare in WWII for the most part.
Re: The appeal of Das Boot
Posted by:
cate
()
Date: August 29, 2002 03:22PM
<HTML> Hello Neil
I agree. Your analysis is spot on.
The main appeal of Das Boot for me is the way the characters are so believably established and then developed, and the psycho-dynamics of their situation so subtly explored. It may be an illusion, but you come away feeling like you understand a little more about how men cope with the pressures of, and endure war.
Have you read the novel? There are other episodes in there, like the near sinking of a Spanish passenger liner due to the overhastiness of the 'Old Man' and the incompetence of the IWO, and the rescue of another u-boat crew who's vessel is sunk as they approach La Rochelle at the end, that didn't make it into the screenplay, but add even more layers and depth to the story. The opening sequence at the Bar Royal and the personal & political differences among the u-boat officer class as they psych themselves up with women and drink to get them through is more fully developed too. But the main impression you come away with from reading it just how good and sympathetic a job of adaptation Petersen did. He really got under the skin of that book.
Everytime I watch it I discover new favourite bits.
Cate</HTML>
I agree. Your analysis is spot on.
The main appeal of Das Boot for me is the way the characters are so believably established and then developed, and the psycho-dynamics of their situation so subtly explored. It may be an illusion, but you come away feeling like you understand a little more about how men cope with the pressures of, and endure war.
Have you read the novel? There are other episodes in there, like the near sinking of a Spanish passenger liner due to the overhastiness of the 'Old Man' and the incompetence of the IWO, and the rescue of another u-boat crew who's vessel is sunk as they approach La Rochelle at the end, that didn't make it into the screenplay, but add even more layers and depth to the story. The opening sequence at the Bar Royal and the personal & political differences among the u-boat officer class as they psych themselves up with women and drink to get them through is more fully developed too. But the main impression you come away with from reading it just how good and sympathetic a job of adaptation Petersen did. He really got under the skin of that book.
Everytime I watch it I discover new favourite bits.
Cate</HTML>
