So I just got through watching Raise the Titanic, the "sinker" 1980 film based on the Clive Cussler novel of the same name (I know, you guys already knew that but give me a break I'm trying to sound professional! haha).

Before I begin my review, let me say that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Now, granted, I have yet to read the novel so I cannot make a fair comparison as far as the storyline goes. However, I can approach the film with an appreciation for the characters. I was very surprised that Dirk Pitt actually played a critical role in the film. I was mistakely under the impression that our hero had taken a back seat to Admiral Sandecker, but this is an unfair assumption. Dirk is the "hero" of the film and is reminiscient of Cussler's earlier and grittier Pitt (i.e. the Mediterranian Caper). I could not help but laugh at the mention of Dirk being a "navy man." Will they ever get it right?

Anyway, the major downfall of the movie is that it turns out to be nothing more than long montages of undersea exploration. In fact, you could have through Morgan Freeman's voice over the footage and made it a documentary. I felt like there were many times the filmmakers missed opportunities to turn the movie into an action piece. Again, having not read the book leaves me unable to compare, but I have no doubts Raise the Titanic is as much fun as Cussler's other Dirk Pitt novels.

I do have to admit that the scenes of the raising of the Titanic were incredibly breathtaking. And the storyline takes the intrigue turn only at the end of the movie, which finished strong. It's having to sit through all of the montages that causes the film to drag.

The choices of actors was less than inspired. Jason Robards as Admiral Sandecker was the worse. The only similarity to the Admiral was height; he didn't even have a beard or red hair! Richard Jordan was okay as Dirk Pitt, but everytime he opened his mouth the New England accent made me cringe. The absence of an Al Giordino and Rudi Gunn was disappointing.

All in all, not as bad as I thought but not nearly as good as it should have been. Toss in a little sprinkle of action, Al and Rudi, and a dash of classic rock and it could have been something special.

By the way, I just read that Steve McQueen was originally offered the lead as Dirk Pitt. I can only imagine the film would've been been vastly different if such an incredibly cool actor had been cast.

- Andy

This post has been edited by andyhuff on Oct 17 2005, 04:43 AM

Hey Andy , where did you get the movie? On line? I can't find it anywhere Thanks for the review, your opinion gives me hope. By the way, how are your posters coming? The first time I saw your work I got hooked, how about an update buddy? Thanks again

It's been a long time since I have seen the movie and remember that it was a good movie.

Try ebay ;

click here

I taped it years ago and it's still one of my favotie movie. Granted it , it wasn't the best in casting but, it could have been worse. No Al was a bummer as was no Rudi. They would have improved the quality of the movie.

Can you still rent it at most video stores? I haven't seen it yet...

Great review, Andy!!
Like Sahara that would follow, Raise the Titanic doesn't adhere strictly to the source material, and the ending was quite different from the novel, as well. (Most noticable with Seagram's fate and the eventual use of the byzanium, (or however it's spelled). Still, it wasn't as bad a movie as most people give it the credit of being. I enjoyed it, and a lot of the special effects stand up well even by today's standards. I've got to snag a DVD version, I still don't have one.

I've got to be honest with you guys: my brother downloaded the movie and burned it to a DVD for me. I have no idea how to get it other than I know he uses eDonkey pretty exclusively.

- Andy

Well dang-nabit, guess i'll have to get it off of ebay or something. I had recorded this movie years ago but, the tape wore out.

If you go to ebay watch the discriptions. Some are only ment for European machines and will not work on american dvd player.

Thanks for the warning, fortunately for me I have a multi-region dvd player.

I just got my Raise The Titanic in the mail today. I sifted through a buch of DVD's
to find one i could use. It's a lot better than on tape. if you can get one it's a must for your collection.