THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE
US, 1973, 124 minutes, Colour.
Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Stella Stevens, Shelley Winters, Carol Lynley, Red Buttons, Eric Shea, Pamela Sue Martin, Roddy Mc Dowell, Jack Albertson, Leslie Neilson.
Directed by Ronald Neame.
The Poseidon Adventure proved to Hollywood that general audiences like human interest films and were keen on disasters. After The Poseidon Adventure there was to be Beyond The Poseidon Adventure and then skyscrapers burning in The Towering Inferno, Zeppelins crashing in The Hindenburg, and the self-explanatory Airport 75, and Earthquake. one might ask why the public is so interested in disasters. They certainly hold a fascination of death and
challenge.
However, The Poseidon Adventure was extremely popular. Shelley Winters in her portrayal of a Jewish grandmother and underwater swimmer helped the mood of the film considerably. The appeal of Gene Hackman as the leader (a minister and potential Christ-figure) was also to the film's advantage. The special effects won an Oscar and were very impressive, especially in the overturning of the ship and flooding of the dining room. The song The Morning After became very popular. It is a very enjoyable and well-made film.
1. What were the implications of the title, and the theme song, The Morning After?
2. Why did audiences find the film so entertaining and what were its successful ingredients? Do people like disaster film? Are they morbid or captivated by the theme of survival? Do they identify with the characters?
3. How interesting was life on the ship as a floating hotel? Was this well illustrated? The atmosphere before the disaster, did it help to pin-point the people on the ship?
4. How was the ship presented in its last voyage? The new owners and representative? Difficulties of the storm and ballast? what moral comment was the film making?
5. How plausible was the disaster? Was it technically impressive?
6. Was the atmosphere of the party preparation for the disaster? What was your response to the capsizing of the ship, people sliding and falling about?
7. The Rev Scott - was he sympathetic? The impact of the message he preached, search for freedom? was he a good leader, decisive? Was he a saviour figure, leading people to survival and giving his life to save others?
8. Rogo and Linda - were they interesting, their married life, background? What did Linda's death mean to Rogo, emotional response and sadness? Why did he take over as a leader and how did this disaster transform him?
9. The Rosens - an enjoyable and happy couple, their Jewish background? Was Manny a good man, considerate of Belle? How endearing and sympathetic was Belle? Was Shelley Winter's performance successful? Was her swimming plausible and giving her life for others? How heroic and moving was this?
10. Comment also on Robin and Susan, Nonnie, Mr. Martin, the steward, Father John and their reactions to the disaster.
11. What effect did this tragedy have on the survivors? What was your reaction?
12. Would you say this was a good adventure film, realistic, showing human ingenuity for survival, sudden reality of death?
13. Can you indicate its most important themes?
14. Give your views on life, death, trust, hope, kindness and survival.
