Introduction
The 2020 film Greyhound, which premiered on Apple TV, was directed by Aaron Schneider and features Hanks as the film’s protagonist, Commander Ernest Krause. Hanks, the screenwriter, and the film’s producer pushed the release to the year 2020 in an attempt to capitalize on the COVID 19 pandemic. They sought to exploit the restraining measures put in place by most governments to draw in viewers by tailing them Greyhound, a naval film which put the COVID pandemic into a secondary plot. It is, however, important to note that the film is an adaptation of a novel published by C. S. Forester in 1955, The Good Shepherd. The book is well advanced and is told in a unique and multifaceted way which most film adaptions fail to capture.
Plot Summary
The year is 1942 and the United States had just entered the world war. The narrator is Commander Ernest Kraus, a US veteran and a career officer in the Navy who is given the mantle of a commander. Krause’s ship, designated as Greyhound, is outfitted with a ship codenamed HS 848. The ship is given the task of carrying the US destroyers and screen them while they escort a convoy of 37 allied ships in the Atlantic.
This portion of the trip is perilous. The convoy has to pass through a part of the Atlantic called the Black Pit. It is the most dangerous part of the trip since the convoy is out of range of air cover. The focus of the story is on the sea and the decisions the captain, Krause, has to make, his strategies, and the emotional burden the mission has on him.
In addition to being an adept military strategist, Krause has to maintain composure throughout the trip, and serve as a calm and moral guiding force through the uneasy hours of the mission. Mental fortitude and professionalism during the mission is as crucial as the crew’s focus on the blips and signals.
Character Focus
In the calm and poised characterization of commander Krause, Tom Hanks depicts him as a man of deep moral integrity and unwavering duty. Krause is not a common stereotype of a commander in which his volume and physicality are the dominating traits. His strength comes from self-control, mercy, and the ability to remain resolute and gentle in the storm.
Krause’s faith reflects part of his personality and his coping mechanisms as a commander. Despite the overwhelming burden of sleepless nights, relentless work, and the constant danger of a new, uncharted threat, he remains calm and unwavering.
Aside from very brief, intimate, flashback snippets of Krause with a woman he cherishes, the movie does not dwell on extensive, drawn out personal backstories. Rather, these vignettes serve as simple glimpses of the existence he has left behind and the weighty obligation he now carries.
The supporting characters include the officers and crew members of the Greyhound, all of whom contribute to the operational tension of the film. One notable character is the ship’s mess attendant, Cleveland, whose small but steadfast gestures depicts the strong admiration and respect the crew has for the captain.
The cinematography and direction
The visual style of the movie Greyhound is immersive yet uncluttered. The endless ocean, the foggy skies, and the cramped quarters of the destroyer generates a feeling of both intensity and isolation. With a firm directorial grip on the film, Aaron Schneider positions the camera close to the action, to the command deck, which emphasizes the sharp focus and close emotional stranglehold of the film.
The film integrates computer-generated imagery to illustrate the ocean’s tempestuous nature and the accompanying vessels, but does so in a subtle manner. The narrative is further anchored by the visual effects, which enhance the realism of naval navigation and coordination, even under challenging circumstances.
Soundtrack and Sound Effects
Blake Neely’s score for the film is concurrent with its undertone and does a more than adequate job at supplementing the concealed moments of stress. However, the music does not overshadow the film’s dialogue or the natural sounds of the ocean wind.
The sound design of the film is superb and deserves special recognition for its clarity, precision, and detail. From sonar pings to the steady hum of machines and words of command shouted over the ocean’s deafening roar, each sound and their respective details create a sense of presence and realism. The meticulous attention to sound deepens the immersion into the narrative.
Overarching Themes
The film Greyhound, at face value, focuses on the elements of leadership, humility, and to some extent, relentlessness. Commander Krause shows us the type of leader who is imprisoned to a duty hierarchy by serving within a naval fleet. He shoulders the obligation of not only his vessel, but every ship in the convoy, thus his nage of command.
The film serves as an analytical study of discipline. Krause’s method of commanding is marked by sharp focus and systematic principles. There is no room for grand speeches or acts of ostentation. Instead, there is the quiet strength of a man performing his duties with utmost diligence.
Another auxiliary aspect is endurance. The mission is multi-day, but the toll it takes on the crew emotionally feels much longer. The strain builds, not through some dramatic clash, but a constant state of unresolved ambiguity. The composure displayed by the crew as they brace themselves for the inevitable tide of pressure is admirable endurance.
Lastly, the film answers questions on the unspoken burdens of service – the solitariness of leadership, and how the weight of responsibility can be a burden to those who bear it.
Critical Response
Overall, ‘Greyhound’ received positive feedback and reviews. The rapid pacing and the portrayal of naval command were highlights, as well as Tom Hank’s performance. The film, unlike other naval films, does not try to cover every aspect of the war, or delve into multifaceted personal backstories. Instead, it concentrates on a singular mission alongside the singular character’s experience, with great effectiveness.
While some reviewers argued that the film lacked depth in character arcs, most agreed that its defining quality is its simplicity. The film does naval warfare justice by portraying it with the authenticity and reverence it deserves along with the discipline it commands, and capturing the untold story in stark focus, free of distractions.
Awards and Recognition
Nominees for awards for sound and visual effects included Greyhound. While it was meant for theaters, it still garnered viewership after its premiere on a streaming platform. During its initial release, the film became one of the most viewed films on the site.
The smooth storytelling through the montage of images, sounds, and visuals in the film showcases the meticulous attention to detail in the production, as does its recognition.
Conclusion
The film perfectly embodies the essence of leadership under intense pressure. Watching Tom Hanks, who both starred in and produced the film, you can expect a bone fide and dignified glimpse at the myriad of challenges faced by protectors of the weak.
Rather than overemphasizing events for theatrics, it focuses on poise under pressure, accountability, and the significant strength that comes from grace under pressure. Historically inclined viewers, those interested in leadership, or those whom admire unwavering strength in the face of difficulties will find Greyhound a thoughtful and insightful film to contemplate.
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