Mission Of The Shark

Mission of the Shark: The Saga of the U.S.S. Indianapolis is a riveting drama based on a true story of courage, survival, and the indomitable human spirit. Released in 1991, this fact-based television film stars an ensemble cast of gifted actors, including Stacy Keach, Richard Thomas, and Don Harvey.

The film is a harrowing account of the ill-fated voyage of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, a World War II naval vessel under the commendatory surveillance of decorated Captain Charles Butler McVay III, portrayed by the versatil Stacy Keach. Richard Thomas plays the role of Lieutenant Steven Scott and Don Harvey features as U.S.S. Indianapolis crewman Wilkes.

The movie takes the audience through the voyage of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, which was tasked with a top-secret mission in July 1945. In the wake of successfully delivering parts for the atomic bomb (which would be dropped on Hiroshima), the ship is struck by a series of torpedoes from a Japanese submarine. Nevertheless, the movie does well to avoid unnecessary glorification of warfare; instead, it delves into the terrifying realities faced by men of war and paints a picture of authenticity.

The ship eventually sinks, leaving about 900 survivors stranded in shark-infested waters without lifeboats and with limited supplies. Following this disastrous incident, the rest of the film chronicles their ordeal in the open ocean, being submerged in the sea with a steady fear of sharks, dehydration, and delirium for several days. Keach's portrayal of Captain McVay anchors the storyline, and his strong yet despairing leadership in these critical moments really shines through.

What unfolds thereafter is a series of hardships, emotional breakdowns, showing the unstable dynamic among the sailors, the wavering hopes, and their constant struggle for survival against daunting odds. The film captures the spirit and desperation of men confronted with nature’s unforgiving elements.

Simultaneously, Mission of the Shark juxtaposes these sea-based sequences with moments from the subsequent navy investigation and political machinations back on land. The ensuing trial of Captain McVay received massive public attention as there were ambiguities around his responsibility for the tragedy. The manner in which the film also tackles these courtroom scenes proves its capacity to shift effortlessly between genres.

All actors, especially Keach, Thomas, and Harvey, deliver profoundly compelling performances that are both moving and powerful. The desperation and helplessness faced by the sailors are brought to life through the commendable acting, making their experiences feel visceral and real to the audiences.

Director Robert Iscove maintains a steady tension throughout, bridging the sequences seamlessly, with the narrative invariably tilted towards the human element amidst brutality. This heart-wrenching story does incredibly well in portraying the harsh realities of war, while encapsulating several poignant moments of camaraderie, sacrifice and the indomitable will to survive.

The film’s cinematography, done by James Pergola, is worth a mention as it notably captures the terror of the vast, unforgiving ocean and the lurking danger beneath its deceptively calm surface. On the technical front, from its remarkable special effects to its atmospherically resonant sound design, Mission of the Shark is as gripping and inviting a watch as it gets in terms of telefilms.

In terms of historical war films, Mission of the Shark certainly stands out. Not only does it immerse viewers into a terrifying survival tale, but it also shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked chapter of World War II history, making for an educational experience as well. Moreover, the film raises some profound questions about individual accountability and systemic failure, making it a thought-provoking watch.

Although it may present viewers with a heart-rending and stomach-churning slice of history, the film ultimately is a testament to human resilience. Its portrayal of the harsh cruelty of war and the colossal strength of the human spirit to withstand and survive such brutalities makes Mission of the Shark a must-watch for all those who appreciate war dramas based on true events. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the will to live can light the way forward.