Das Boot Essay

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A Review of Das Boot Das Boot (1981) is a film directed by Wolfgang Petersen. The film follows a German U-boat captain and crew during WWII and includes both the excitement and boredom involved with war in general. This film portrays an experienced U-boat captain, Captain Lieutenant Henrich on his final patrol with his crew in the Atlantic Ocean and a failed attempt at passing through the strait of Gibraltar. The younger crewmembers are portrayed as having the typical heroic dreams and aspirations seen in youth while the captain and officers exhibit a bitter cynicism toward Hitler and how Germany is managing the war. Several times throughout the film it is clear what Captain Henrich’s opinion is of the war; however, he is a dutiful officer of the German Navy. Several scenes have been selected for a closer review. Both the narrative and cinematographical techniques will be covered for the initial scenes, the boredom of patrol, the contact with the tanker (and subsequent pursuit by the destroyer,) the cruise vessel link-up in Vigo, the attempt at passing Gibraltar, and the ending scenes. The opening scenes of the drive up to the club with drunk sailors all about and the actual scenes that take place in the club show a …show more content…

The captain does not notice a destroyer amid the convoy and chooses to engage after consulting his number two. After the torpedoes are away, but before contact, the escorting destroyer gives chase. Terror is experienced by the crew including a nine tour veteran, Johan the engineer, who loses his nerve and attempts to open the hatch while submerged. The use of audio sound effects is persistent throughout the film. The diegetic sounds of depth charges and propeller noises outside the sub are heard by both the viewers and the crew of the U-96. This amplifies the terror and allows the viewers to share in the fear. Even the ping of sonar adds to the

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