Gerard Butler, one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, is set to portray a submarine commander in the upcoming “Hunter Killer” flick.
The plot focuses on a high-tech operation that pits the United States submarine service against Russia. Special operations forces are also represented to fuel the high-energy, action-packed storyline.
In a press briefing at the Pentagon earlier this month, Butler said the movie allows viewers to “really see how these people think, work, their courage, their intelligence, basically their brilliance.” To accurately portray the submarine culture, movie producers relied on the Navy’s cooperation and insight.
Butler was able to work with the Navy in Pearl Harbor for “an orientation to the submarine force,” said Vice Adm. Fritz Roegge, President of the National Defense University. Butler also toured submarines and facilities at the base in New London, Connecticut. He spent time aboard submarines, exploring every part of the vessels to see how those aboard lived and operated. He was struck by the intelligence and ingenuity of its sailors.
#ICYMI
Actor @GerardButler & Director #DonovanMarsh of the new submarine movie @HunterKiller visited Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT, Saturday to meet real @USNavy submariners, tour #USSHartford, & share a special movie premiere w/ Sailors on base pic.twitter.com/cbeMOWzpx9— All Hands Magazine (@AllHandsMag) October 23, 2018
“You can do it in a movie, but when you are actually on a sub, you realize the dangers that are there,” said Butler. “You are a thousand feet underwater and you go, ‘Okay. What are the different ways things can go wrong?’”
Join the Navy!
The Navy took the opportunity to advertise on the big screen for the submarine service.
“We’re competing for talent, and in this dynamic economy, it’s more important than ever that we find ways to inspire the next generation of warfighters to consider serving our country in the Navy,” said Roegge. Hollywood offered the Navy the chance to do just that.
The Pentagon has made a concerted effort to connect more with a new generation of Americans. Alongside increased social media presence and a revamped defense.gov website, flashy Hollywood portrayals of the military service will bring increased attention and awareness to the work service members do on behalf of their country.
As it becomes increasingly difficult to meet the needs of our all-volunteer military force, it is crucial to attract top talent to the Navy and other services. Accurate Hollywood portrayals that showcase the intelligence and valor of those serving can be great PR for the Navy and potentially bring new talent to the service. Ask any naval aviator if feeling “the need for speed” inspired them to join the Navy, at least a little bit, and they will probably sheepishly agree.
Great to be back together at last night's #HunterKiller premiere with our badass team, as well as friends and heroes from the military. I've loved sharing this movie with them. This Friday, we're in theaters everywhere. pic.twitter.com/PBdId6Qoce
— Gerard Butler (@GerardButler) October 23, 2018
Tough Critics
Rotten Tomatoes reviewers aren’t loving the movie. It has a 38 percent approval on their Tomatometer scale.
Critics so far think the movie is less than expected. “Back and forth, back and forth. It’s meant to be tense but it’s like watching Pong,” said Charlotte O’Sullivan of the London Evening Standard.
David Ehrlich of IndieWire said that “even among Gerard Butler vehicles, this one sinks right to the bottom.”
Other critics, such as Brian Viner of Daily Mail (UK), offer tentative praise. “It’s done with such a defiant swagger that, despite all my better instincts, I liked it,” he said. Chris Hewitt of Empire Magazine called Butler’s performance “showing impressive restraint.”
The Pentagon, Butler, and the rest of the movie team will need to wait and see how it does at the box office this week. “Hunter Killer” hits theaters on October 26.
