20,000 Leagues Under the Sea(1954)- User Reviews

As an engineer, I have read Jules Verne's moon mission book. I was so impressed with his research and grasp of engineering and science, I had to rent 20,000 Leagues under the sea. The story gets an A+ for its prophetic nature and accurate portrayal of human greed, avarice, and control. It is sad to say that even though nuclear subs have come to pass, along with computers, multimedia, and vaccinations, we really haven't changed a whole lot, as is evidenced by the police action taken by the US in Iraq (note I did not use the word "war"). Just like Standard Oil, GM, and Firestone destroyed public transportation in LA, anything that threatens corporate profit, even if it is in the public's greater good, will be destroyed.

Jules' work is and will always be incredible; I am glad this was made into a film. To the movie's credit, the set design was INCREDIBLE, all done WITHOUT cgi of course. The ship detail was incredible as were the interiors. This had to be Kirk Douglas's early career, as he seemed young and new to the business, but full of fun and frolic, especially in his scenes with the wonderflully trained seal.

They tried to make Captain Nemo seem like a crackpot, but I think he was dead-nuts right on. Every technical innovation has been used to kill people. I mean yeah, technology can be turned against itself in a fire v. water war, but again, war is war. Technology only makes it more lethal and the destruction more controlled or devastating if things get out of control (H bombs, germ warfare, etc.).

The only reason I derated the film to a B+ was the foley artist work was absolutley and completley totally uninspired. The psuedo sonar sound had no place in 1868, and the total lack of steam engine sounds in total view of a reactor and steam engine were very distracting. They had electric motor noises as the steam engine starts to crank away with huge crankshaft and cylinders and some steam issuing.

The story is at the core of our technological growth and the insuing increase in military destructive power. Their attempt to antiquate diving equipment was cool. The sub was really great too. They did, however, never reveal the magical light sources carefully placed throughout the sub for great technicolor. I wish they had attempted some explanation for the lighting, like maybe bio-powered lights like those light sticks. That would have been I guess a nightmare for the color people. If you have any interest in Verne's work, rent the film.