Leviathan (HBO)

About Leviathan (HBO)

Leviathan (1989) is an American science-fiction horror film directed by George P. Cosmatos and written by David Webb Peoples and Jeb Stuart. The film follows the crew of an underwater geological facility, who encounter sinister forces, transforming into grotesque monsters after finding a Soviet shipwreck named 'Leviathan'.

Making / Production

The film is one of many underwater-themed movies released around 1989, including The Abyss and DeepStar Six. Its narrative and aesthetics are so influenced by "Alien" and "The Thing", emphasizing the claustrophobic fear inherent in deep-sea environments. The plot's primary focus is on the horror aspect, simple and straightforward, with the thrill conveyed by the transformation and pursuit of the crew by unseen forces.

Actors

• Peter Weller as Steven Beck - A geologist and the station's supervisor who shows courage and resourcefulness throughout the movie.
• Amanda Pays as Elizabeth 'Willie' Williams - A hard-working and brave crew member. Pays portrays this role convincingly, displaying both toughness and vulnerability.
• Richard Crenna as Dr. Glen 'Doc' Thompson - Dr. Thompson is a kind and caring physician who meets a tragic end.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• This movie shares its name with a famous sea monster from Biblical lore.
• Leviathan was part of a wave of underwater-themed films and TV series released in 1989. This was due to the real-world mystery and interest surrounding the discovery of the wreck of the RMS Titanic.

Quotes

• "We dove for treasure and always came up with loot. But this time, it's pure Leviathan."
• "Six-pack, Jesus...you drink like a fish!"

Music, Soundtrack

• The musical score for Leviathan was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, a renowned film composer who has worked on many other famous films.
• The film features a punchy, suspenseful synthesizer-driven score that perfectly complements its horror and suspense themes.