Thoughts on Lifeboat (1944) · 7:49am Mar 16th, 2019
So on Thursday, I saw Lifeboat (1944).
And it was pretty great.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about this movie was the constrained setting. The whole thing took place in and right around a lifeboat, which led to some interesting choices in the filming. That was probably my favorite thing about the movie, because of the limitations placed on it and how it was worked around.
I also really liked the acting. None of the actors were A-list or anything (not that you need to be one to be a good actor), but they all were very good and believable in their roles. The characterization they brought made each character feel unique and especially made the villain interesting. I also love how their characters changed throughout the film; for the time they're stuck on the lifeboat, they descend into desperation and their moods completely change. It made sense. It felt like something kind of realistic (not that I've been in their situation).
I also thought after the fact that it was interesting that the movie had no music at all. The movie flowed so well that I didn't even notice as I was watching, nor was I bothered by it, but the Wikipedia page says there's no music. It works, too. No music was necessary, and I feel like it might have taken away from the movie.
Really, I think the only substantive thing I can complain about now is one effect––the night sky. It looked pretty fake, and I wasn't sold on the idea that they were out on open water. During day scenes I could definitely get it, even at the points during storms, when there's a torrential downpour and water is splashing into the boat.
There's not really much left for me to say other than that I very much recommend it. It's definitely not that well known, at least in comparison to other movies, but it probably should be. Thus, I'd give it an eight out of ten.