As a film enthusiast who’s always eager for a good dive into maritime history, let me share my thoughts on the gripping Netflix documentary about the tragic final voyage of the Titan submersible. The sheer number of questionable decisions documented in this film is overwhelming, making it challenging to pinpoint the absolute worst one. However, there’s an undeniably ironic choice that stands out:
The CEO and pilot of OceanGate, Stockton Rush, was so fixated on reaching the wreckage of the Titanic – a ship infamous for sinking despite being declared unsinkable – that he rechristened his own submersible, Cyclops 2, as the Titan. Fast forward a few years, and just like its namesake, the Titan found itself resting at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Talk about history repeating itself in the most ironic way!
If an author were to include such a plot in a novel – a businessman’s downfall due to his arrogance – every editor would likely find it unrealistic and implausible. However, the events portrayed in Netflix’s Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster seem remarkably similar, and the evidence presented suggests that Rush and his company ignored numerous red flags leading up to the preventable disaster that claimed five lives on June 18, 2023 (Rush and four passengers perished when the Titan exploded during a trip to the Titanic‘s wreckage).
The film, produced by Mark Monroe, delves into the unyielding stance of OceanGate’s CEO against having his vessel certified as safe by an external authority, and his persistent attempts to circumvent safety regulations and bend rules in various ways. (It’s mentioned that the passengers on the Titan were referred to as “mission specialists” to bypass certain deep-sea diving regulations due to a technicality.) Those within the company who voiced worries about Rush’s behavior were advised to resign or face termination.
A previous executive from OceanGate, David Lochridge, who had voiced his concerns publicly, found himself embroiled in a lawsuit initiated by Rush, an individual boasting generations of wealth and lineage traced back to two signatories of the Declaration of Independence. Eventually, they were compelled to resolve the dispute and retract their accusations. In the documentary, Lochridge, as well as several other former OceanGate employees, share their experiences, describing Rush initially as a captivating advocate for deep-sea exploration. However, they gradually came to understand that his aspiration to emulate figures like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos in the sea domain led him to disregard evidence suggesting that the Titan’s innovative carbon-fiber hull was not robust enough to endure the immense pressure at the Atlantic’s bottom.
Despite Rush possessing an engineering degree, it wasn’t essential to be a brilliant scientist to notice the issues with the Titan. The documentary, supported by interviews with former OceanGate team members and archival footage, vividly depicted and explained the alarming sounds the ship’s hull would produce during its underwater trips. It was as if someone suggested that traversing several thousand meters deep was merely a matter of appropriately seasoning a cast-iron skillet.
Mark Monroe, previously, has directed HBO’s two-part documentary on Pete Rose. This sequence implies a distinct fascination towards assertive personalities who are so convinced of their skills and media portrayals that they start thinking they can never err. Monroe’s miniseries on Rose stands out for its skillful contrast between Rose’s justifications and the facts of his case, as well as its revelation of how his baseball betting stories evolved over time. Unlike many films from “Lawrence of Arabia” to “Iron Man,” which glorify rebellious men who persist despite risks, Monroe’s documentaries do not follow suit. Instead, they present a more nuanced portrayal.
Though some OceanGate workers voiced concerns and chose to leave, others remained firmly committed to Rush’s vision, with one individual likening the corporate atmosphere within the company to that of a cult. As Rush persisted, his achievements seemed increasingly successful, a perception heightened by enthusiastic media coverage of his advancements. In 2022, merely months before the Titan‘s last journey, CBS News invited journalist David Pogue for a ride on the vessel, with him reporting on the experience for CBS Sunday Morning. During an interview with Monroe, Pogue admitted to not being overly worried about the potential risks at that point; if Rush was seeking publicity, he surmised, the craft must have been safe.
Watching this film, Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster, is worth it even if your interest isn’t deep-sea exploration or this specific event. It underscores the folly of placing unquestioned trust in someone simply because they are wealthy or successful. The protagonist Rush, driven by his thirst for fame, tragically lost his life and four others. Remarkably, the individuals he idolized persist, continually challenging safety regulations under the guise of ‘innovation’ that promises speed and cost-effectiveness. This film serves as a chilling warning that safety guidelines are not merely bureaucratic red tape; they are often in place to protect lives – even those who seem intent on risking their own.
“90-Minute Movies” On Netflix
Gamer
In this 2009 action movie, titled as an update on “The Running Man” for the generation that would dominate Twitch two years later (even though Twitch hadn’t been created yet), Gerard Butler plays a death-row inmate who is compelled to engage in a genuine first-person shooter video game. This game is controlled by a prodigious teenage gamer, portrayed by Logan Lerman.
Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids
In 2016, Jonathan Demme, renowned for films like “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Rachel Getting Married,” and notably “Stop Making Sense,” directed this concert documentary. This film captures the final act of Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience World Tour, featuring both live performance and backstage footage.
[Or]
The year is 2016, and Jonathan Demme, best known for films such as “The Silence of the Lambs,” “Rachel Getting Married,” and significantly in this case, “Stop Making Sense,” directed a concert documentary. This movie showcases the last leg of Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience World Tour, with a blend of on-stage and behind-the-scenes footage.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
In the year 2020, the late Chadwick Boseman received an Oscar nomination posthumously for his role in this movie adaptation of August Wilson’s play, portraying the legendary 1920s blues singer. This work falls under the category of historical drama.
Missing Link
In the realm of animation, the enchanting 2019 release from Laika’s talented team of stop-motion artists is a heartwarming tale centered around a Sasquatch on a quest to reunite with his kin. The star-studded voice cast features Zach Galifianakis, Hugh Jackman, and Zoe Saldana.
Zombieland
2009 marked the release of the unexpected blockbuster that catapulted the writing duo Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick into prominence. They would later script the renowned Deadpool series (with a subsequent Zombieland sequel, titled Zombieland: Double Tap). This horror-comedy masterpiece showcases their unique brand of dark humor, offering intriguing plot twists and exceptional performances, with Woody Harrelson portraying Tallahassee, an accomplished zombie slayer.
OR
In the year 2009, a surprise hit movie emerged, which significantly boosted the careers of writers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. They went on to create the Deadpool series and even penned a sequel for Zombieland titled Double Tap. This horror-comedy film is renowned for its darkly humorous take on the zombie genre, featuring clever plot twists and outstanding performances, particularly from Woody Harrelson as Tallahassee, a proficient zombie hunter.
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2025-06-12 21:54