The Abyss
Adventure, Science Fiction
20th Century Fox  (1989) 171 mins PG-13 (Parental Guidance)

7.5 (40,268 votes)
A group of NAVY SEALS and oil drillers are trapped under the ocean during a storm, and cut off from the ships above them. The group discovers that intelligent life actually exists, and it is underwater instead of in outer space. The confined space and realization that aliens exist effects each character differently. Good or evil intentions are the question asked not only by the humans but by the aliens as well. Human nature is tested as each person decides what they are willing to risk in order to protect others. The tension finally boils over, and the entire group is put at risk through selfish acts of a select few....

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Cast and Crew
Michael Biehn  ......  Lt. Coffey
Leo Burmester  ......  Catfish De Vries
Todd Graff  ......  Alan Carnes
Ed Harris  ......  Virgil Brigman
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio  ......  Lindsey Brigman
John Bedford Lloyd  ......  Jammer Willis
Director  .....  James Cameron
Producer  .....  James Cameron; Gale Anne Hurd; Van Ling
Writer  .....  James Cameron
Cinematography  .....  Mikael Salomon
Musician  .....  Alan Silvestri
Notes
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: Near the end of the picture, the alien "city" rises to the surface, carrying with it several sunken vessels. One of the ships, a freighter, is lying on its side with one of its propellers flexing and flopping from the wind (the ship, of course, is a model). (more)

Trivia:
The tank was filled to a depth of 40 feet, but there was still too much light from the surface, so a giant tarpaulin and billions of tiny black plastic beads were floated on the surface to block the light. During a violent storm the tarpaulin was destroyed, thus shifting production to night time. (more)

Filming Locations:
Harbor Star Stage, San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, USA (more)

Quotes:
[first lines]
USS Montana Captain: Sixty knots? No way, Barnes. The Reds don't have anything that fast.
(more)

Awards:
Won Oscar. Another 4 wins & 12 nominations (more)