James Cameron’s early masterpiece “The Abyss” brings to the screen some of the most suspenseful scenes ever filmed, an original and inspiring science-fiction story, and breathtaking dramatic acting that puts this film ranking at the top of the genre with other classics like Blade Runner and Aliens.

A small group of underwater oil rig workers commanded by Bud Brigman (Ed Harris) are stationed deep below the watery surface. Due to their extreme depth, they are most closely positioned to a recently downed German submarine which requires a quick search and rescue examination. A team of Navy SEALs are sent down for further investigation and nuclear missile retrieval from the sub. As tensions grow between the two crews, Bud realizes he is caught between the mysterious plans of Lieutenant Coffey (Michael Biehn) and possible deep-sea alien creatures.

Films like this are far and few between, but director James Cameron, evidenced by his early successes with The Terminator and Aliens, has mastered the art of suspense and entertainment. Though not quite in the same vein as Hitchcock, Cameron’s films employ an extreme level of intensity, often marked with plenty of action and violence. Several moments in the film stand out as perhaps the finest suspense sequences ever filmed. When Lt. Coffey attacks the shuttle carrying Bud and Lindsey (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio), they are stranded several hundred feet away from the main ship and left with only one oxygen suit. As they debate who will have to drown so that the other can swim back to the ship for help, freezing water pours into the shuttle from every wall. Another scene forces Bud to descend the abyss to disarm an active nuclear weapon which threatens him with both the lack of oxygen to make the round trip as well as insanity from incredibly high levels of water pressure. Asphyxiation is a major conflict throughout the movie and constantly present due to the frightening setting. Despite this notably horrible method of death, sacrifices are constantly being debated and often volunteered by the lead characters. This unfaltering decision to do the right thing and to preserve the lives of others is a powerful and emotional attribute consistent in many of Cameron’s heroes.

The story didn’t appease a few early critics based on several plot points that weren’t convincingly developed. Instances of decompression and other scientific factors were ignored during the theatrical release, leaving many viewers to question the believability of specific events. But are queries like that really necessary for a film immersed in science-fiction and alien life forms? As for a few inconsistencies and abrupt explanations, Cameron’s “Directors Cut” version features about 30 minutes of extra footage that better develops and explains some of the subplots and technical aspects of the aliens. The theatrical version is better paced and just as suspenseful, but the more informative extended cut is definitely worth a look.

The superb performances by Harris, Mastrantonio, and Biehn ensure this film of its cult status. Never more believable, Harris is a stubborn yet determined hero who rises to the occasion for duty and on numerous occasions to sacrifice himself for his crew. An able leader, he is the perfect counterpart for Mastrantonio’s equally stubborn persona. Intelligent, beautiful, and just as tough as any of the guys, her role is consistently scene-stealing. Michael Biehn also outdoes himself as an outstanding character actor and a reappearing favorite of Cameron’s. As the tough, by-the-books SEAL leader, his deadly skills and faltering grip on sanity make him a memorable and loathsome villain. And the aliens themselves prove to be notable characters, straying from the usual mindless killing machines to a peaceful and intelligent colony of scientists. The special effects hold up even today, and the water-like influences of the aliens were quite a visual treat back in 1989 when the film premiered.

Overall an excellent science-fiction film with constant nerve-wracking suspense, beautiful character and relationship development, courageous heroes, and alien phenomena, The Abyss is one of Cameron’s most spectacular films and is a must-see for fans of the genre.

- Mike Massie