Thursday, Film4, 6:20pm
Ah, The Hunt for Red October (1990)—the Cold War thriller that made submarines seem both exhilarating and utterly claustrophobic. Based on Tom Clancy’s novel, the film stars Sean Connery as Marko Ramius, a rogue Soviet submarine captain attempting to defect to the United States with his state-of-the-art nuclear vessel. Hot on his tail (or is he?) is Jack Ryan, played by Alec Baldwin, in what remains arguably the best cinematic portrayal of Clancy’s CIA analyst. With a taut game of cat-and-mouse playing out beneath the waves, the film delivers tension, political intrigue, and a masterclass in ‘80s mustache grooming.
Now, the score—oh, the score. Basil Poledouris, the late, great composer behind Conan the Barbarian and RoboCop, brings a suitably grand and ominous soundscape to the depths of the ocean. The film opens with the rousing "Hymn to Red October," a Russian-style choral piece that is equal parts haunting and majestic. If you didn't know better, you might assume Poledouris was an honorary Soviet citizen. The rest of the soundtrack balances militaristic percussion, deep brass, and suspenseful strings, perfectly capturing the tension of silent submarine warfare. Unlike your standard Hollywood action fare, there are no bombastic hero themes here—just an undercurrent of dread, secrecy, and the occasional patriotic swell.
For soundtrack collectors, The Hunt for Red October presents a bit of a treasure hunt. The original soundtrack release was a bit limited in scope, but La-La Land Records later released an expanded edition with unreleased cues and restored audio, which is well worth tracking down. Poledouris' score, often overshadowed by bigger names of the era, remains one of the most atmospheric and underrated works in film music. So next time you find yourself in need of a bit of Cold War nostalgia, pour yourself a vodka (or tea, if you’re defecting), cue up that choral theme, and let Poledouris take you on a deep dive into cinematic brilliance.
- Paul Allen