Cast
View All
Josh Hartnett
as SSG Matthew Eversmann
Eric Bana
as SFC Norm 'Hoot' Gibson
Ewan McGregor
as SPC John Grimes
Tom Sizemore
as LTC Danny McKnight
William Fichtner
as SFC Jeff Sanderson
Sam Shepard
as MG William F. Garrison
Jason Isaacs
as CPT Mike Steele
Ewen Bremner
as SPC Shawn Nelson
Orlando Bloom
as PFC Todd Blackburn
Tom Hardy
as SPC Lance Twombly
Charlie Hofheimer
as CPL James 'Jamie' Smith
Hugh Dancy
as SFC Kurt 'Doc' Schmid
Tom Guiry
as SSG Ed Yurek
Brian Van Holt
as SSG Jeff Struecker
Steven Ford
as LTC Joe Cribbs
Crew
Director
- Ridley Scott
Producer
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Ridley Scott
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/War/History film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Black Hawk Down distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Ridley Scott brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2001, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Hawk Down took approximately 35 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $92.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 145 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 169 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 2436 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 122 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2001, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- The September 11 attacks changed global security and politics.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Hawk Down shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Baian the Assassin, which focuses more on action than character development, Black Hawk Down offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Hitcher and The Right Stuff explore similar territory, Black Hawk Down stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 28, 2001
- Runtime: 2h 25m
- Budget: $92,000,000
- Revenue: $172,989,651
Where to Watch
